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Your Forest Preserves

your forest preserves
Maps
Des Plaines River Trail Map
Countywide Map & Guide to the Forest Preserves
Directions

Acreage
2.73 acres

Activities
Bicycling
Boating / Canoeing / Kayaking
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Snowmobiling

Amenities
Drinking Water
Picnic Tables
Public Parking
Toilets
Trails

Related Sites 
Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway
Independence Grove Canoe Launch
Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch
Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch

Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch

Paddle down the scenic Des Plaines River or fish along its banks at one of five canoe launches provided by the Lake County Forest Preserves. All launch areas offer canoe access to the river, shoreline fishing, trail connections to the Des Plaines River Trail, information kiosks with trail maps and other publications, and parking.  If you put in here, the next Lake County Forest Preserve District canoe launch is the Independence Grove Canoe Launch, 11.6 miles downstream.
 
Location
The Canoe Launch is located on Wadsworth Road east of Route 41 near Wadsworth.
 
History
The land for the Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch was the first acquired in 1973. The acquisition of the Route 60 and Oak Spring Road canoe launches followed in 1975. In 1984, the Russell Road Canoe Launch was added to the Forest Preserve holdings. Independence Grove opened in 2001. The annual Canoe Marathon is the largest and longest down river canoe event in Illinois. The race covers 19.5 miles of the Des Plaines River, beginning at the Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch in Libertyville.
 
The Natural Scene
Preservation of the Des Plaines River Greenway has been a key priority since the Forest Preserve District was founded in 1958. It covers more than 7,700 acres and protects land along more than 80 percent of the river in Lake County, providing wildlife habitat, natural flood protection and outdoor recreation opportunities. Forest Preserve canoe launches offer access to the river, shoreline fishing and trail connections to the nearly-complete 33-mile long Des Plaines River Trail as it winds its way through the Greenway from Wisconsin south to Lake-Cook Road.
 
Preserve News
Forest Preserve founder leaves lasting legacy
Share Forest Preserve Photos on flickr.com
Information About Coyotes Available