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Big Bend Lake

  • Accessibility & Access for All
  • Arts & Culture
  • Arts and Culture
  • Beach Access
  • Bike Share Dock
  • Biking
  • Biodiversity
  • Birdwatching
  • Boat Rentals Available
  • Boating
  • Bus Parking
  • Calumet Heritage Area
  • Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Rentals Available
  • Canoeing
  • Children's programs
  • Climbing
  • Community Science
  • Concessions
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Education
  • Education Center
  • Equipment Rentals
  • Family-Friendly
  • Field Trips
  • Fishing
  • Free Admission
  • Free Parking
  • Free Programs
  • Habitat Restoration
  • Hiking
  • Historical Connectiom
  • Historical Connection
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Kayaking
  • Native Plants
  • Nature Center
  • Parking
  • Paved Trails
  • Pet-Friendly
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Picnicking
  • Playground
  • Prairie
  • Public Transit Access
  • Restrooms
  • Running
  • Scenic View
  • Scenic Views
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Teacher Resources
  • Tours
  • Trail Running
  • Walking
  • Wetlands
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Show More

Overview

Located in Des Plaines on East River Rd. just south of Golf Rd. This 27 acre body of water has a depth of 27.8 feet; however because it is connected to the Des Plaines River by a spillway, water level can fluctuate dramatically during flood events. Species found in Big Bend Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, bullheads, crappie and common carp. Because of the connection to the river, channel catfish and northern pike may occasionally be caught. A boat launch can be found at the end of the parking lot. For acceptable watercraft and general boating regulations see the District’s Fishing Guide.


The Des Plaines River Trail runs alongside the Des Plaines River for just over 56 miles, protecting watershed habitat and forestland through much of Lake and Cook Counties. Traveling from the north end to the south end, you will experience a variety of trail surfaces, from pavement to crushed stone to single-track forest trail. Additionally, you can explore the Des Plaines River by canoe or kayak on the Des Plaines River Water Trail.


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