Top 14 Lakes around Prospect Heights

Among the most popular lakes are Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, known for boating and fishing, and Skokie Lagoon No. 3, which is part of a nature preserve ideal for kayaking and bird watching. The larger Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), encompassing Busse Lake, is also highly favored for its extensive trails and natural features.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Busse Lake — North and Main Pools and Skokie Lagoon No. 3 are both great choices, offering opportunities for gentle walks, picnics, and wildlife viewing. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which includes Busse Lake, features an elk pasture and paved trails suitable for all ages.

The lakes and surrounding wetlands are rich in wildlife. At Slough and Hillcrest Lake, you can observe a diverse array of native species, including egrets, great blue herons, ospreys, and occasional eagles, along with various birds, butterflies, insects, and frogs. Skokie Lagoons are home to hundreds of bird species, while Busse Lake and Axehead Lake also offer opportunities for bird watching and spotting other local fauna.

The lakes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy biking, hiking, jogging, and rollerblading on the extensive paved trails around Busse Lake. Skokie Lagoons are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and bird watching. For hiking, consider routes like the Lake Glenview Loop or the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Trail. Find more options in the Hiking around Prospect Heights guide. Cycling enthusiasts can explore routes like the North Branch Trail Loop; details are available in the Cycling around Prospect Heights guide.

Yes, several lakes provide excellent opportunities for boating and paddling. Busse Lake offers boat rentals for kayaking, canoeing, and row boating during warmer months. Skokie Lagoons also have public boat access and seasonal canoe and kayak rentals. Axehead Lake allows visitors to bring their own kayaks or canoes for a serene paddle, though motorized boats are not permitted.

Busse Lake is regularly stocked with various fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and northern pike, making it a popular fishing spot. Axehead Lake is known as a notable inland trout lake in Illinois and is stocked with trout, bluegill, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. Fishing is also permitted in the Buffalo Creek Reservoir and the interconnected Skokie Lagoons.

Trails around the lakes vary. Busse Lake features nearly 11 to 13 miles of paved trails suitable for biking, hiking, and jogging, generally considered easy to moderate. Skokie Lagoons offer over seven miles of paved trails and a 4.4-mile loop trail. Buffalo Creek Reservoir has 5.5 miles of gravel trails. Many trails, such as the Lake Glenview Loop, are rated as easy. You can find detailed difficulty levels for specific routes in the Easy hikes around Prospect Heights guide.

Yes, the region boasts unique natural features. Slough and Hillcrest Lake are significant wetland ecosystems with boardwalks and nature trails, vital for native species restoration. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), home to Busse Lake, includes a unique elk pasture. Skokie Lagoons are a series of seven interconnected lagoons, part of an 894-acre nature preserve known for its rich biodiversity.

The lakes offer beauty year-round, but spring, summer, and fall are generally best for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Winter can be suitable for ice fishing on lakes like Axehead Lake or cross-country skiing on trails around Buffalo Creek Reservoir, depending on conditions.

For a more peaceful experience, consider the Slough and Hillcrest Lake wetlands within Prospect Heights, which offer quiet nature trails and wildlife observation. Izaak Walton Park, connected to the Slough, is also a serene spot for leisurely strolls. While popular, the extensive areas of Skokie Lagoons and Buffalo Creek Reservoir can also offer quieter sections away from main access points, especially during off-peak hours.

Yes, many lake areas are equipped with amenities. Izaak Walton Park in Prospect Heights offers open areas and picnic facilities. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which includes Busse Lake, provides numerous picnic areas. Axehead Lake is also a good spot for picnicking. Planned improvements for the Slough include adding benches and trash cans.

While specific wheelchair accessibility varies, many of the paved trails around larger lakes like Busse Lake and Skokie Lagoons are generally flat and well-maintained, making them more accessible. It's always recommended to check specific trail conditions before visiting, but the extensive paved networks offer good options for those seeking accessible paths.