Spotlight on Herrick Lake

This month we’re back at another forest preserve: the DuPage Forest Preserve County’s Herrick Lake. Located in Wheaton off of Butterfield Road, Herrick Lake is well worth the drive if you’re not a local! This preserve consists of reclaimed farmland which was initially settled by Ira Herrick after the Potawatomi were removed west of the Mississippi in the 1830s.

Getting Around

The main parking is located on the south side of Butterfield Road just west of the Arrowhead Golf Course, and has direct access to the lake. Secondary parking is on the east side of Herrick Road a quarter mile south of Butterfield. You can also access Herrick Lake from the Danada Forest Preserve on Naperville Road, one mile south of Butterfield.

Amenities

With 887 acres, there’s very little that Herrick Lake doesn’t have! As you enter into the main parking lot, the lake is front and center. To the east you’ll find permanent bathrooms, a concession stand, picnic tables, and a large pavilion (which is available for rentals.)

There are numerous dumpsters located throughout the parking lot, but no poop bag stations or proper garbage cans on the trails, so keep in mind that you’ll have to carry out anything you carry in (or your pup produces!)

There are more than 7 miles of trails, plus additional trails if you venture over to the Danada Forest Preserve side. They also have kayak and rowboat rentals, so if your pup loves water, consider renting a craft and taking a cruise around the lake.

The path is asphalt for most of the way around the lake, but once you get to the south side, it turns into crushed limestone. However, it’s very well-maintained – very compact with no holes or ruts – so even if you use a mobility device you should have no trouble getting around.

As far as the trails go, you can do a loop around the lake or venture off onto the Meadowlark Trail, which takes you to an extensive trail network. Turn northwest on the Danada Herrick Lake Regional Trail to head back to the lake – it’s a little over 2 miles to take the east trail at the lake and then complete the Meadowlark Loop – or continue on the longer Green Heron Trail. Turning southeast on the Danada Herrick Lake Regional Trail will take you to Danada Forest Preserve and the Bluebird Trail.

There are benches around the path, but they are fairly spaced out once you get onto the Meadowlark or Regional Trails.

Park Safety

Watch out for bikes! Not a single cyclist that passed us announced themselves. Also be aware that horseback riders also utilize these trails, so if you do encounter a horse, keep your pup under control (preferably in a sit) until they pass so that you don’t startle our equine friends.

The lake path is busy, but once you spread out into the trail network, people become few and far between. Make sure you bring water for yourself as well as a collapsible bowl for your pup. There is plenty of shade, even near the open meadow areas, but you want to make sure you stay hydrated on a hot day.

Be aware of poison ivy as well, as it lurks along the edge of the path for the majority of the trail. While dogs are not susceptible to it, the oil can transfer from their fur to your skin, leading to an unpleasant situation in a few days.

Bring along bug spray, and be sure to conduct a tick check on both yourself and your pup once you return to the parking lot!

Wildlife

Herrick Lake is a fantastic place for birding! Even if you’re not a birder, we encourage you to download the Merlin app and keep it open as you walk along. In addition to the more common robins and red-winged blackbirds, we heard cedar wax wings, Tennessee warblers, and eastern wood peewees, just to name a few. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of an indigo bunting or eastern kingbird. At the lake you may even see some white egrets or great blue herons.

Early mornings or late afternoons you may see deer, coyotes, or other small critters. Be sure to follow preserve rules and keep your canine pals leashed to prevent any unwanted wildlife interactions!

There’s more buckthorn and honeysuckle than is desired, but there are also a lot of native plants and flowers. Obviously, it’s very picturesque, and there is so much to smell!

If you make it to the marsh, you’ll encounter frogs, turtles, mink, and muskrat.

Final Thoughts

Herrick Lake is a must-visit location. There are enough trail options and entry points to explore for days, and no matter where you go, you’ll enjoy a great view and your pup will have an amazing “sniffari!” Trixie approves, and can’t wait to go back!

Vital Info

• Location: Butterfield and Herrick Roads, Wheaton
• Hours: One hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset