The historic bridge over the East Branch DuPage River was removed in spring 2022 so the bridge can be refurbished. As a result, there is no access to the Eagle Lake Trail until the bridge can be reinstalled in fall 2022. The south parking lot is also closed for the project.
The north parking lot, including the picnic shelter and restrooms, will remain open as will access to the Loop Trail.
More information about the Hidden Lake Bridge Replacements Project.
The 390-acre Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove is an ideal place to fish, paddle, picnic or just relax. It features two lakes and a river, trails, fishing, boating and picnic areas, including a new picnic shelter.
Hidden Lake is one of the few places in the county where visitors can hear spring peepers in the wooded ponds. It’s also home to King’s Grove, a remnant woodland of red, white and bur oaks.
The main entrance is on the east side of Route 53 0.25 mile south of Butterfield Road.
More than 2 miles of trails wind through Hidden Lake, making it a great destination for hikers, joggers, birders and other wildlife watchers.
Hidden Lake has dozens of picnic tables and grassy areas where you can spread a blanket. Ground fires are not allowed, but you can bring grills. (The preserve has hot-coal containers for charcoal.)
Groups can reserve the 50-person shelter as well. Details are on our Picnicking page.
Drop a line at at the 15-acre Round Meadow Lake and the 10-acre Eagle Lake, and fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, green sunfish, carp and black bullhead.
Anglers 16 or older who are not legally disabled must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses. Lake maps and regulations, including creel limits and minimum lengths, are on our Fishing page.
Notice — The Forest Preserve District has found nonnative, invasive zebra mussels at Eagle Lake at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve. You can help stop their spread no matter where you fish.
You can explore Round Lake in your canoe, kayak or other select nongasoline-powered watercraft but need to have a Forest Preserve District permit in your possession.
In presettlement times, this preserve was predominantly prairie with the southern portion in timber. The true "hidden lake" is a glacier-dug pond tucked away among mature oaks and hickories at the preserve.
In the mid-1960s, the owners of the southwest portion of the preserve east of Route 53 created Eagle Lake in the shape of a soaring eagle in memory of a lost loved one. Round Meadow Lake was created decades later in conjunction with I-355; gravel dug from the site was used for construction, and the water body mitigates frequent flooding of the area.
The Barney family settled the site in the 1830s and built a sawmill along the river, as well as a post office, one-room schoolhouse, creamery and general store. Barney sold his land to Joseph Yackley in 1854.
In 1912, the Cuttens bought more than 500 acres in the area and built a country retreat named Sunny Acres Farm. The farm was purchased in 1933 by William “Big Bill” Johnson, who made his fortune through speakeasies and gambling clubs during Prohibition. He lived on the farm until his death in 1962.
The Forest Preserve District bought the preserve in 1977 and 1978.
Natural Scene
Driving Directions
Trails
Picnicking
Fishing
Boating
History
The preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset. Dogs must be on leashes under 10 feet long, and alcohol is prohibited. Read our Rules & Regulations.
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630-933-7200
forest@dupageforest.org
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Contact 630-933-7683 or TTY 800-526-0857.