Preservation

The 224-acre Rock Run Rookery Preserve was acquired between 2002 and 2011.

The preserve is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which conserves more than 1,450 acres of land.

Prior to the District's acquisition of the land, its two lakes were created and used for quarrying.

Natural Resources

Rock Run Rookery protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, wetland, an 84-acre lake, and a 13-acre lake.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes a variety of bird species, including the great blue heron and great egret. Islands within the west lake provide nesting opportunities for the birds.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including marbleseed, pale bead tongue, and sedges.

Amenities and Activities

Trails

Rock Run Rookery features 0.41 mile of paved trail, ideal for the following activities:

• Biking
• Hiking/Running
• In-Line Skating
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Picnicking

The preserve offers one picnic shelter for rental, Rock Run Rookery Shelter, with a permit capacity of 100 people. Learn more about picnic permits and fees.

Fishing

The preserve offers access to shoreline fishing on its two lakes. At the small west lake, catch and release fishing is required. At the large east lake, catch and release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:

Type of Fish	Daily Limit	Minimum Size
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish*	15	None
Channel Catfish	3	None
Large or Smallmouth Bass*	1	18 inches or larger
Sauger or Walleye*	6	14 inches or larger

* The daily limit applies to the combination of these fish species. Anglers may take up to 15 bluegill or redear sunfish, not 15 of each; anglers may take one largemouth bass or one smallmouth bass, not both; and anglers may take up to 6 sauger or walleye, not 6 of each.

Additional statewide and District regulations apply. Learn more about fishing in the forest preserves.

Canoeing/Kayaking

The preserve features a canoe/kayak launch on the large east lake. No launch pass is required. All persons in a canoe or kayak must wear a personal flotation device at all times. Learn more about canoeing/kayaking in the forest preserves, or download a map of the northeastern Illinois water trails.

Boating

The preserve provides trailer parking and a boat launch on the large east lake for small fishing boats, and there is no launch fee or District permit required. Boats are not allowed in the small west lake, or in the portion of the large east lake, marked by buoys, which protects an established rookery. Additional statewide and District regulations apply. Learn more about boating in the forest preserves.

Download a map of the amenities at Rock Run Rookery.

Photograph Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock