Hastings Lake Forest Preserve open in Lake Villa
The highly anticipated reopening of Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa is complete, following extensive public access improvements and restoration of natural areas within the 270-acre preserve.
The master plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners in 2008 and work began at the site in spring 2012.
“I think everyone will enjoy the new 2-mile paved trail that loops around 80-acre Hastings Lake and offers scenic overlooks, boardwalks and fishing piers to enjoy along the way,” said Ann Maine, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
The preserve’s main entrance is on Gelden Road, southwest of Grass Lake Road in Lake Villa. A second entrance is on Munn Road, north of Grand Avenue. Hastings Lake is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
Four miles of paved and gravel trails wind through open fields, woodlands of stately trees and wetlands. Trails are open to bicycling, hiking and cross-country skiing. Horses and snowmobiles are not permitted.
Two trail spurs provide access to the preserve from the Seven Hills and Mallard Ridge subdivisions. A trail connection to Grass Lake Road on the east side of the lake is also available.
Other preserve amenities include three picnic shelters, a large playground, three scenic overlooks, boardwalks, lake access for cartop boats and two wheelchair-accessible fishing piers. The lake features many scenic vistas. Bluegill, largemouth bass, carp and other species can be found in the lake. Swimming, ice skating and ice fishing are not permitted. State fishing regulations apply.
The preserve features a large shelter that can be reserved year-round. Seasonally, tent walls are installed to fully enclose the shelter, allowing for cozy celebrations even during Lake County’s colder months.
The shelter offers a stone fireplace, heated restrooms, drinking water, electricity, a large patio area with grill, picnic tables, and convenient parking at the preserve’s main entrance on Gelden Road.
During Lake County’s warmer months of May through October, the shelter can be reserved for groups of up to 200, making full use of the large indoor-outdoor setting.
During colder months of November through April, when the shelter is fully enclosed, it can be reserved for groups of up to 70. Heaters and the stone fireplace within the shelter offer added warmth for cool-weather events.
The preserve also has two family-size shelters for groups of up to 25. These smaller shelters are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis and are not reservable.
The preserve was established in 2003 and named for Hastings Lake YMCA, a camp that previously had occupied the property from 1923-2002. The YMCA of Metro Chicago continues to operate a smaller facility on an adjoining property.
For more information on Hastings Lake and other Lake County Forest Preserve District sites, visit www.lcfpd.org.