Herrick Lake

Visitors to Herrick Lake may find remnants of farmsteads and grazing that occurred on the land long ago, but they will be most impressed by the natural beauty and habitat diversity at the preserve today.

Slowly emerging on the former farm fields are young forests of American elm with smaller maples, oaks, lindens and hickories in the understory. Viburnums, dogwoods, roses and blackberries are common in these immature upland woods. Black ash and buttonbush make up the wetland woods community along the preserve's pothole marshes and streams. Hundreds of native plant species and many amphibian, reptile, fish, mammal and bird species thrive in the environment of this preserve.

Herrick Lake holds the distinction of being one of the few natural glacial lakes in the county. In addition, the preserve’s landscape provides flood control to the surrounding community and is a link in forming a vast natural greenway, in conjunction with Danada, St. James Farm, Warrenville Grove, and Blackwell Forest Preserves.

Education

The Forest Preserve District regularly offers fishing clinics (summer and winter) and cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing instruction at Herrick Lake. In addition, other nature, conservation, and leisure-activity programs are offered at other preserves throughout the district.

Recreation

Boating

Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks and rowboats for use on Herrick Lake by the hour or the day at the boat-rental area. Rentals include the use of oars, paddles and personal flotation devices. District regulations require that all individuals, regardless of age, wear PFDs in all District-rented watercraft.

The boat-rental area is open on weekends and holidays from the beginning of May through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s also open Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Between Labor Day and the end of September, the rental area is open only on weekends from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m

Youth Group Camping Cabin

Herrick Lake offers a youth-group cabin with a capacity of 26. Open year-round, the cabin is set aside for use by youth groups, which are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations. Only members of these groups, with their accompanying leaders, may use the cabin.

Permits and adult supervision of one leader over 21 years of age for every 10 children are mandatory for cabin use. The youth-group cabin and south parking lot are located on Herrick Road, south of Butterfield Road.

For further information and permits, see the permits and fees page, or call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Fishing

Herrick Lake has been part of the District's fisheries management program for more than 30 years. Due to the District's efforts, hundreds of largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, and sunfish provide sport for county anglers. Periodic stocking of catchable-sized sport fish supplements the natural fishery. Fishing can be done from the shore or from rental boats.

Ice fishing is permitted at Herrick Lake. However, ice conditions are not monitored by rangers, so all ice-related activities are done at the user's own risk. As a guideline, not a guarantee, at least four inches of ice are recommended for any ice activity.

All persons age 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have in their possession a valid Illinois sport fishing license. All anglers must follow District and state regulations.

Horseback Riding

Riders are welcome to enjoy the trails at Herrick Lake. On the trail, riders should restrain their horses when riding through woods or around sharp corners to avoid colliding with less-visible hikers. Riding in developed picnic areas and in the youth group cabin area is prohibited, as is riding on the trail directly around the lake. Please use the south lot for parking horse trailers.

Picnicking

Herrick Lake has long been a favorite DuPage County picnicking spot. Visitors are welcome to choose sites anywhere in the grassy open areas around the lake for a family picnic or informal field games.

Three shelters and two picnic areas can be reserved for special group or family events. Ground fires are not allowed, but visitors are welcome to bring their own grills and use the hot-coal disposal containers on site. Permits for reservable areas are available through District headquarters and must be made at least three business days in advance. For information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Trails

Whether by foot, bicycle, ski or horseback, visitors can explore Herrick Lake via several multipurpose trails that feature benches and numbered trail markers. A path around the lake connects both parking lots to the picnic grounds and the trailhead, and additional trails cut through the central and southern parts of the preserve and connect to the Regional Trail (linking four other preserves). In the winter, trails are groomed for classical and skate-style cross-country skiing when conditions permit.

 

Accessibility: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Herrick Lake is one of the county’s most accessible preserves for visitors with special needs. Limestone trails of flat terrain are well-suited for wheelchairs and strollers. Boaters, canoeists and kayakers will enjoy the easily accessed boat dock. Modernized restrooms are near the wheelchair-accessible east shelter and rental area. Other accessibility improvements have been made to the youth-group cabin, parking lots and latrines.
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.