Lake Carina Forest Preserve

About Lake Carina Forest Preserve

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.

Get outside and give back.

More to Explore in Lake County, IL

Volunteer with Openlands​

Connecting people to nature where they live.

As innovative protectors and stewards of the land since 1963, Openlands exists to create access to nature for all. Through local alliances, forward vision, and persistent action, Openlands connects and leads conservation work, serving as a guiding voice for communities, organizations, and more effective policy in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.

Scroll to Top
Jean Franczyk

See you at the 2026 Openlands Annual Luncheon!

Join us on Oct. 21 for “From the Ground Up,” honoring Jean M. Franczyk and featuring Dr. Tessa Francis as keynote.