Welcome to Van Patten Woods!
Van Patten Woods is a lovely place in Wadsworth, Illinois. It has tall oak trees, a big lake called Sterling Lake, and a river named Des Plaines. People come here to walk, bike, or enjoy nature. I’m Douglas Baltes. I love nature and have a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania. For five years, I’ve studied and written about places like the Great Southern Reef in Australia. I also help save forests and lakes. This guide tells you all about Van Patten Woods’ trails, lake, and history. Let’s go explore!
This article is easy to read. It covers the trails, Sterling Lake, the river, and the preserve’s story. You’ll see why this place is special. Let’s start!
Why Is Van Patten Woods Special?
Van Patten Woods is a big, beautiful area in Lake County, Illinois. It was the first forest preserve here, started in 1961. It covers 975 acres of land. You’ll find oak forests, wet marshes, and open prairies. The Des Plaines River flows through it, and Sterling Lake shines in the middle. These make it a fun place to visit.
You can see many plants and animals here. Tall oak trees grow strong. Pretty milkweed flowers bloom. Birds like mallards swim in the lake. Even though it’s near cities, the preserve feels wild and calm. It’s great for walking, fishing, or relaxing.
Trails at Van Patten Woods: Fun Paths to Walk
Van Patten Woods has five miles of trails. You can walk, bike, ride horses, or ski on them. The trails are made of gravel or dirt, so they’re easy to use. The main trail is the Des Plaines River Trail, or DPRT. It’s 31 miles long and starts at Van Patten Woods.
Trails You Should Know
- Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT): This long trail goes through the preserve. It’s flat and made of crushed stone. It’s perfect for biking or walking. It connects to other places, like Pine Dunes Forest Preserve.
- Sterling Lake Loop: This trail is 4.2 miles long. It goes around Sterling Lake. It’s easy and takes about an hour to walk. You see the lake and oak trees.
- Blue and Yellow Trails: These are shorter paths. They connect to the DPRT. They’re gravel and easy to follow. You get shade and nice views.
What the Trails Offer
- Easy to Use: Trails are wide, at least 6 feet. They’re mostly flat, with small slopes. The Route 173 parking lot has two spots for vans. The Sterling Lake Loop has wooden bridges with railings. If you use a wheelchair, you might need special tires for gravel.
- Helpful Features: There are benches and picnic tables on the trails. Bathrooms near Route 173 are wheelchair-friendly. You’ll also find pit toilets and picnic shelters.
- Fun Things to Do: You can hike, bike, ride horses, or ski. Dogs can come, but they need a leash. In winter, you can use snowmobiles on the DPRT.
Trail Tips
The trails are kept clean and nice. People on AllTrails give the Sterling Lake Loop 4.6 stars from 729 reviews. Some trails, like the green loop, are now out-and-back paths, not circles. Watch out for horse droppings, since horses use the trails. Spring rain can make trails muddy. Check trail updates before you go. Wear strong shoes for gravel and dirt.
Sterling Lake: A Pretty Water Spot
Sterling Lake is the heart of Van Patten Woods. It’s 86 acres big, 23 feet deep at most, and 14 feet deep on average. Long ago, it was a gravel pit called Vulcan Lake. In the 1970s, Lake County turned it into a fun lake. In 1960, they named it Sterling Lake after a contest. The name comes from Sterling Township.
Things to Do at Sterling Lake
- Fishing: There are two fishing piers and a floating dock for wheelchairs. You can catch fish like bass or bluegill. In winter, you can ice fish if it’s safe.
- Boating: A boat ramp and sand launch let you use canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. Only electric motors are allowed—no gas motors. You need a life jacket, but launching is free.
- Paddling: The lake is calm for paddling. There’s no marina or rentals, so bring your own gear. You can paddle to the Des Plaines River through a small tube.
Lake Details
The lake has a 2.3-mile shore. A limestone path goes around it for walking or biking. Oak trees and marshes surround the lake. You might see horsetail plants or mallard birds. The water is clear, and the views are calm. There’s no place to clean fish, so do that somewhere else.
Tips for the Lake
Go early in the morning for peace. The lake gets busy on weekends. Bring binoculars to watch birds. Check the weather, as rain makes the area muddy. Parking near the boat ramp is small, so come early.
The Des Plaines River: A Wild Waterway
The Des Plaines River runs through Van Patten Woods. It’s a slow, muddy river that feels wild. The river’s floodplain is home to many plants and animals. It also helps stop floods in Lake County. The DPRT trail follows the river, giving you great views.
River Activities
- Canoeing and Kayaking: A launch on Russell Road lets you paddle the river. The next launch is 6.25 miles away at Wadsworth Road. Watch for fallen trees in the water. Spring is best for paddling because the water is higher.
- Fishing: You can fish along the riverbank. You might catch catfish or carp.
- Watching Wildlife: See ducks, herons, or butterflies. The floodplain has milkweed and other plants.
River Tips
The river can flood in spring, so check conditions before paddling. Wear water shoes, as the banks are slippery. The pedestrian bridge over the river is great for views, especially in fall when trees turn red and orange.
The History of Van Patten Woods
Van Patten Woods has an old and interesting story. Thousands of years ago, glaciers shaped the land. They left gravel and sand, making wetlands and hills. In the 1800s, settlers like John and David Murrie lived here. They farmed and raised prize horses. During the Civil War, David’s son James joined the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
From Gravel Pit to Nature
In the 1930s, people mined gravel here. This made big holes, including Vulcan Lake, now Sterling Lake. Mining stopped in the 1970s. The Lake County Forest Preserve District bought the land. From 1989 to 1993, they fixed it up. They planted trees, cleaned marshes, and made trails. Now, it’s a healthy, green place.
Saving Nature
The work turned a broken gravel pit into a lively forest preserve. It protects 975 acres. About 85% of the land along the Des Plaines River is now preserved. This helps animals and stops floods. My work with kelp forests in Australia shows how fixing nature can work. Van Patten Woods is a great example of this.
Animals and Plants at Van Patten Woods
The preserve is full of life. Tall oak trees grow everywhere. Marshes have horsetail and milkweed plants. In fall, oak leaves turn red and orange, making trails pretty. You can see birds like mallards and herons near the water. Butterflies and squirrels live here too.
Why This Matters
The mix of forests, marshes, and prairies helps many animals and plants. The floodplain by the river is a safe home for them. Fixing the land brought back plants and wildlife. My work with kelp forests taught me how important it is to save places like this. Healthy land keeps water clean and helps animals live.
Tips for Seeing Animals
Bring binoculars and a bird guide. Walk quietly so you don’t scare animals. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are out. Stay on trails to keep plants and animals safe.
Fun Things to Do for Everyone
Van Patten Woods has activities for all ages. Here are some favorites:
- Walking and Biking: The 4.2-mile Sterling Lake Loop is easy for families. The DPRT is good for longer trips.
- Horseback Riding: All trails allow horses. The DPRT is popular for riders.
- Fishing and Boating: Sterling Lake and the river are great for fishing and paddling. Bring your own gear.
- Picnicking: There are picnic shelters and tables near trails. Some have grills.
- Camping: A campground is open for youth groups of up to 60. It has fire rings, water, and toilets. You need a permit.
- Model Aircraft Flying: A field near Russell Road is for flying model planes. You need a permit and an AMA license.
Easy for Everyone
The preserve welcomes all people. The Route 173 parking lot has two van-accessible spots. Trails are wide and mostly flat. The floating dock at Sterling Lake is wheelchair-friendly. Bathrooms near Route 173 are accessible too.
How to Get to Van Patten Woods
Van Patten Woods is in Wadsworth, Illinois. The main entrance is on Route 173, east of Route 41 and west of Delany Road. Another entrance is on Russell Road, east of Route 41. Use the Russell Road entrance for the canoe launch. For camping or model aircraft, park on the north side of Russell Road.
Parking and Hours
Parking is free. The main lot is on Route 173. A smaller lot on Russell Road is for the canoe launch. The preserve is open from 6:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset. Ice fishing hours are the same in winter.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
Here are tips to make your trip fun:
- Check Trails: Rain in spring can make trails muddy. Check AllTrails or the Lake County Forest Preserve website for updates.
- Bring Gear: Wear strong shoes for gravel. Bring a life jacket for boating. Binoculars help for watching animals.
- Plan for Weather: Fall is colorful. Spring can be wet. Summer is warm, so bring water.
- Respect Nature: Keep dogs on a leash. Pick up trash. Stay on trails to protect plants.
- Come Early: Weekends are busy, especially at the lake. Mornings are quieter.
Why Saving Nature Here Matters
Van Patten Woods shows how people can fix nature. The old gravel pit is now a healthy Sterling Lake. The river’s floodplain protects animals and stops floods. My work with kelp forests in Australia taught me that saving nature takes time but works. The Lake County Forest Preserve District did a great job here. Protecting this land keeps it beautiful for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Visit Van Patten Woods
Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve is a great place to enjoy nature. Its trails, Sterling Lake, and Des Plaines River are fun for all. You can walk, fish, or paddle. The history, from glaciers to restoration, makes it special. My studies in marine biology and work with conservation helped me write this guide. I hope it helps you love Van Patten Woods. Plan a visit to see the oak trees, hear birds, and feel calm. Check the Lake County Forest Preserve website for updates. Tell us your favorite trail or animal sighting in the comments!
Disclaimer: This article about Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve is for informational purposes only. It provides details on trails, Sterling Lake, and the preserve’s history based on available sources and the author’s expertise. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, conditions such as trail accessibility, weather, or wildlife may change. Always check with the Lake County Forest Preserve District or other official sources for the latest updates before visiting. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or incidents that may occur during your visit.
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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!
