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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Kayak Kollege for Teens
Teens are invited to spend an afternoon learning basic paddling skills at Monee Reservoir.
Summer Era Starts at the Reservoir
Kick off your summer fun at Monee Reservoir by trying something new, like fishing or kayaking.
'Reel' Late Fishing
We're keeping Monee Reservoir open late, so join us for the ultimate late-night catch for anglers who like their lines tight and their laughs loose.
Latest headlines
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What you need to know about the lone star tick
Lone star ticks are grabbing headlines because they can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. Learn how to identify them and how to prevent tick bites.
Vehicle access to be restricted at Lockport Prairie to protect at-risk wildlife
The move comes as a result of data showing increased turtle deaths on Division Street during nesting season.
One small gosling's rescue highlights a big problem in the preserves
A gosling tangled in fishing line got a second chance thanks to wildlife rescue volunteers. The rescue highlights the dangers discarded fishing line poses to wildlife.
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.