Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area

Welcome to the Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area located at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers roughly 50 miles southeast of Chicago in Grundy County.

Park History: Goose Lake Prairie was formed by glacial retreat at the end of the last ice age about 14,000 years ago. This region used to be prime agricultural land for Native American peoples as well as the eventual white settler. In the 1820's coal mining operations began in the region. Today this preserve helps to protect what is left of Illinois's natural prairie.

Plants and animals: Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area protects important habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. Some of the parks plant species include violets, Indian grass, and golden rods. Some of the parks animals include coyotes, foxes, badgers, deer, and beavers. Please treat their home with great respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Goose Lake Prairie offers over seven miles of hiking trails and several picnic shelters. Come on out and have fun!