Top 10 Lakes around Elk Grove Village
Best lakes around Elk Grove Village are found in a region characterized by its blend of suburban development and significant natural preserves. The area features several lakes, including large man-made reservoirs and smaller recreational bodies of water. These lakes are often integrated into extensive forest preserves, providing diverse ecosystems. The landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities within a short distance of the village.
Best lakes around Elk Grove Village
- The most popular lakes is Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, a lake that is a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails, offering opportunities to explore the area by rowboat, canoe, or kayak. This 590-acre reservoir is one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County.
- Another must-see spot is Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), a forest that spans nearly 3,700 acres with more than 12 miles of trails, extensive waterways, and an elk pasture. Visitors can expect diverse ecosystems, including oak and hickory woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands, providing habitat for various wildlife.
- Visitors also love Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge, a bridge that is a popular place with anglers trying their luck. This bridge offers exceptional views across the water, connecting different sections of Busse Lake.
- Elk Grove Village is known for large reservoirs, recreational lakes, and smaller local lakes. The area offers a variety of lakes for different activities, from extensive boating and fishing to quiet nature observation.
- The lakes around Elk Grove Village are appreciated by the komoot community, with 41 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Busse Lake — North and Main Pools
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Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods)
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Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge
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Mallard Lake
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Meacham Grove Forest Preserve
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Tips from the Community
In addition to being a convenient way to cross the water, this is a popular place with anglers trying their luck. The views across the water and exceptional as well.
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Meacham Grove Forest Preserve is a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts! Beautiful, diverse terrain that leads through picturesque forests, meadows, and along the meandering Spring Brook Creek makes every trip an unforgettable experience. What I liked most: Variety of trails: Both beginners and experienced cyclists will find something for themselves here. The trails are well-marked and lead through terrain of varying difficulty. Beautiful nature: Wooded areas, colorful meadows, and a peaceful stream create an amazing atmosphere. During the ride, you can admire the variety of plants and animals. Peace and quiet: Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can really relax and enjoy cycling here. Opportunity to observe nature: Meacham Grove Nature Preserve is a great place to observe birds and other animals. Great place for a family trip: The trails are safe enough to ride here with children. Summary: Meacham Grove Forest Preserve is a place worth visiting. If you are looking for a quiet place to cycle, surrounded by the beauty of nature, this is the perfect place for you. I highly recommend it!
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This lake is a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails, offering opportunities to explore the area by rowboat, canoe, or kayak, all of which can be rented nearby. Even if you choose to stay on land, the views from here are awesome.
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Ned Brown Forest Preserve, also known as the Busse Woods, is a 3,558-acre preserve with almost 13 miles of paved trails to ride. This park has an elk pasture and is one of the most popular parks in the state.
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Mallard Lake, spanning 948 acres, showcases the District's largest recreational lake, an expansive 85-acre water haven. Its diverse landscape encompasses open waters, wetlands, fields, and scattered woodlands, providing a habitat for various wildlife species like beavers, great blue herons, bullfrogs, eastern meadowlarks, bobolinks, red-tailed hawks, and kestrels. With its rich biodiversity, Mallard Lake invites nature enthusiasts to explore its scenic beauty and observe the thriving wildlife.
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This enormous, 3,700-acre swath of forestland sits on the edge of Chicago's suburbs. It contains more than a dozen miles of trails, extensive waterways, an elk pasture, and some truly ancient trees.
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This nearly 300-acre park features miles of trails winding through woodland groves, meadows, and wetlands, providing stunning views of Spring Brook Creek. The area is abundant with amazing wildflowers and unique plants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Elk Grove Village?
The most popular lake is Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, which is part of the extensive Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods). Another significant option is Mallard Lake, known for its rich biodiversity.
What activities can I do at Busse Lake?
Busse Lake offers a wide range of activities. You can go canoeing, kayaking, or rowboating, with rentals available seasonally. It's also a popular spot for fishing, with species like walleye, crappie, and bass. Over 11 miles of paved and natural trails are available for hiking, running, and biking. The preserve also features an elk herd and numerous picnic areas.
Can I go fishing at the lakes near Elk Grove Village?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Busse Lake is stocked with walleye, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, northern pike, and panfish, with six designated fishing walls. Mallard Lake also offers fishing for bluegill, largemouth bass, muskie, and northern pike. Lake Arlington, a nearby option, is also stocked with various fish.
Are there hiking and biking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) features over 11 miles of paved and natural surface trails, including a 7.3-mile loop around Busse Lake. Mallard Lake offers 4 miles of trails, and Lake Arlington has a 2.4-mile walking and bike path. For more detailed routes, check out the hiking guide for Elk Grove Village.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The lakes and surrounding preserves are rich in wildlife. At Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), you can see a unique elk herd, as well as deer, foxes, raccoons, turtles, and various bird species. Mallard Lake is known for beavers, great blue herons, and red-tailed hawks. Lake Arlington also attracts diverse birds and animals.
Are the lakes family-friendly?
Yes, the main lakes are very family-friendly. Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) offers picnic areas, easy trails, and the unique elk pasture. Mallard Lake and Lake Arlington also provide picnic spots, walking paths, and opportunities for nature observation suitable for all ages.
Can I rent boats or kayaks at the lakes?
Yes, boat rentals for canoeing, kayaking, and rowboating are available at Busse Lake from spring through fall at the on-site boat center. Lake Arlington also offers paddleboat and sailboat rentals during warmer months. For Mallard Lake, non-gasoline powered watercraft are permitted with a Forest Preserve District permit.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes for beginners or those with accessibility needs?
Yes, several lakes offer easy walking options. The 7.3-mile main loop trail around Busse Lake is paved and generally flat, suitable for walking and biking. Lake Arlington features a 2.4-mile paved path. For more easy routes, you can explore the easy hikes guide for Elk Grove Village.
What is unique about Mallard Lake?
Mallard Lake is the largest recreational lake in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, spanning 85 acres within a 948-acre preserve. It's particularly noted for its rich biodiversity, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing wildlife like beavers and great blue herons amidst its diverse landscape of wetlands, fields, and woodlands.
Are there any nearby lakes that are not directly in Elk Grove Village but are still easily accessible?
Yes, Lake Arlington, located in the neighboring suburb of Arlington Heights, is a human-made, 50-acre detention lake. It offers a 2.4-mile walking and bike path, fishing pier, and boat rentals, making it a popular nearby recreational spot.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring through fall offers the widest range of activities. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, while summer is ideal for boating and picnicking. Fall showcases beautiful foliage. In winter, some preserves like Busse Woods offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes?
Most forest preserves in the area, including those around Busse Lake and Mallard Lake, are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific preserve rules before visiting.
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