Beaubien Woods

Families, anglers, and nature enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy at Beaubien Woods, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Upon entering the preserve, visitors are greeted by a bright red accessible picnic shelter. From here, a dock extends into 19-acre Flatfoot Lake, an artificial lake created during highway construction, where families and friends can share laughs over an afternoon of fishing at one of the site’s accessible fishing areas.

The shoreline is dotted with trees, shrubs, and wetland plants. The lake is stocked with channel catfish and bluegill-sunfish hybrids, and is used extensively by local anglers and for outdoor youth programs.

The Field Museum and Calumet Stewardship Initiative organize volunteer days focused on invasive species removal, cleanup, and habitat restoration. Each June, the Forest Preserves and community partners host a free family nature festival at the site, bringing people together to celebrate and connect with nature.