On this page:
Location & Things to Do
Big Bend Lake
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Accessible Portable Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- Dogs
(on-leash only) - Cross-Country Skiing
- Boat Launch
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
- Equestrian Parking
Picnic Groves
- Grove #1
(with shelter)- Capacity: 200 people
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & 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 & UnpavedEstimated Total Length
28.4 milesHours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Fishing at Big Bend Lake
This 27-acre body of water has a depth of 27.8 feet; however, because it is connected to the Des Plaines River by a spillway, water level can fluctuate dramatically during flood events. 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.