Mallard Lake Forest Preserve
Location
Located on Lawrence Avenue just west of Gary Avenue and north of Schick Road. Go north on Gary Avenue to Lawrence Avenue, and continue west on Lawrence Avenue to the preserve entrance.
Preserve Maps
- Mallard Lake Forest Preserve Trail map (172 KB PDF)
Outdoor Recreation
Fishing
At 85 acres, the namesake Mallard Lake is the District's largest recreational lake. Fishing will yield largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Two accessible fishing piers are available. The 9-acre Cloverdale Pond and nearby West Branch of the DuPage River also provide excellent fishing opportunities. All anglers 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have valid Illinois sport fishing licenses in their possession and must follow District and state regulations.
Boating
Mallard Lake allows carry-in boating. A District private-boating permit is required. A steel lockbox is available near the lake to collect daily permit fees; annual fees may be purchased through the District headquarters in Wheaton. Nongasoline-powered watercraft up to 20 feet in length including boats, canoes, kayaks, and multichambered inflatables with factory-installed hardened floors and transoms are permitted. All watercraft must be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and must be transported on or in a vehicle (no trailers) and carried to the lake. Watercraft must also contain one well-fitting personal flotation device for each member on board; children under 13 are required to wear their PFDs at all times. In addition, District regulations require that all individuals, regardless of age, must wear PFDs when in private canoes and kayaks. For details, call Visitor Services (630) 933-7248.
Picnicking
Picnickers can choose from several scenic sites as well as a 50-person reservable shelter. Latrines and a water pump are available as are garbage and recycling receptacles. Ground fires are prohibited, but visitors may bring their own grills and dispose of coals in the on-site hot-coal containers.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Dogs with Forest Preserve District off-leash dog-area permits can enjoy Mallard Lake's off-leash area. Call Visitor Services Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (630) 933-7248 for permit applications and information. Rules for the area are posted at the preserve. Please note that dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the preserve.
Preserve History
In 1956, a land donation of 111 acres led to the establishment of Mallard Lake Forest Preserve. The area was rich in gravel and peat deposits left behind by the Wisconsin Glacier. The area sits on the Valparaiso Moraine, a formation of north-south running ridges left behind when the Ice Age glacier periodically halted its retreat into Lake Michigan some 10,000 years ago. Gravel and peat were mined in this area throughout the 1950s. The District's land acquisition program allowed the District to purchase several large areas of land during the 1960s.
In 1974, the county's need for solid waste disposal prompted the District to establish a landfill on the property. During the years of the landfill's operation, the District exceeded state and federal requirements, which ensured that the site was managed in a manner that guaranteed a safe environment. The District ceased operation of the landfill in 1999.
Accessibility
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.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857