Beck Lake

Juvenile great blue heron at Beck Lake
Juvenile great blue heron at Beck Lake. Photo by CheepShot is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original.

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.

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Location & Things to Do

Beck Lake

Entrance

East River Rd & Central Road
Cook County, IL 60016
(near Des Plaines)

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts


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 & Unpaved

Estimated Total Length

28.4 miles

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts

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

Two dogs by the pond at Beck Lake Off-Leash Dog Area
Beck Lake Off-Leash Dog Area features a large pond

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.