Will County Forest Preserve Boat Launches, Bait Shops Closing For Winter

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County is preparing for the upcoming winter, and its boat launches and bait shops will soon close for the season.

The preserve said all boat launches will be closed Nov. 1.

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The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center concessions area/bait shop and the Tackle Box bait shop at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm/Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook will also be closed for the season beginning Nov. 1.

The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center will reopen on March 1. The Tackle Box reopens in early April, according to the preserve.

Kayak and canoe rentals already ended at Monee Reservoir in early October. The Rent.Fun kayak rental unit at Lake Chaminwood Preserve will cease rentals on Nov. 1, the preserve said.

Several parking lots will also close for winter, including the lower parking lot at McKinley Woods – Frederick's Grove in Channahon and the parking lot at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook. Both lots will close Nov. 1. The roads leading to both parking lots have steep inclines, the preserve said.

Drinking fountains will also be turned off prior to freezing weather conditions, typically in mid- to late October.

The preserves, trails and dog parks will remain open throughout the winter except for Christmas Day, which is the one day the preserves are closed each year, the preserve shared.