Monee Reservoir
Location
Monee Reservoir is located on Ridgeland Avenue, south of Pauling Road, in Monee Township.
Hours
Preserve
April-October: 6 a.m.-Sunset
November-March: 8 a.m.-Sunset
Visitor center
Open hours vary seasonally. See visitor center page for full list of hours.
Trails
Monee Reservoir Nature Trail
Phone
815-722-9303
Spanning 256 acres, Monee Reservoir in Monee Township is part of the Rock Creek preservation system, which protects more than 460 acres of natural land. The preserve centers around a 46-acre lake and surrounding wetland habitat, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.
Before becoming part of the Forest Preserve District, the lake was created by a railroad to supply water for steam engines — a historic use that still shapes the landscape visitors experience today.
Planning your visit
The preserve is open April-October, 6 a.m. to sunset, and November-March, 8 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year except Christmas.
Monee Reservoir Visitor Center welcomes visitors Tuesday–Sunday. Hours vary seasonally: November-February, closed; March, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; April, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; May-August, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; September, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; October, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For trail conditions or seasonal updates, call the visitor center at 815-722-9303.
Fishing poles are available for free checkout. The visitor center also offers watercraft and equipment rentals along with fishing licenses, bait, tackle, snacks and picnic permits, making it a convenient hub for visitors planning a day in nature.
Amenities and activities
- Boating: Rowboats are typically available for rental April 1 through Oct. 31, and pedal boats from May 1 through Sept. 30. Rentals are first come, first served and include required equipment. Personal small fishing boats are allowed but must be carried or transported by hand to the lake because there is no boat launch. Boat trailers are not permitted. No launch fee or District permit is required. State and District regulations apply.
- Canoeing and kayaking: A canoe and kayak launch provides access to the lake for personal watercraft, with all Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulations enforced. No launch fee is required.Canoes and kayaks are also available for rental from May 1 through Sept. 30, with paddles and life vests included. Fishing is permitted from watercraft, and all renters must wear a personal flotation device.
- Fishing: The preserve offers shoreline fishing along its 46-acre lake, which is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged. The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued fish consumption advisories for lakes, including Monee Reservoir. Visit the IDPH fish advisory page for information.
- Picnicking: Two picnic shelters — Bluegill Hill Shelter (capacity 200) and Catfish Corner Shelter (capacity 75) —are available for rental. A picnic grove, Monee Grove, is also available to rent and accommodates up to 50 people.
- Trail: Monee Reservoir features 1.66 miles of natural surface trail, ideal for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Monee Reservoir supports wetland habitat surrounding its lake and is home to wildlife such as mink and more than 120 bird species. Aquatic plant life includes species such as large-leaved pondweed, contributing to the health of the lake ecosystem.
Preserve history
Monee Reservoir was acquired between 1982 and 2006. The preserve is part of the Rock Creek preservation system, which protects nearly 470 acres.
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Upcoming events
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Sunset Paddle
Enjoy a relaxing evening on the waters of Monee Reservoir as we watch the sun set while we paddle, then hang out by the fire and enjoy s’mores.
Surf-N-Turf Concert
Celebrate summer with live music, good eats and great company at our Surf-N-Turf Concert.
First Time Fishing
Learn how to bait a hook, put tackle on a pole and cast plus gain hands-on experience while fishing along the shoreline under the guidance of an instructor
Latest headlines
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Surf-N-Turf Concert serves up more food, fun at Monee Reservoir
The July 17 event at Monee Reservoir will feature lobster, tacos, giveaways, kayak rentals, lawn games and live music.
Be a Trailblazer experience turns points, prizes into lasting outdoor rewards
Participants say app-based missions have led to new preserves and a stronger connection to nature.
Nature Foundation donation directs $104,500 to preserve projects
Funding will support restoration work, Woods Walk supplies and a new water bottle filling station.
Frequently asked questions
Monee Reservoir allows personal small fishing boats on the lake, 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 or boat launch at the preserve. No fee is charged for using your own small boat.
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed at the preserve but they must stay on the trails. Dogs are also welcome in the nature center. Cleaning up dog waste is required by Forest Preserve ordinance.
Monee Reservoir offers rowboats, pedal boats, canoes and kayaks for rent. Rowboats are $15 per hour, $35 for a half day and $45 for the day. Pedal boats are $15 per hour. Canoes and kayaks are $15 per hour to rent or $35 for a half day.
Swimming is prohibited in any waters the Forest Preserve District owns and manages.
The Monee Reservoir concessions offers fishing poles that can be checked out for free and fishing licenses for purchase. The visitor center also offers bait, tackle and snacks for sale.
Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.
Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.