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
- Trails
- Boat Rental at Maple Lake Boating Center
- Fishing at Maple Lake
- Nature Notes
Locations & Things to Do
Maple Lake includes multiple locations:
Maple Lake Boating Center
Entrance
Phone
708-506-0227Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Accessible Indoor Bathroom
- Accessible Portable Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- Dogs
(on-leash only) - Cross-Country Skiing
- Boat Rental
- Fishing
- Accessible Fishing Area
- Ice Fishing
- Indoor bathroom open April 1 to October 31 depending on weather conditions.
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetBoat Rental: 9 am to SunsetBoat rentals are available from April to October, weather permitting. Service begins in mid-April on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from Fridays through Mondays, and expands daily in May. After Labor Day, service is available on Fridays through Sundays. Please call 708-506-0227 to confirm availability before visiting. Private boats are prohibited on Maple Lake.Closures & Alerts
Maple Lake-East – Mountain Bike Staging Area
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Accessible Portable Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- Dogs
(on-leash only) - Cross-Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
Picnic Groves
- Grove #1
- Capacity: 100 people
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Maple Lake Overlook
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & 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
UnpavedEstimated Total Length
42.1 milesHours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Boat Rental at Maple Lake Boating Center
Boat rentals are available from April to October, weather permitting. Service begins in mid-April on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from Fridays through Mondays, and expands daily in May. After Labor Day, service is available on Fridays through Sundays. Please call 708-506-0227 to confirm availability before visiting. Private boats are prohibited on Maple Lake.
| Watercraft | Rate |
|---|---|
| Row Boat (Includes Oars) | $30/hr |
| Single Kayak | $25/hr |
| Tandem Kayak | $35/hr |
| Canoe | $30/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:
*Features accessible fishing area.
- Distance to accessible parking: 463 ft
- Distance to accessible indoor bathroom: 380 ft
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.