Boating

We offer boating opportunities at three of our preserves: Monee Reservoir in Monee, Whalon Lake in Bolingbrook/Naperville, and Rock Run Rookery in Joliet.

At Monee Reservoir, rowboats and pedalboats are available for rent to explore the 46-acre lake. Fishing is permitted from rowboats, and trolling motors are also available for rent. Life vests, oars, and paddles are included with the rental. Boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis and are available April 1-October 31.

If you have your own small fishing boat you would like to use in one of our preserves, visit Whalon Lake or Rock Run Rookery. A boat launch and trailer parking are available at each preserve, and there is no launch fee. However, the following regulations must be followed:

• Boats may be launched between April 1 and October 31.
• Non-gasoline powered watercraft up to 18 feet are permitted, including fishing boats, rowboats, canoes, and kayaks. Only electric trolling motors can be used. (Gas-powered motors must be raised and out of the water.)
• All watercraft must be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
• All IDNR boating regulations are enforced.
• Federal and State regulations require that watercraft contain one well-fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on the watercraft. Children under the age of 13 must wear PFDs when on water. We require all individuals regardless of age to wear PFDs when in private canoes and kayaks.
• At Rock Run Rookery, 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.
  
  Photograph Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock