Top 20 Lakes in DuPage County

DuPage County lakes and their surrounding forest preserves are rich in wildlife. At Herrick Lake, you might spot woodpeckers, squirrels, owls, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and various birds like black-crowned night herons and eastern wood peewees. Mallard Lake is home to beavers, great blue herons, and red-tailed hawks. The West Branch Forest Preserve, which includes Deep Quarry Lake, is known for reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and a variety of birds, including grassland and migratory shorebirds.

Yes, many lakes in DuPage County offer excellent fishing. Herrick Lake is popular for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. Silver Lake and Deep Quarry Lake within Blackwell Forest Preserve are stocked with species like bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. Lake Ellyn, Hidden Lake, Mallard Lake, Spring Creek Reservoir, and Maple Lake also permit fishing for various species.

Beyond fishing, many lakes offer boating. Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rent at Herrick Lake and Silver Lake. Deep Quarry Lake, Hidden Lake (Round Meadow Lake), and Mallard Lake allow non-gasoline-powered watercraft with a Forest Preserve District permit, making them suitable for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lake Ellyn is a popular spot for ice skating in winter.

Absolutely. Most forest preserves housing these lakes feature extensive trail systems. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve offers over 7 miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Blackwell Forest Preserve has more than 6 miles of trails. Hidden Lake provides over 2 miles of trails, and Mallard Lake has 4 miles of trails, including boardwalks. For more detailed routes, you can explore hiking routes in DuPage County or cycling routes in DuPage County.

Many lakes in DuPage County are family-friendly. Blackwell Forest Preserve, featuring Silver Lake and Deep Quarry Lake, offers a family campground, picnic areas, and trails suitable for all ages. Lake Ellyn hosts various community festivals and has a trail perfect for family strolls. Meadow Lake Picnic Area is also noted as family-friendly, providing a great spot for outdoor gatherings.

Lake Ellyn in Glen Ellyn is an 11-acre artificial lake with a rich community history. Its historic Lake Ellyn Boathouse, restored and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a unique event venue. Spring Creek Reservoir is notable for its gated chute spillway, which visitors can observe up close, controlling water flow for stormwater management.

Several lakes offer excellent picnic spots. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve provides numerous picnic tables and grassy areas. Blackwell Forest Preserve, home to Silver Lake and Deep Quarry Lake, also has dedicated picnic areas. Mallard Lake offers ample picnic tables and grassy spots, and the Meadow Lake Picnic Area is specifically highlighted as a great location for outdoor meals.

For boating, non-gasoline-powered watercraft on lakes like Deep Quarry Lake, Hidden Lake (Round Meadow Lake), and Mallard Lake typically require a Forest Preserve District permit. Fishing regulations vary by lake and species, and it's always best to check with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District for the most current permit requirements and fishing licenses.

The View of the lake at West Branch Forest Preserve is a popular viewpoint. Within Blackwell Forest Preserve, Mount Hoy serves as a scenic overlook. McKee Marsh Observation Platform provides views of the marsh and surrounding natural features, and Silver Lake Lakeside View offers a tranquil setting with picnic benches overlooking the lake.

Many forest preserves in DuPage County are dog-friendly, generally requiring dogs to be on leashes no longer than 10 feet. The trails around lakes like Herrick Lake, Blackwell Forest Preserve, and Hidden Lake are popular for dog walking. Always check specific preserve rules before visiting, as some areas might have restrictions.

Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, with vibrant foliage in autumn and blooming wildflowers in spring. Summer is ideal for water activities like boating and fishing. In winter, some lakes like Lake Ellyn become popular for ice skating, and trails at Herrick Lake and Blackwell Forest Preserve are used for cross-country skiing.

Yes, efforts have been made to provide accessible options. The McKee Marsh Observation Platform is noted as wheelchair accessible. Many of the paved or well-maintained gravel trails in the forest preserves, such as sections of the Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail and the asphalt trail at Spring Creek Reservoir, are generally suitable for wheelchairs, though it's always good to verify specific trail conditions.

For easy walks, the almost mile-long trail around Lake Ellyn is ideal. Herrick Lake also features a path that circles the waters, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The 1-mile asphalt trail along the shoreline of Spring Creek Reservoir is suitable for walking, jogging, or in-line skating. You can find more easy options by exploring easy hikes in DuPage County.