Whalon Lake
Location
Whalon Lake is located on Royce Road, west of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive, in Naperville.
Hours
6 a.m.-sunset (April-October)
8 a.m.-sunset (November-March)
Trails
DuPage River Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Whalon Lake in Naperville is a 249-acre preserve that offers a mix of open water, trails and gathering spaces centered around an 80-acre lake. With opportunities for boating, fishing and dog-friendly recreation, the preserve is a well-used destination for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Planning your visit
Whalon Lake is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Amenities and activities
- Boating: A boat launch and trailer parking are available for small fishing boats. No launch fee or District permit is required. State and District regulations apply.
- Canoeing/kayaking: A canoe and kayak launch provides access to the lake. No launch pass is required. Kayak rentals at Whalon Lake are available on site through The Forge, with availability and pricing listed on its website.
- Dog park: An 11.9-acre fenced off-leash dog park includes a 1.9-acre area designated for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required.
- Fishing: Shoreline fishing is available on the 80-acre lake, which is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and walleye. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged.
- Picnic shelters: Two shelters are available for rental: Konicek Grove Shelter (capacity 50) and Lakeside Shelter (capacity 150).
- Trails: Whalon Lake provides access to a 3.71-mile paved segment of the DuPage River Trail, suitable for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Whalon Lake protects a range of habitats, including prairie, wetland, an 80-acre lake and a portion of the DuPage River. Wildlife includes a variety of waterfowl, including ducks.
Plant species found at the preserve include red mulberry and wild leek. Ongoing community restoration efforts help maintain and enhance these natural areas.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 1992 and 2007 and is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which protects nearly 1,800 acres.
The lake was originally created and used for quarrying operations prior to the District’s ownership.
Upcoming events
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Water Play at Whalon Lake
Immerse yourself in a mini play wetland and splash and explore with toy frogs and fish while learning about wetlands.
Fun & Food Trucks
Join us for an evening of live music, good eats and great company at Whalon Lake.
Kayak Kollege
Learn paddling basics from certified instructors at Whalon Lake.
Latest headlines
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Summer Fun & Food Trucks series kicks off June 12 at Whalon Lake
This popular event is back for another year and will feature three different dates and a variety of food trucks.
Forest Preserve renames Custer Township preserves
The change links one with Sand Ridge Savanna and assigning the other the name Kankakee Sands.
New website offers fresh look, better experience, same commitment to its visitors
The Forest Preserve District has launched a redesigned website featuring streamlined navigation, a revamped event calendar, faster performance and an improved mobile experience.
Frequently asked questions
A dog park permit may be purchased online or in-person at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township or Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. You also can mail in an application.
Visit the dog park page for more information.
Only three shelters located in our preserves have access to electricity.
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
There is no special permit required to fish in Will County forest preserves. However, in accordance with State law, anyone over the age of 16 who fishes a public Illinois waterway is required to have a fishing license, which may be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or at the District's Hidden Lakes Trout Farm bait shop, The Tackle Box, and Monee Reservoir Visitor Center. Visit the fishing 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.