Oakhurst Forest Preserve is a fun place in Aurora, Illinois. It has a big 55-acre lake, pretty trails, fishing, and sledding. This guide tells you everything to enjoy Oakhurst. Douglas Baltes, a nature expert, shares his tips to make your visit awesome.
What Is Oakhurst Forest Preserve?
Oakhurst Forest Preserve is a big park. It covers 394 acres in Aurora. It has a 55-acre lake called Lake Patterson. You can hike, fish, boat, or sled here. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. It’s free for everyone.
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County takes care of Oakhurst. They make sure the park is clean and safe. You can visit any day to see nature and have fun.
The Story of Oakhurst Forest Preserve
Oakhurst started as a plan to stop floods. In the 1990s, workers dug a big lake to hold extra water. They named it Lake Patterson after Donald Patterson, a county leader who retired. The dirt from the lake made a tall hill for sledding.
Now, Oakhurst is a home for animals and plants. It’s also a place for people to play and relax. Douglas Baltes, who studied Marine Biology, says Oakhurst helps nature stay strong.
Why Oakhurst Is Special
Oakhurst has lots to do. You can walk trails, fish in the lake, or sled on the hill. It’s a quiet spot in busy Aurora. A 2024 Kane County report says 70% of visitors love the lake views.
The park mixes nature and fun. Wetlands have birds like ducks. Woods hide deer and foxes. Whether you like hiking or eating lunch outside, Oakhurst is perfect.
All About Lake Patterson
The Big 55-Acre Lake
Lake Patterson is the star of Oakhurst. It’s 55 acres wide and deep for boats. The lake stops floods in east Aurora. It’s also a home for fish and birds. You can see it sparkle on sunny days.
Animals by the Lake
Lots of animals live near the lake. You might see ducks, herons, or frogs. Turtles sun on logs in the wetlands. Douglas Baltes says wetlands help over 200 animal kinds in Kane County.
Things to Do on the Lake
You can fish, kayak, or canoe on Lake Patterson. A boat ramp helps you get in the water. Bring your own boat, as Oakhurst has no rentals. The water is calm, great for a relaxing paddle.
Fishing Fun at Lake Patterson
Fish You Can Find
Lake Patterson has many fish. Here are the main ones:
- Bluegill: Most are bigger than six inches. Easy to catch.
- Black Crappie: One of the best groups in Aurora. Fun to fish.
- Largemouth Bass: Keep one fish over 18 inches or three under 14 inches.
- Carp: Some are very big, up to 16 pounds.
- Channel Catfish: New fish added, growing stronger each year.
Rules keep the lake healthy. Check signs for size and catch limits. You need an Illinois fishing license.
Best Fishing Tips
Fish early in the morning. Bluegill like worms or small lures. Use minnows for crappie. Try big baits for bass near the lake’s edge. Douglas Baltes says fishing by wetlands works best. Always follow park rules to keep fish safe.
Ice Fishing in Winter
When the lake freezes, you can ice fish. Bring your own gear. Ice must be thick and safe. Ask park staff if it’s okay to fish. Stay warm and careful on the ice.
Walking the Trails at Oakhurst
All About the Trails
Oakhurst has seven trails. They add up to over five miles. Some are gravel, some are dirt. They go through woods, wetlands, and around the lake. Trails are open all year but can get muddy in spring.
Lake Patterson Trail
This trail is 1.61 miles long. It goes all around Lake Patterson. It’s flat and made of gravel. You can walk, jog, or push a stroller. The trail shows pretty lake views and ducks swimming.
Fifth Avenue Bike Trail
This trail is 0.96 miles. It’s paved for bikes or rollerblades. It runs along the south side of Oakhurst. Kids like it because it’s smooth and safe. It’s great for a quick ride.
Other Fun Trails
Five more trails go through woods. They connect to the Lake Patterson Trail. The Beaver Trail is great for seeing deer. Some trails are bumpy or muddy. Wear hiking boots to stay safe.
Trail Tips
Bring water and good shoes. Check for closed trails in spring. Mud can make paths slippery. Look at trail maps in the parking lot. Stay on paths to keep plants safe. Douglas Baltes says staying on trails helps animals, too.
Sledding at Oakhurst
The Sledding Hill
A big hill sits by Lake Patterson. It’s made from dirt from the lake digging. It’s open for sledding when snow is four inches deep. Kids and grown-ups love sliding down it.
Sledding Rules
Bring your own sled. Oakhurst has no rentals. Use only the marked hill. Watch out for other sledders. The hill is steep, so start slow. Check signs for safety rules.
