Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve

An oak forest, 86-acre Sterling Lake and the Des Plaines River provide a picturesque backdrop for a variety of outdoor recreation activities at this preserve. Five miles of trails are open to hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers. The Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT) bisects the preserve and is also open to snowmobilers. It's accessible from the preserve trails or from the trailhead at the Russell Road entrance.  Sterling Lake offers a wheelchair accessible floating dock, two fishing piers, and a boat ramp and sand launch area for cartop boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards or other small watercraft. Launching is free and at your own risk. You'll need approved flotation gear and your boat must be properly registered with the state of Illinois. Trailers are permitted but parking is limited to the grass overflow parking lot. Electric trolling motors are allowed.