Whalon Lake
Location
Whalon Lake is located on Royce Road, west of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive, in Naperville.
Hours
6 a.m.-sunset (April-October)
8 a.m.-sunset (November-March)
Trails
DuPage River Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Planning your visit
Whalon Lake is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Amenities and activities
- Boating: A boat launch and trailer parking are available for small fishing boats. No launch fee or District permit is required. State and District regulations apply.
- Canoeing/kayaking: A canoe and kayak launch provides access to the lake. No launch pass is required. Kayak rentals at Whalon Lake are available on site through The Forge, with availability and pricing listed on its website.
- Dog park: An 11.9-acre fenced off-leash dog park includes a 1.9-acre area designated for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required.
- Fishing: Shoreline fishing is available on the 80-acre lake, which is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and walleye. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged.
- Picnic shelters: Two shelters are available for rental: Konicek Grove Shelter (capacity 50) and Lakeside Shelter (capacity 150).
- Trails: Whalon Lake provides access to a 3.71-mile paved segment of the DuPage River Trail, suitable for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This segment offers access to the Forest Preserve's Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Greene Valley Forest Preserve and the Naperville Park District's Knoch Knolls Park.
Flora and fauna
Whalon Lake protects a range of habitats, including prairie, wetland, an 80-acre lake and a portion of the DuPage River. Wildlife includes a variety of waterfowl, including ducks.
Plant species found at the preserve include red mulberry and wild leek. Ongoing community restoration efforts help maintain and enhance these natural areas.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 1992 and 2007 and is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which protects nearly 1,800 acres.
The lake was originally created and used for quarrying operations prior to the District’s ownership.
Upcoming events
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Triple Trail Challenge
Visit some of the hidden gems of Will County on a progressive hike where we will hike three locations in one afternoon.
Full Moon: Hunt the Moon at Hadley Valley
Join us on a moonlight hike as we hunt for sights and sounds of wildlife while learning about hunting practices of the past.
Volunteer Morning: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Latest headlines
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New audio tour brings Joliet Iron Works history to life
Visitors can download the app for a narrated tour through the once-bustling industrial site.
Wild about Will County? Order 2027 calendar full of stunning nature photography
Proceeds from calendar sales benefit The Nature Foundation of Will County, the Forest Preserve District's nonprofit partner.
Boat launches, bait shops to close Nov. 1
Winter preparations include closing boat launches and bait shops as well as turning off water fountains and closing lower parking lots.
Frequently asked questions
A dog park permit may be purchased online or in-person at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township or Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. You also can mail in an application.
Visit the dog park page for more information.
Only three shelters located in our preserves have access to electricity.
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
There is no special permit required to fish in Will County forest preserves. However, in accordance with State law, anyone over the age of 16 who fishes a public Illinois waterway is required to have a fishing license, which may be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or at the District's Hidden Lakes Trout Farm bait shop, The Tackle Box, and Monee Reservoir Visitor Center. Visit the fishing page for more information.
Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.