Baker's Lake Nature Preserve

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Baker's Lake Nature Preserve is located in the state of Illinois and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are several good reasons to visit this preserve, including its scenic beauty and the variety of wildlife that can be seen here. Some of the specific points of interest to see include the beautiful Baker's Lake itself, as well as the wetlands and prairies that surround it.

One interesting fact about the area is that it is home to a number of endangered and threatened species, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the Blanding's turtle. Visitors to the preserve are encouraged to respect the delicate ecosystem and to stay on designated trails at all times.

The best time of year to visit Baker's Lake Nature Preserve is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers different opportunities for recreation and exploration throughout the seasons.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks