Lakewood Forest Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lakewood Forest Preserve is a beautiful natural area in Lake County, Illinois.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and more. The preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species.
There are several points of interest within the preserve, including the 2.7-mile hiking trail that winds through the forest and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. There is also a 115-acre lake that is perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and rowboats at the lake.
Another popular attraction at Lakewood Forest Preserve is the Lake County Discovery Museum. This museum showcases the history and culture of Lake County through interactive exhibits and displays.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the preserve was once a hunting ground for Native American tribes. It was later used as a quarry for limestone, which was used to construct many of the buildings in the area. Today, the preserve is home to over 100 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The best time of year to visit Lakewood Forest Preserve is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the preserve is open year-round, and each season has its own unique charms.
Overall, Lakewood Forest Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Illinois. With its scenic hiking trails, picturesque lake, and fascinating museum, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Reinberg
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The Hollows Conservation Area campground
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Fourth Lake Resort campsite
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