Preservation

The 248-acre Monee Reservoir was acquired between 1982 and 2006.

The preserve is part of the Rock Creek preservation system, which conserves more than 460 acres of land.

Prior to the District's acquisition of the land, its 46-acre lake was created and used by a railroad to supply water to steam engines.

Natural Resources

Monee Reservoir protects a 46-acre lake with associated wetland habitat.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes mink and more than 120 bird species.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including large-leaved pondweed.

Amenities and Activities

Trails

Monee Reservoir features 1.64 miles of natural surface trail, ideal for the following activities:

• Hiking/Running
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing (snowshoe rentals available at the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center)

Picnicking

The preserve offers two picnic shelters for rental: Bluegill Hill Shelter (permit capacity of 200 people) and Catfish Corner Shelter (permit capacity of 75 people). The preserve also offers a picnic grove for rental, Monee Grove, with a permit capacity of 100 people. (In 2013, these areas will be available for rental until July 28 but will be unavailable from July 29 through December 31, 2013 for an infrastructure improvement project.)Learn more about picnic permits and fees.

Sport Items

The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center offers the following sport items for rental: bean bags, badminton, and volleyball games. Learn more about sport item rentals and fees.

Fishing

The preserve offers access to shoreline fishing on its 46-acre lake. The lake is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Catch and release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:

Type of Fish	Daily Limit	Minimum Size
Channel Catfish	6	None
Largemouth Bass	1	15 inches or larger
Northern Pike	3	24 inches or larger
White Black, or Hybrid Crappie*	15	None

*The daily limit applies to the combination of these fish species. Anglers may take up to 15 white, black, or hybrid crappie, not 15 of each.

Additional statewide and District regulations apply. Learn more about fishing in the forest preserves.

The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center offers fishing poles for rental and fishing licenses for purchase. The Visitor Center also offers bait, tackle, and snacks for sale. The following are some popular items available for purchase:

Bait and Tackle	Snacks
Minnows - $2/dozen	Soda Pop - $1/can or $2/bottle
Nightcrawlers - $2.50/dozen	Water or Gatorade - $2
Red Worms - $2.50/30 count (jumbo) or     $2.50/50 count (small)	Candy Bar - $1
Wax Worms - $2/20 count or     $9/250 count	Muffin - $1.25
Bait Hook - $2.50	Ice Cream - $1.50
Bait Bucket - $2.50 (small) or     $9.50 (large)	Chips - $0.75
Slip and Spring Bobber - $1.75	Sandwich - $2.75
Fishing Line - $4	Nachos - $2.50
Swivel Brass - $1.75	Trail Mix - $1

Minnows must be purchased from the concessions building. The use of live crayfish is prohibited.

Check current fishing conditions at Monee Reservoir Tuesday through Sunday by calling 708.534.8499.

Canoeing/Kayaking

The preserve features a canoe/kayak launch on the lake. A one-day or seasonal launch pass is required for the use of personal canoes or kayaks, and may be purchased from the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center.

Canoes and kayaks are also available for rental for use on the lake May 1-September 30. Life vests and paddles are included with the rental. Receive a free boat rental after five identical rentals with a "Monee Madness" card, available at the Visitor Center.

All persons in a canoe or kayak must wear a personal flotation device at all times. Learn more about canoeing/kayaking in the forest preserves and rental/launch pass fees.

Boating

The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center offers rowboats and pedalboats for rental for use on the lake April 1-October 31. Boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Receive a free boat rental after five identical rentals with a "Monee Madness" card, available at the Visitor Center.

Fishing is permitted from rowboats. Life vests, oars, and paddles are included with the rental. Trolling motors and trolling motor batteries are also available for rental.

The launch of personal fishing boats is not permitted at this preserve.

Learn more about boating in the forest preserves and rental fees.

Ice Skating

The preserve features an ice skating pond that is open when proper conditions exist. Learn more about ice skating in the forest preserves.

Geocaching

Permits are available for geocaching at this preserve. Learn more about geocaching permits.

Download a map of the amenities at Monee Reservoir.

Visitor Center

The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center offers rowboats, pedalboats, canoes, kayaks, fishing poles, snowshoes, and sport items for rental. It also offers fishing licenses, bait and tackle, snacks, canoe/kayak launch passes, and picnic, camping, and dog park permits for purchase.

Programs and Events

A variety of fun and educational public programs are hosted at Monee Reservoir throughout the year, including fishing and snowshoeing programs. The preserve also features the annual premier program "Musher Mania" in January. View upcoming programs.

In addition, the preserve provides learning opportunities for school groups and youth groups. Learn more about educational programs in the forest preserves.

Photograph Courtesy of Rachael Roache