Hastings Lake
Address
21155 W Gelden Road
Lake Villa, IL 60046
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Hours
6:30 am–sunset, daily.
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Picnic Shelters
Shelter A
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Four miles of paved and gravel trails wind through open fields, woodlands of stately trees, and wetlands. Trails here are open to bicycling, hiking and cross-country skiing, and in-line skating on the paved trail. Horses and snowmobiles are not permitted. Please keep dogs leashed and on trails at all times, and pick up after them. Learn about our off-leash Dog Parks (permit required).
Two trail spurs provide access to the preserve from the Seven Hills and Mallard Ridge subdivisions. A trail connection to Grass Lake Road on the east side of the lake is also available.
Other amenities include three picnic shelters, a large playground, three scenic overlooks, boardwalks, and two wheelchair accessible fishing piers.
The 80-acre lake features many scenic vistas. Bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, and other species can be found in the lake. State fishing regulations apply. Swimming, ice skating and ice fishing are not permitted.
Separate parking and lake access for cartop boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other small non-motorized watercraft is also available here. Electric trolling motors are allowed. Trailers are not permitted. Launching is free and at your own risk. You'll need approved flotation gear.
Picnic Shelters
The preserve features a unique shelter that can be reserved year-round. Seasonally, tent walls are installed to fully enclose the shelter allowing for cozy celebrations even during Lake County's colder months.
Shelter A—Open or Enclosed
This large shelter offers a stone fireplace, heated restrooms, drinking water, electricity, a large patio area with grill, picnic tables, and convenient parking near the preserve's main entrance on Gelden Road.
During Lake County's warmer months of May through October, the shelter can be reserved for groups of up to 200, making full use of the larger more open indoor-outdoor setting.
During colder months of November through April, when the shelter is fully enclosed, it can be reserved for groups of up to 70. Heaters and the stone fireplace within the shelter offer added warmth for cool-weather events.
To rent the shelter, use our online reservation system or call our General Offices at 847-367-6640, weekdays from 8 am–4:30 pm.
Smaller Shelters Available
The preserve also has two family-size shelters for groups of up to 25. These smaller shelters are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis and are not reservable.
History
The preserve was established in 2003 and named for the Hastings Lake YMCA, a camp which previously had occupied this property 1923 to 2002. The YMCA of Metro Chicago continues to operate a smaller facility on an adjoining property.
A $750,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the state of Illinois helped offset acquisition costs. We transferred 2.5 acres of the acquisition to the Lake Villa Fire Protection District for construction of a new fire station on Grass Lake Road.
The Natural Scene
Open fields and meadows, woodlands of stately trees, and wetlands create a scenic natural environment. The 80-acre lake features 12,000 feet of shoreline. Bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, and other species can be found in the lake.
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Location
The main entrance is on Gelden Road southwest of Grass Lake Road. A second entrance is located on Munn Road north of Grand Avenue (Route 132).
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