Hastings Lake

WHERE IS THIS?
21155 W. Gelden Road
Lake Villa,IL 60046
Acreage:
270 acres
Hours:
6:30 am–sunset, daily.

Hastings Lake

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 Areas (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 offers many scenic vistas. Bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, and other species can be found in the lake. State fishing regulations apply. Swimming and ice skating 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. 


Shelters

For exclusive use of a picnic shelter, regardless of group size, a permit is required. All shelters provide a parking area, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets, and at least one grill. Most offer electricity. Many have playgrounds, playfields and trails nearby. Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of playgrounds.

Hastings Lake Shelter A can be reserved year-round. During colder months, tent walls are installed to fully enclose the shelter. Heaters and the stone fireplace within the shelter offer added warmth for winter events.

Shelter Rentals

Activities

Amenities

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More About This Preserve

Programs

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.

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.