Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
A forest preserve tucked away on Downers Grove’s northwestern shoulder, Hidden Lake offers a respite from the city. Two lakes, a river, and miles of trails entice hikers and joggers.
The preserve is one of the few places to hear spring peeper frogs calling in wooded ponds. Two bridges – one new and the other a historic wrought-iron pony truss – were installed at the preserve recently. Read on to know more.
Fishing
With two lakes and a river, this preserve provides fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking opportunities. The park features a large deck at the lake and a demonstration garden that showcases a variety of native plants.
Bluegill, bowfin, crayfish, redear sunfish, green sunfish, pumpkinseeds, and warmouths are some of the species that can be caught at the preserve. Large predatory fish, including crappie, largemouth bass, and muskellunge (muskie), are also found in some waterways.
A valid Illinois fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. In addition, anglers who catch trout must have a state inland trout stamp. Fees from the sale of these licenses help fund forest preserve management activities. Illinois State Fishing Regulations apply to all forest preserve waters. Please check the fish stocking schedule before heading out.
Hiking
Whether you want to hike, fish, or just take in the beauty of nature, the 390-acre Hidden Lake Forest Preserve near Downers Grove is an excellent destination. It is home to two lakes, the East Branch DuPage River, and miles of trails. There are also picnic areas, a 50-person shelter, and King’s Grove, a remnant woodland of red, white, and bur oaks.
In June, a historic bridge that connects the north and south parking lots at Hidden Lake was lifted out to be refurbished. The wrought-iron bowstring pony truss bridge, built in the 1870s, is expected to be reinstalled by October. In the meantime, the Loop Trail and Round Meadow Lake remain open. Browse around this site.
Picnicking
The forest preserve has a variety of picnicking areas, including a grove of red, white, and bur oaks at King’s Grove. It is home to Round Meadow Lake, Eagle Lake, and more than 2 miles of trails.
The 15-acre Round Meadow Lake and 10-acre Eagle Lake provide fishing opportunities for bass, black bullhead, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and green sunfish. Anglers must have a state license and follow rules for removing fish from the lake.
The wrought-iron bowstring pony truss bridge that spans Eagle Lake is getting a makeover, but it will reopen in late fall. It will connect the lake trail to the main parking lot and provide a link to a planned segment of the East Branch DuPage River Greenway Trail that will connect Bloomingdale with Woodridge.
Boating
The 390-acre Hidden Lake Forest Preserve is the perfect place to fish, paddle, and picnic. It features two lakes and a river, trails, fishing, boating, and picnic areas including a new picnic shelter. Visitors can also explore King’s Grove, a remnant woodland of Red, White, and Bur Oaks, and hear spring peeper frogs sing in the wooded ponds.
A historic wrought-iron pony truss bridge is being rebuilt on Eagle Lake at Hidden Lake and will be reopened to boats this fall. The district’s fisheries management program stocks select lakes throughout the year with bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, green sunfish, and channel catfish.
This popular shopping destination features 150 specialty stores, alongside department stores like Von Maur (2nd largest in the country), JCPenney, and Carson Pirie Scott.
Wildlife
The dynamic Rocky Glen waterfall is this park’s star attraction, but it is just one of the many natural features you can enjoy here. Families will love exploring the fields of blooming wildflowers, hiking the scenic trails, and playing in the pond.
This 390-acre destination offers trails, fishing, paddling, picnicking and more. Its two lakes and river offer opportunities to explore the flora and fauna, including an ancient stand of red, white, and bur oak trees at King’s Grove. Drop a line at Round Meadow Lake or Eagle Lake to catch bass, black bullhead, bluegill, carp, and crappie.
Birders are welcome to the preserve, too, as part of the Forest Preserve District’s “Bird the Preserves” campaign. Join the effort to raise awareness for bird conservation and share your discoveries by using the #BirdThePreserves hashtag. Next blog post.
Driving directions from SBS Waste Solutions to Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
Driving directions from Hidden Lake Forest Preserve to DuPage Children’s Museum
