Beck Lake offers a trailered boat launch and fishing. Located across Central Avenue from Oakton Community College, the site also has an off-leash dog area and a trail connection to the Des Plaines River Trail System.
On this page:
Location & Things to Do
Beck Lake
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Accessible Portable Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- Dogs
(on-leash only) - Cross-Country Skiing
- Off-Leash Dog Area
- Boat Launch
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
- ALERT 07/31/2017 - ?: Trail officially ends on either side of the railroad tracks, just north of Golf Rd. Please do not attempt to cross the railroad tracks on Des Plaines Trail System - Yellow Unpaved near Big Bend Lake and Beck Lake.
Trails
Des Plaines River Trail System
The unpaved Des Plaines River Trail follows its namesake river through more than a dozen forest preserves, allowing visitors to enjoy casual strolls, full-day adventures and anything in between.
Location: Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Melrose Park, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, River Forest, Rosemont, Schiller Park & Wheeling
Surface
Paved & UnpavedEstimated Total Length
28.4 milesHours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
- ALERT 07/31/2017 - ?: Trail officially ends on either side of the railroad tracks, just north of Golf Rd. Please do not attempt to cross the railroad tracks on Des Plaines Trail System - Yellow Unpaved near Big Bend Lake and Beck Lake.
- ALERT 03/12/2025 - ?: Construction is underway on sections of the Des Plaines River Trail, with repair and upgrade work taking place between Lawrence Ave and Irving Park Rd. To ensure safety during these improvements, trail users should expect intermittent closures and occasional full trail closures as necessary. Additionally, select parking areas and picnic groves at both Robinson Woods-South and Schiller Woods-West (Groves 1-4) will be closed throughout this period. Work is anticipated to continue through fall 2025. Des Plaines River Trail System - Yellow Unpaved near Schiller Woods-West. More information >
Off-Leash Dog Area
The Beck Lake Off-Leash Dog Area features:
- 40 acres of open space
- A large pond
- An outdoor shelter
- A connection to 9 miles of trails (leash required)
An annual membership is required to enter the off-leash dog area.
Fishing at Beck Lake
This 37-acre body of water with a depth of 18.5 feet has an island in the middle of it. The island is a wildlife area and access is prohibited. Features a trailered boat launch for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors. Designated ice fishing lake.
Boat Launch
A trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors.