Top 11 Lakes around Bloomingdale

Among the most popular lakes are Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, known for opportunities to explore by rowboat, canoe, or kayak. The surrounding Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) offers almost 13 miles of paved trails for cycling and walking, encompassing extensive waterways and an elk pasture.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) is very family-friendly with its paved trails and elk pasture. Lakeview Park Lake also offers playgrounds, walking paths, and an accessible fishing pier, making it suitable for all ages.

Spring Creek Reservoir features a 1.2-mile asphalt trail that loops around the reservoir, ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Additionally, Timber Ridge Trail is a smooth, paved, and wheelchair-accessible path that runs past Timber Lake. Lakeview Park and Westlake Park also offer accessible fishing piers and paths.

The lakes and surrounding preserves are rich in wildlife. Spring Creek Reservoir provides habitat for diverse plant and wildlife, while Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) is home to an elk pasture. West Branch Forest Preserve, with its meadows, wetlands, and forests, is known for reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and various birds, including grassland and migratory shorebirds.

Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Spring Creek Reservoir offers opportunities to catch bass, catfish, bluegill, and sunfish. Lakeview Park Lake and Westlake Park Lake both attract anglers and feature accessible fishing piers. The Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge is also a popular spot for anglers.

You'll find a variety of trails. Spring Creek Reservoir has a 1.2-mile asphalt trail. Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) boasts almost 13 miles of paved trails. The Busse Lake — North and Main Pools area is part of the Salt Creek Water Trails, with a paved bicycle trail passing between its reservoirs. For more cycling options, check out the Cycling around Bloomingdale guide.

Yes, Busse Lake — North and Main Pools is a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails and offers opportunities to explore by rowboat, canoe, or kayak, with rentals often available nearby. Lakeview Park Lake and Westlake Park Lake also attract boaters.

Lakeview Park Lake is popular for ice fishing during the winter months. While Spring Creek Reservoir does not permit ice fishing due to fluctuating water levels, Westlake Park offers a sledding hill for winter fun.

A significant planned development called "The Grove at Bloomingdale" is set to include a central man-made lake. This project aims to transform the former Stratford Square Mall site into a mixed-use community hub with residential, retail, and entertainment spaces, with the lake envisioned as a central feature for events like concerts or ice skating. You can learn more about the former mall site on Wikipedia.

Spring Creek Reservoir offers picnic tables and grassy areas, including a 50-person picnic shelter that can be reserved. West Branch Forest Preserve also provides picnic areas for visitors.

Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. For example, the Busse Woods Red Trail is an easy mountain biking route. You can find more options and details in the MTB Trails around Bloomingdale guide.

The lakes offer a diverse range of experiences. Spring Creek Reservoir provides a natural, expansive setting with trails and diverse ecosystems. Lakeview Park and Westlake Park offer structured recreational facilities, catering to families and sports enthusiasts. The upcoming lake at The Grove at Bloomingdale is designed to integrate nature with urban amenities, promising a vibrant community centerpiece.