The Lakes of Lake in the Hills

Lake Use Registration

Boat Use Registration

Indian Trail & Butch Hagele Beaches

Paddle Boat Rentals

As the name implies, Lake in the Hills has lakes - four of them.  Woods Creek Lake is the largest with two swimming areas - Indian Trail Beach and Butch Hagele Beach. Goose Lake, Willow Lake and Lake Scott are all shallow lakes. Goose Lake is utilized mainly for fishing while Willow Lake and Lake Scott are wildlife ponds.

One of the biggest benefits of living in Lake in the Hills is the natural beauty of our lakes nestled on the east side, minutes from the hustle and bustle of the major roadways.  The lakes provide the opportunity for many recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, etc. 

Lake Use Registration

Residents interested in taking advantage of this resource need only sign up for a lake use registration tag on or after May 1st of each year.  The tag allows all household members access to swim or boat on the lakes.  If you’re someone who loves the idea of using the lake, but are sure you wouldn’t have the opportunity to use it year round, you always have the option of paying the daily use fee.  Children under the age of five are free.

As a lake use tag holders, you are also free to take in a bit of shoreline fishing, provided you are appropriately licensed by the State.  The lakes are stocked with an assortment of fish including:

• Largemouth bass

• Smallmouth bass

• Crappie

• Bluegill

• Catfish

Boat Use Registration

If you’d prefer to catch fish while floating gently on the water, or you simply want to get some exercise rowing, residents may purchase a boat use tag.  The boat use tag is an additional expense after first purchasing the lake use tag.  Boat use tags are required if you are planning to do any boating activities and require proof of residency and current IDNR boat registration.  In order to protect the lakes, motor boats are prohibited.

Boat slips at either Nockels Park or Turtle Island are available for purchase on or after May 1st of each year. Residents must first purchase both the lake and boat use tags before obtaining a slip.

Indian Trail & Butch Hagele Beaches

Woods Creek Lake has two sand beaches to choose from, Butch Hagele and Indian Trail.  In order to use the beaches, you must either purchase a lake use tag or a daily use.  Lake use tag holders are allowed to place up to six guests on their tag, however each guest must pay an admittance fee.

Cool off during the hot summer at one of our beaches on Woods Creek Lake.  Indian Trail Beach and Butch Hagele beach are guarded by Red Cross Certified Lifeguards to help make your visit a safe one. 

Beach Hours:                                         

Paddle Boat Rentals

Discover the beauty and fun of boating on Woods Creek Lake. Our paddle boats are available for rental throughout the summer. Available only at Indian Trail beach beginning June 3rd. 

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