Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area Location in Illinois
Location	Will County, Illinois, USA
Nearest city	Wilmington
Area	5,000 acres (2,023 ha)
Established	1948
Governing body	Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area is a special state park in Illinois. It covers about 5,000 acres in Will County, United States. This park is located where the Des Plaines River and the Kankakee River meet to form the Illinois River. The park is named after the Des Plaines River. It's a great place for outdoor fun and learning about nature.

How the Park Started

The land that is now the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area was once owned by the government. In 1948, the Illinois Department of Conservation bought the land. They wanted to create a place for people to enjoy the outdoors. More land was added in the 1960s after a new highway was built.

At first, the area was mostly used by hunters. Since 1976, the park has been greatly improved. Today, more than 350,000 people visit Des Plaines each year. The park has over 5,000 acres of land, with about 200 acres of water.

Enjoy a Picnic in Nature

Taking a break to eat is easy at Des Plaines. You can have a picnic along the Kankakee River. Another great spot is under a large shelter by Milliken Lake. Both areas have picnic tables, grills, and water. They also offer cool shade from trees and pretty views. There is even a playground at the Milliken Lake picnic area.

Go Fishing

Fishing is a very popular activity here, both when the water is open and when it's frozen for ice fishing. Milliken Lake, along with several ponds and river areas, is home to many fish. You can catch panfish, catfish, and bass. In the spring, Milliken Lake is stocked with trout.

The Kankakee River runs along the south side of the park. It offers three miles of shoreline for fishing. Boaters can also enjoy the river. It's a great place to catch walleye and northern pike.

Boating Adventures

If you love boating, there's a public boat launch on the Kankakee River. It has three paved ramps. You can boat on the river or in its calmer backwaters. On the backwaters, boat motors must be 10 horsepower or less. However, there are no limits on motor size on the main Kankakee River. Please note that boating is not allowed on Milliken Lake.

Horseback Riding Trails

Do you enjoy riding horses? The park has a 12-mile trail just for horses. This trail is usually open from mid-April through October, depending on the weather. You can ride your horse on the trail from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hunting Opportunities

Hunting is a major activity at Des Plaines. Pheasant hunting is very popular here. The park has the largest pheasant hunting facility in Illinois where you need a permit. You can also find deer, rabbit, dove, and coyote. All hunters must have permits and check in at the park office. Waterfowl hunting is available nearby at the Will County Waterfowl Management Area.

Discover the Nature Preserve

Within the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area, there is an 80-acre nature preserve. This special area protects parts of the natural prairie that used to cover Illinois. The preserve is managed to keep this prairie heritage safe for the future. Visitors are welcome to explore this area. Remember, all plants and animals in the preserve are protected and should not be disturbed.

Practice Your Shooting Skills

The park has two hand trap ranges and an archery range. These are open to everyone daily, except during pheasant hunting season. It's a great place to practice your shooting and archery skills.

Des Plaines also hosts special events to help people learn about shooting. There are three wingshooting clinics each year. Two Hunter Safety Classes are also offered annually. These classes teach important safety rules for hunting.

Dog Training Events

The Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area is well known for dog training. Many field trials and training events for dogs happen here all year. The park has open fields, swampy areas, and woodlands. These different areas are perfect for all kinds of dog training. Whether you are training your own dog or just watching, these events are a fun way to spend time outdoors.

Access for Everyone

The park works to make sure everyone can enjoy its activities. The following programs have special access for people with disabilities:

• Hunting
• Fishing
• Picnicking