Maple Lake

Maple Lake with the Maple Lake Boating Center in the background

The 60-acre Maple Lake is a popular fishing spot—from a rented boat at the Maple Lake Boating Center or from more than 8,000 feet of shoreline. Part of the extensive Palos Trail System, Maple Lake includes a mountain bike staging area.

On this page:


Locations & Things to Do

Maple Lake includes multiple locations:


Maple Lake Boating Center

Entrance

Wolf Rd, south of 95th St
Cook County, IL 60480
(near Willow Springs)

Phone

708-506-0227

Things to Do & Amenities

  1. Indoor bathroom open April 1 to October 31 depending on weather conditions.

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetBoat Rental: 9 am to SunsetBoat rentals operate from April to October (weather permitting), on a first-come, first-served basis. Service starts mid-April, Fridays through Mondays (expanding to daily in May). Call 708-506-0227 to confirm availability before visiting.

Closures & Alerts


Maple Lake-East – Mountain Bike Staging Area

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts


Maple Lake Overlook

Entrance

95th St, southeast of S Archer Ave
Cook County, IL 60480
(near Willow Springs)

Things to Do & Amenities

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts


Trails

Palos Trail System

The extensive and varied Palos Trail System winds through rolling hills and deep ravines, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.

Location: Hickory Hills, Justice, Palos Hills & Willow Springs

Surface

Unpaved

Estimated Total Length

42.1 miles

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts

*Please be a courteous trail user: Follow posted signs and our trail rules and etiquette.

Maple Lake Boating Center building and pier

Boat Rental at Maple Lake Boating Center

Boat rentals operate from April to October (weather permitting), on a first-come, first-served basis. Service starts mid-April, Fridays through Mondays (expanding to daily in May). Call 708-506-0227 to confirm availability before visiting. Private boats are prohibited on Maple Lake.

Maple Lake Boating Center
Wolf Rd, south of 95th St
(near Willow Springs)
708-506-0227

Maple Lake Rental Rates
Watercraft Rate
Row Boat (Includes Oars) $25/hr
Single Kayak $20/hr
Tandem Kayak $30/hr
Canoe $25/hr

Discounts: Monday Discount: Reduced per-hour rates (except holidays). Paddle Card: Fifth visit FREE after four paid visits (restrictions apply).

Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

Regulations: Must be 18 or older with a government-issued ID to fill out a rental waiver. No more than three adults per row boat or fishing boat. Minimum age and weight: 3 years, 35 lbs. Dogs are welcome at the owner’s risk and the operator’s discretion. A properly fitted life vest must be worn by every paddler for the duration of the rental period. No alcohol or glass bottles.


Fishing at Maple Lake

Constructed in the 1920s, this 60-acre lake drops down to 20.4 feet in the northwest corner. A fishing pier is located on the east side of the lake, and four bump-outs are located in the southwest corner. Boat rentals, bait and other fishing supplies are available at the Boating Center. Private boats are prohibited. Designated ice fishing lake.


Fishing Access

Fishing access is available at all Maple Lake entrances. An accessible fishing area is available at Maple Lake Boating Center:

Maple Lake Boating Center
Wolf Rd, south of 95th St
(near Willow Springs)
708-506-0227

*Features accessible fishing area.

  • Distance to accessible parking: 463 ft
  • Distance to accessible indoor bathroom: 380 ft

Maple Lake

Nature Notes

In addition to the fish population at Maple Lake, the area is a migratory stop for geese and ducks. A feeding station draws birds such as tufted titmouse, fox sparrows and white-throated sparrows. Remnant oak savannas are being restored along the west and north lake boundaries. Here, dappled sunlight reaches between oak branches, giving life to myriad native plants, such as elm-leaved goldenrod, woodland sunflower and Pennsylvania sedge.