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Lake Carina Forest Preserve

  • 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

A popular fishing hole and former gravel pit, the preserve’s main feature is the 23-acre Lake Carina. Anglers can cast for bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass, perch and white crappie. Lake Carina is stocked by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The lake is surrounded by woodlands and open fields. The preserve also features a pond, wetlands and a stream named Stoneroller Creek. Birdwatchers may find belted kingfishers, eastern kingbirds, yellow warblers, northern orioles and several types of herons.


A short trail provides walk-in access from Milwaukee Avenue and connects the parking area with the fishing pier. A 1-mile mowed grass trail encircles the lake and is ideal for hiking and nature observation, and cross-country skiing. Please keep dogs leashed and on trails at all times, and pick up after them.


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