Your Forest Preserves

Maps

Acreage

Activities

Amenities

Sun Lake

Sun Lake Forest Preserve features a mosaic landscape of oak woodlands and wetlands, including the outstanding example of an Illinois glacial lake for which the preserve is named.

Three miles of trail and a footbridge provide access for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and nature and wildlife observation. Three spurs connect the main trail to a residential community, the Lake Villa Baseball Park and Longwood Centre Park, home to the historic Lehmann Mansion.

Due to the delicate and unstable nature of the shoreline, access to Sun Lake itself is not possible or permitted.

Location

The preserve’s main entrance is located on the south side of Grass Lake Road, just west of Deep Lake Road and east of Route 83.

History

The property was acquired in various stages beginning in 1999. Much of the site's wetlands were previously drained and farmed.

The Natural Scene

Twenty-five-acre Sun Lake empties into the headwaters of Sequoit Creek. A 57-acre portion of the property extends north of Grass Lake Road, providing protection for Sequoit Creek as it flows through the Preserve into East Loon Lake. Surrounding the lake are Advance Identification (ADID) wetlands, grasslands and oak woodlands.

Through Forest Preserve District staff and volunteer efforts, more than 100 acres of prairie have been planted in the former agricultural fields. Natural water levels are being restored in the site’s indigenous wetlands. Invasive plants have been removed and native seed planted. Additional plantings of prairie and wetland vegetation, and hundreds of native trees and shrubs will provide valuable habitat for wildlife and rare plant species that occupy the preserve.

Preserve News