Mallard Lake Forest Preserve

It’s a nice green place to walk or do picnics. There is a catch and release fishing deck here, having muskie and northern fishes. Nice for kids and biking with trails for small hikes.

Love this lake but I wish they had a ramp for the kayaks. Having to take the kayaks down a narrow walkway full of grass and gravel is not good for the kayaks or for the body. Plus people are usually in the way fishing. It definitely is a great place to fish but I live kayaking. When the rivers are too shallow or too full this is one of my favorite places to go. I just think it needs a kayak ramp or two.

Took a mental health break and walked ~1.5 miles in a loop around the lake, crushed limestone paths and several bridges made it easy to do. Lots of birds a d supposedly good fishing but I guess these fish weren't jumping. I visited on a Tuesday late morning and there was plenty of parking.

We went fishing here and it was a great. It’s a great place for long walks also to bring your kids to play in the grassy areas. I love that it has actual bathrooms and not just a porta potty. I do recommend brining toilet paper or wipes tho just in case also hand sanitizer cause these bathrooms tend to run out of soap and TP, but over all clean and the park and water is just beautiful. My husband was able to catch a couple decent size bass and just a handful of blue gills/ sunfish. If you just want a peaceful nature escape I recommend here.

It was sooooo good! I went on the weekend and there were too many people for my liking but it was a beautiful park and lake. I will definitely be back on a weekday for sure!

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve is an absolute hidden gem for outdoor lovers! The 85-acre lake is perfect for a peaceful day of fishing, and it is one of the best local spots for non-powered boating, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. The trail system is fantastic, featuring scenic gravel paths, great bridges, and a beautiful boardwalk that is incredible for birdwatching and hiking. It is always clean, serene, and incredibly well-maintained. Whether you want to get out on the water or just enjoy a quiet hike along the wetlands, this preserve is a must-visit!

Beautiful and scenic, lots of places to fish, clean and well maintained

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Very nice lake with lots of bluegills and some pretty decent-sized bass swimming around. My family loves coming here, and my son especially loves catching bass – yep, he’s officially leveled up from bluegills. 😂 It does get crowded with other fishing folks, but if you get there right when the park opens, you’ll have a good chance at snagging the best deck spots. The water is super clean in most parts, and you can see the fish clearly, which makes it extra exciting for kids. We even spotted what looked like a Muskie or maybe a Pike – not too sure, we’re still working on our fish identification skills. 🤷‍♂️ Either way, it’s a great place for family fishing trips and creating some epic ‘big fish’ stories to tell later.