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    Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve

    4.5 (4 reviews)

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Lake Carina

    Lake Carina

    3.6
    (7 reviews)
    7.9 mi

    This place is beautiful, with an awesome little pier, multiple nice shoreline walking areas, and…read morepretty direct access to the des plaines river and another, much smaller pond with a stream running just south of the parking lot. The only reason this place doesn't get a perfect 5 star is for 2 reasons: 1. On the northern edge of the lake, the expressway and electric towers are very loud and get pretty annoying, and 2. You better pack bug spray because the day I came here, I had 6 ticks crawling on me after I left. luckily none of them bit me, but still. I understand it's tick season but it's still pretty crazy. Awesome place overall, and seems to have good fishing. Even saw a loon on the day I went. Would recommend as a walking/fishing area.

    Lake Carina is a forest preserve. I went here to eat a late lunch and walk around with my…read moreboyfriend. It's quite small and easy to miss when you're driving on 21. The venue has a lot of parking and the lake is very pretty. It's a nice place to go for a walk. Beware of the many mosquitoes and gnats - it is a lake after all. I am afraid of bees, and there seemed to be an abundance of them on the trail. Along the walking trail, there are benches along the way. There are picnic tables and trash bins by the entrance of the trail. When you enter, there is a dock for fishing. You must be licensed to fish if you are over the age of 16. There is also a bike trail, but I didn't get a chance to check that out. I believe the walking trail is about a mile long. You could also walk your dog. They conveniently have doggy bags at the beginning of the trail as well. There is also a bathroom area next to the parking lot. The walking trail itself is pretty, but nothing amazing. You do go under some big electric posts. When we were walking, they were buzzing which was a little scary for me. The last thing I'll add is be careful where you step. Some people aren't considerate enough to pick up after their dogs. Other than that, it's a nice place to go for a walk. It's not a place I would go out of my way to see.

    Photos
    The gurnee water tower, seen from the southeastern side
    The gurnee water tower, seen from the southeastern side
    Six flags as seen from the south eastern edge
    Six flags as seen from the south eastern edge
    Lake Carina

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    Hastings Lake

    Hastings Lake

    4.5
    (4 reviews)
    5.9 mi

    Hastings Lake Forest Preserve has approximately a 2.1 mile hike. The path is paved and pretty even…read morethroughout. It wraps around the lake which offers nice breezes. Many areas along the trail are shaded by large trees so it's not all sunny and hot. The lake has a good population of turtles and surprisingly also has big mouth bass among other species that you are allowed to fish! They offer a boat ramp to bring your boat or even canoe! They also have plenty of places around the lake to sit and just reflect and relax. The path was very clean and markers easy to spot as there is only 1 path and no diversions. It's a great morning activity with family and friends.

    Hastings Forest Preserve has wonderful trails and paths for both hiking and bikes. There is a trail…read morethat wraps around a beautiful Lake. There is also a wonderful playground for children. It has a nice soft padding for kids to play on making it safer than your usual wood chips or Tire shreds. There are plenty of swings for both Toddlers and older along with infants and young babies. The only reason I have not given this five stars is because there has been prepares needed to part of the playground that have not yet been repaired. The repairs have been needed for quite some time now and have not yet been addressed. Maybe once the repairs are completed I will change my rating. Another great feature to this area is there are nice bathrooms right by the playground and in the center of the forest preserve. There are also picnic tables and a pavilion for people to have Gatherings of all kinds.

    Photos
    Hike Lake County Challenge
    Hike Lake County Challenge
    Hastings Lake
    Turtle family

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    Turtle family

    Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve - boating - Updated August 2026

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