Sterling Lake (Van Patten Woods) in Illinois

Trip Overview

As an update to Paul Klonowski's report (posted May 2005), the Lake County Forest Preserve District no longer operates a rent-by-the-hour marina / concession stand at Sterling Lake, paddles there are refreshingly isolated. There is still the continuous -- though muted -- hum of unseen traffic, but aside from the occasional fisherman, the lake will likely be all yours.

Accommodations:

Drinking water, horse trailer parking, picnic shelters, picnic tables, public parking, restrooms, and trails

Fees:

State boat registration is required.

Directions:

Van Patten Woods is located in northeast Lake County near Wadsworth. The entrance and parking area are located on Route 173, east of Route 41 and west of Green Bay Road. Boat launch is from the first parking area on the west side of the lake.

Resources:

www.lcfpd.org/preserves/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&object_id=215&type=P