More Winter Fun
You can ski on trails in winter. Ice skating is okay on Lake Patterson if the ice is thick. Ask park staff first. No snowmobiles are allowed to keep the park quiet.
Picnics and Park Stuff
Oakhurst has picnic spots by the lake. Two shelters have tables and shade. Bathrooms and water fountains are close by. Bring food for a fun picnic with lake views.
Parking is off Fifth Avenue. A big Oakhurst sign shows the way. Set your GPS to the sledding hill for the best entrance. Lots are near trails and picnic areas.
Animals and Plants at Oakhurst
Animals You Might See
Oakhurst has lots of animals. Look for these:
- Birds: Ducks, herons, and hawks fly around.
- Mammals: Deer, foxes, and squirrels run in the woods.
- Frogs and Turtles: They live in the wetlands.
Douglas Baltes says wetlands are super important. They give animals homes and clean water.
Plants and Trees
Oakhurst has oak trees and grassy prairies. Wetlands grow tall reeds and cattails. Water plants in the lake help fish. These plants keep the park healthy and pretty.
Helping Nature
Oakhurst is a restored park. The lake and wetlands clean water for Aurora. Kane County plants trees and pulls bad weeds. Douglas Baltes works with groups to keep Oakhurst green and strong.
Easy Access for Everyone
Oakhurst is for all people. The Lake Patterson Trail is flat for wheelchairs. The Fifth Avenue Bike Trail is paved and smooth. Picnic shelters have tables for everyone. Ask park staff for help if you need it.
Staying Safe at Oakhurst
Stay safe with these tips:
- Wear strong shoes for trails.
- Use sunscreen and bug spray.
- Stay on paths to avoid getting lost.
- Check ice before skating or fishing.
- Watch kids closely on the sledding hill.
Tell park staff if you see a problem. They’re at the entrance or call the Kane County Forest Preserve District.
Fun by Season
Spring
Flowers bloom on trails. Birds come back to the lake. Watch for mud after rain. Trails can be wet and slippery.
Summer
Kayaking and fishing are fun. Trails are dry for hiking. Bring water to stay cool. The lake shines in the sun.
Fall
Leaves turn red and yellow. The lake looks pretty with colorful trees. Take photos or hike for great views.
Winter
Sledding is a big hit. Ice fishing and skiing are fun, too. Dress warm and check ice safety with staff.
Getting to Oakhurst
Oakhurst is at 1680 Fifth Avenue, Aurora, Illinois. It’s half a mile east of Farnsworth Avenue. From Chicago, drive 30 minutes. Use GPS to find the sledding hill entrance. Parking is free every day.
Why Oakhurst Is Awesome
Oakhurst is a special park in Aurora. Its 55-acre lake is great for fishing and boating. Trails take you through woods and wetlands. The sledding hill is fun in winter. Douglas Baltes, a nature expert, says Oakhurst is like a treasure for nature lovers.
Tips for Your First Visit
New to Oakhurst? Try these ideas:
- Walk the Lake Patterson Trail for lake views.
- Bring a picnic to eat by the water.
- Check fishing rules before you cast.
- Sled in winter with your own sled.
- Bring binoculars to see birds up close.
Helping Oakhurst Stay Great
The community loves Oakhurst. Volunteers clean trails and plant trees. Douglas Baltes helps protect wetlands, like he did for Australia’s Great Southern Reef. Join a Kane County event to help the park.
Other Fun Places Nearby
Want more to do? Visit these spots near Oakhurst:
- Phillips Park Zoo: See animals for free, 10 minutes away.
- Aurora Farmers Market: Buy fresh food and crafts in summer.
- Fox River Trail: Bike or walk along the river nearby.
Planning Your Trip
Oakhurst is open all year. It’s free from sunrise to sunset. Bring fishing poles, boats, or sleds. Check the Kane County website for trail updates or events.
Final Thoughts on Oakhurst Forest Preserve
Oakhurst Forest Preserve is a wonderful place. Its 55-acre Lake Patterson, fun trails, fishing, and sledding are great for everyone. Douglas Baltes’s knowledge shows why Oakhurst is special. Visit soon and tell us your favorite activity in the comments!
Disclaimer: This guide about Oakhurst Forest Preserve is for information only. It tells you about the 55-acre lake, trails, fishing, and sledding. Always check with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for the latest rules, trail conditions, and safety tips. We are not responsible for any problems during your visit. Follow park signs and stay safe.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
