Winter Preparations, Closures Starting At Forest Preserve

WILL COUNTY, IL — As winter approaches, the Forest Preserve District of Will County will turn off its drinking fountains and close its boat launches and bait shops.

In preparation for the cold weather, the preserve said all boat launches will close starting Nov. 1.

Both the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center concessions area/bait shop, and the Tackle Box bait shop at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm/Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook will be closed as of Nov. 1 for the season.

The kayak rental unit at Lake Chaminwood Preserve will cease rentals on Nov. 1. Also, the lower parking lot at McKinley Woods – Frederick's Grove in Channahon and the access road to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook will close on Nov. 1 (or after the first snowfall if it occurs sooner). Both roads have steep inclines.

The preserves do remain open throughout the winter, except on Christmas Day, which is the only day the preserves are closed during the year, the preserve said.