Boat launches, bait shops to close Nov. 1
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
As the Forest Preserve District prepares for winter, boat launches and bait shops will close and drinking fountains will be turned off.
The following measures are being taken as the District prepares for colder weather conditions:
- Boat launches will be closed starting Nov. 1.
- Both the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center concessions area/bait shop and the Tackle Box bait shop at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm/Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook will be closed for the season beginning Nov. 1. The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center will reopen on March 1. The Tackle Box reopens in early April.
- Kayak and canoe rentals ended at Monee Reservoir in early October. The Rent.Fun kayak rental unit at Lake Chaminwood Preserve will cease rentals on Nov. 1.
- The lower parking lot at McKinley Woods – Frederick's Grove in Channahon and the parking lot at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook will both close on Nov. 1 (or after the first snowfall if it occurs sooner). The roads leading to both parking lots have steep inclines.
- Drinking fountains will be turned off prior to freezing weather conditions, typically in mid- to late October.
Preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open throughout the winter except for Christmas Day, which is the one day the preserves are closed each year.
Aside from these planned closures, you can stay informed about preserve closures on our Closures and construction alerts webpage.
