Preservation

The 249-acre Whalon Lake was acquired between 1992 and 2007.

The preserve is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which conserves more than 1,500 acres of land.

Prior to the District’s acquisition of the land, its 80-acre lake was created and used for quarrying.

Natural Resources

Whalon Lake protects a diversity of habitats, including prairie, wetland, an 80-acre lake, and a portion of the DuPage River.

Wildlife found at the preserve include a variety of waterfowl, such as ducks.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including red mulberry and wild leek.

The site is managed with community restoration to protect and enhance its natural resources. Learn more about the District’s land management activities.

Amenities and Activities

Trails

Whalon Lake features 0.16 mile of natural surface trail, ideal for the following activities:

• Hiking/Running
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

The preserve also provides access to a 2.36-mile, paved segment of the DuPage River Trail, ideal for the following activities:

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

Download a map of the DuPage River Trail.

Dog Exercising

The preserve features a fenced 11.9-acre off-leash dog park, including a 1.9-acre pen exclusively for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required for dog park use. Learn more about the District’s dog parks, permits, and fees.

Picnicking

The preserve offers two picnic shelters for rental: Konicek Grove Shelter (permit capacity of 50 people) and Lakeside Shelter (permit capacity of 25 people). Learn more about picnic permits and fees.

Fishing

The preserve offers access to shoreline fishing on its 80-acre lake. The lake is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and walleye. 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
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, and anglers may take one largemouth bass or one smallmouth bass, not both.

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 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 lake for small fishing boats, and there is no launch fee or District permit required. Statewide and District regulations apply. Learn more about boating in the forest preserves.

Geocaching

Permits are available for geocaching at this preserve. Learn more about geocaching permits.

Download a map of the amenities at Whalon Lake.

Programs and Events

A variety of fun and educational public programs are hosted at Whalon Lake throughout the year, including dog and canoeing/kayaking programs. The preserve also features the annual premier program "Howloween Hoopla" in October. View upcoming programs.

The preserve also provides learning opportunities for youth groups. Learn more about educational programs in the forest preserves.

Photograph Courtesy of Ron Molk