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Your Forest Preserves

your forest preserves

Maps

Nippersink Trail Map
Countywide Map & Guide
Directions

Acreage

320 acres

Activities

Bicycling
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Picnic Shelter Rental

Amenities

Drinking Water
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Public Parking
Toilets
Trails

Picnic Shelters

Shelter A
Shelter B
Shelter C
Shelter D
 

Nippersink

Previously a seasonal retreat for camping and recreational vehicles, this preserve is now a year-round haven for people and wildlife. Visitors enjoy trails, picnicking, bird watching and nature observation. Century-old oak trees that rise above two scenic lakes, and woodlands, wetlands and marshes offer plentiful habitat for wildlife.

New Trail Extension

Construction is underway on a new 0.75-mile section of trail that will connect to the public sidewalk across Nippersink Road. The project also includes new trail bridges, boardwalks and overlooks. During construction, the preserve will remain open, though temporary trail closures may occur. Please use caution when using the trails and be alert to signage directing away from the work area. Completion is expected by late spring/early summer 2013.

 

Hike, bicycle or cross-country ski along 1.5 miles of trail circling the lakes and adjoining woodlands. A short woodchip trail winds through open oak groves. Future plans include a trail connection north to Lindenhurst and to surrounding communities.

Extensive shoreline restoration efforts and improved fish habitats make Nippersink a great place to fish. Anglers can fish from shore or from two handicapped-accessible fishing piers. The lakes and streams are open only for catch-and-release fishing. Live bait is permitted. Please use barbless, non-stainless steel hooks.

The preserve also features five picnic shelters, four of which can be reserved for special outings. Gatherings of more than 25 people require a permit.

Other amenities include a boardwalk, a scenic overlook, drinking fountains, toilets and parking areas.

Public access improvements at this preserve were financed in part by funds from the voter-approved 2000 Bond Referendum.

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Location

Nippersink Forest Preserve is located in Round Lake. [View on Google maps]

The entrance is located on Route 120 (Belvidere Road), just west of Cedar Lake Road and east of Fairfield Road.

 

History

Nippersink was acquired in various stages beginning in 2002. The most recent acquisition, formerly the Country Lakes Resort for camping and recreational vehicles, was acquired in 2004. The preserve’s two lake were man-made in 1965 and total 13 acres. 

 

The Natural Scene

Portions of Nippersink are listed on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, which identifies rare communities, rare species and high quality natural areas statewide that are in need of protection. Several threatened and endangered species have been identified here.

The site contains extensive Advanced Identification (ADID) wetlands that create emergent marsh areas. The wetlands, marsh vegetation and open water ponds, combined with the uplands and oak-hickory woodlands, offer an excellent blend of landscapes ideal for increasing and protecting the site’s bird population. A portion of Squaw Creek flows through the property.

 
© Chip Williams

Preserve News

Discovery Museum participates in Blue Star program
Preserve safety tips
Prevent bites from ticks that share our outdoor spaces
 

Upcoming Events

Jun 24 Fishing Camp II - Beyond the Basics
  29 Forest Fitness
Jul 8 Fishing Camp
  22 Eco Adventurers Camp - Invertebrate Investigation
    Knee-high Naturalists Camp - Wildlife Homes Safari
    Young Naturalists Camp - Pondering Plants
 

Preserve Acquisitions

Nippersink, 2.755-acre addition