Lakewood Forest Preserve

Welcome to Lake County's largest forest preseve, the Lakewood Forest Preserve at over 2,700 acres in size. This preserve offers miles of multi-purpose trails for the cyclist, hiker, horseback rider, and cross-country skier. Don't leave the dog at home because the preserve also offers a dog park as well as several fishing ponds and picnic tables.

Preserve History: In the mid 19th century from about 1835 to 1865 these woods were used as a source of firewood and lumber for the local farming communities. After the civil war ended much of the land was razed for farming expansion. In 1937 a Chicago contractor named Malcolm Boyle created the Lakewood Farms country estate on this land and grew crops and raised livestock on what was one of the biggest farms in the region. In 1961 a man named Howard Quinn purchased the land from Boyle and converted it into a dairy farm which ran until 1965. In 1968 Lake County began to purchase the property and would continue to buy additional parcels over the next 3 decades. There are still remnants of some of the old farm buildings.

Today the park provides habitat for numerous species of wild animals including 17 endangered species. The preserves 70 acre Wauconda Bog is designated as a state nature preserve as serves as an important breeding ground for birds. The preserve also has bat houses which help to control the local mosquito population. Come on out and explore!