Lakewood

Lakewood Forest Preserve, Lake County’s largest forest preserve spanning nearly 3,010 acres, is undergoing a transformation as construction of a master plan continues.

Once complete, the improvements will enhance accessibility and create a more enjoyable experience for visitors. The preserve will be better equipped to meet future needs, appropriately sized and designed to lower both short- and long-term operating costs.

Many of the new features are in place, including:
• Access from the main entrance off of Illinois Route 176 to the relocated and reconstructed main parking lot.
• 1.6-mile paved loop trail with benches, overlooks and Millennium Trail connection.
• Fishing pier and designated shoreline spots for anglers at Taylor Lake.
• Grassy area with picnic spaces and scenic lake overlooks.
• Updated accessible parking, walkways and amenities at the existing shelter.
• Net-zero energy maintenance facility.

A new all-season shelter, an open-air shelter and additional parking area are planned to open in 2027.

The children’s Nature Play Area is nearing completion. The majority of the work is complete, and we are currently addressing the remaining contracted work, warranty items and project closeout requirements prior to opening.

Although some of this work may not be readily visible to visitors, these remaining items must be resolved before the area can open. We have made the decision not to partially open the Nature Play Area while work remains outstanding, as doing so would require portions of the area to remain restricted. Instead, the area will remain closed until it can be opened as a complete space.

At this time, a specific opening date has not been established. We are working to resolve the remaining items and look forward to opening the Nature Play Area as soon as possible. We appreciate the community’s continued patience and enthusiasm for this unique addition to Lakewood Forest Preserve.

The Nature Play Area will provide a variety of play experiences featuring both natural and human-made elements. Nestled among mature native trees, the play area encourages exploration, discovery and immersive nature-based play.

We appreciate your patience during this time.

In 2018, we initiated the master planning process to evaluate existing conditions and uses of Lakewood. The plan identified potential recreation, education and conservation improvements for the preserve.

In January 2020, our Board of Commissioners approved a master plan for the preserve. Site preparation work took place from 2021 through early 2023.

Global supply chain disruptions and construction industry volatility affected bid prices, resulting in the completion of some initial improvements while postponing others until additional funding becomes available. Unfunded improvements may become priorities under the recently approved referendum funding. Learn more »