Lake Chaminwood: There's now more to do and see

_{|  Story by Meghan McMahon |}

_9/18/2024

Tucked away on the western edge of Will County, Lake Chaminwood, in Channahon, is one of the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s newest preserves, and improvements completed in 2023 and 2024 have created even more opportunities for people to enjoy the space.

The improvements, completed in two phases, enhance a preserve that has served as a hotspot for outdoor pursuits and simply enjoying nature since it initially opened.

“The expanded access, trail extension and site amenities are integral to our vision of Lake Chaminwood as a central hub for outdoor recreation,” said Forest Preserve landscape architect John Stecyk.

 

The work was completed to accomplish two main goals — expanding the limited parking at the preserve and providing a connection to the I&M Canal State Trail — and also included the installation of the Forest Preserve’s first fully accessible canoe and kayak launch, the addition of two fishing piers and construction of a new welcome area, Stecyk said.

“The recent improvements expand the appeal of Lake Chaminwood, making it easier for runners, joggers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts to access the lake and enjoy its surroundings,” he said.

The hallmark of the improvements — a 0.25-mile trail extension and bridge to connect the preserve to the I&M Canal State Trail — had been identified as a critical link in regional trail planning efforts over the years, said Colleen Novander, the Forest Preserve’s director of planning and land preservation. With it complete, Lake Chaminwood Preserve now serves as the southern terminus for the proposed southern portion of the DuPage River Greenway Trail.

“This connection will serve as an access area for regional trail systems throughout Will County,” Novander said.

Lake Chaminwood’s name is a tribute to the adjacent towns: “Cha” for Channahon, “min” for Minooka and “wood” for Shorewood. The main attraction at the preserve was and remains the lake, which is actually two lakes — one 35 acres and the other 12 acres.

The lakes are popular for fishing, paddling and simply enjoying the views and nature. One reason for their popularity is because the water is so clear. Both lakes were originally created and used for quarrying. The smaller lake reaches depths of up to 20 feet, while the larger lake is 25 feet deep at its deepest point.

Lake Chaminwood is also notable because it’s one of the best spots in the preserves to experience a picture-perfect sunset. The lake helps, of course, because a colorful sunset against a backdrop of water is always extra special, but even among preserves with waterways Lake Chaminwood stands out.

No boat? No problem. You can still get a good view of the sunrise at Lake Chaminwood on the trail bridge. This bridge spans the spot where the two lakes are connected, so it’s a perfect place to take in the sunset.

Wildlife and habitats

As would be expected at a preserve where water is the main attraction, much of the wildlife at Lake Chaminwood is either aquatic or semiaquatic.

There’s fish, of course, but also plenty of reptiles, birds and mammals around the preserve.

 

You can see turtles resting on logs and floating in the water, and mammal activity includes semiaquatic creatures like muskrats and beavers and common terrestrial animals like squirrels and chipmunks. In the back lake, it’s common to see northern water snakes as well as great egrets, double-crested cormorants and great blue herons.  

Because the preserve is one of the District’s newer properties, minimal habitat restoration work has been done. In some areas, invasive plants are prevalent, but you can also see a variety of native prairie wildflowers along the trail and beyond.

You might see the yellow blooms of black-eyed Susans, purples from purple coneflower and monarda and various colors from different kinds of milkweed plants and other prairie plants.

Recreation opportunities

Recreation is one of the main attractions at Lake Chaminwood Preserve, and the improvements were intended to expand these opportunities.

“The connection between the I&M Canal State Trail and Lake Chaminwood created new opportunities for individuals to experience Lake Chaminwood without necessarily having to get in their car and drive to it,” Novander said.

Accessibility was also a goal with new amenities included in the improvements. The new kayak launch is accessible, as are the new fishing piers that were installed.

There’s fish, of course, but also plenty of reptiles, birds and mammals around the preserve.

 

“The design of the walkways, trails, fishing piers and kayak launch as well as connection to the I&M Canal (State Trail) were all strategically planned to comply with ADA guidelines and regulations to allow for visitors to fully experience all of the amenities at Lake Chaminwood, regardless of their abilities,” Novander said.

Lake Chaminwood is one of the Forest Preserve District’s premier fishing locations, and the two lakes are popular spots for anglers, both on the water and along the shoreline. With the recent improvements, the preserve now has three fishing piers — two on the front lake and one on the back lake near the connection to the I&M Canal State Trail.

Statewide fishing regulations apply at all forest preserve properties. Only line fishing is permitted, and anglers can use a maximum of two poles at once. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged.

Getting out on the water is also a big draw at Lake Chaminwood.

“Kayakers appreciate the scenery and calm waters that make for a pleasant paddling experience,” Stecyk said. “Those who enjoy fishing also have a variety of access options: launching a non-motorized (watercraft) from our new kayak launch, taking advantage of one of the three accessible fishing piers or navigating their way along the shoreline.”

It’s a good place for beginning paddlers because the water is calm and clear. In addition, a kayak rental station was added in 2024, allowing visitors to rent a kayak without the burden of having to own or transport one to give paddling a try.

 

Because the lakes are not huge bodies of water, it’s easy to stay close to the shore, where you can explore. Anyone is welcome to paddle at Lake Chaminwood, and the preserve hosts many Forest Preserve District paddling programs during the boating season. Small fishing boats can be launched as well, but only boats that can be transported in or on top of a vehicle and carried or rolled by hand cart to the lake are permitted. There is no boat trailer parking at the preserve.

Swimming and wading are not allowed at Lake Chaminwood or at any Forest Preserve District properties. Float tubes and paddleboards are also prohibited.  

The preserve has a 0.7-mile looped paved trail around one of the two lakes, and it’s perfect for a variety of fitness pursuits, including walking, running and in-line skating. In the winter, the trail is a perfect place for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Lake Chaminwood has one picnic shelter, and it can accommodate groups of 25 or less. Permits are not available for the picnic shelter; it is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

_{(Lead image by Chad Merda)}