Beaches & Lakes

 

The Lakes in Lake in the Hills

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.

Fees

Type of Use	Residents	Non-Residents
Lake Use Permit	$40 (Senior $30)	$60
Beach Daily Admissions	$2	$5
Boat Permit *	$10 (Senior $7)	Not available
Boat Rack	$20 (Senior $15)	Not available

 

*All boat users are required to purchase a Boat Permit and Lake Use Permit to utilize the Woods Creek Lake.  Your current IDNR registration must be included with your registration form to be eligible to purchase current boat tags. 

 

 

Indian Trail & Butch Hagele Beaches

Woods Creek Lake has two sand beaches to choose from, Butch Hagele, 71 Hilltop Dr. and Indian Trail, 228 Indian Trail.  In order to use the beaches, you must either purchase a lake use permit or a daily use.  Lake use permit holders are allowed to place up to six guests on their tag, however each guest must pay an admittance fee.

 

	Butch Hagele 71 Hilltop	Indian Trail Beach 228 Indian Trail
Gates Open:	Gates open May 25-Sept. 2 from Sunrise to Sunset	Sunrise - Sunset Year ‘round
Guarded*:	11:00am - 5:00pm June 1 - Aug. 11	10:00am - 6:00pm June 1 - Aug. 18, 24, 25, & 31 Sept. 1, & 2

 

*At the dates/times listed, Indian Trail Beach and Butch Hagele beach are guarded by Red Cross Certified Lifeguards to help make your visit a safe one. 

 

 

 

Beach Water Conditions

Beach Water Conditions are explained by 3 different levels.  Green indicates that the beach is open for swimming; Yellow indicates that the beach is open but E coli bacteria has exceeded advisory limits so swim at your own risk; Red indicates the beach is closed to swimming.  E coli bacteria has exceeded closing limits.  The water temperature is updated every Wednesday and can be found in the box on the right.

 

	Beach is open for swimming.
	Beach is open.  Swim at your own risk.  E coli bacteria has exceeded advisory limits.
	The Beach is closed to swimming.  E coli bacteria or water levels have exceeded closing limits.

Lake water is tested by the McHenry County Department of Health

 

 

 

Lake Use Regulations

Residents interested in taking advantage of this resource need only sign up for a lake use registration permit on sale now!  The permit 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. 

Lake Use Permit, Boat Permit, and Boat Racks may be purchased at the Village Hall. Daily Admission fees are also available at the beaches (in-season) and Police Department. 

Note: If you are participating in any activity on the lake (boating, fishing, swimming), you need to have a Lake Use Tag or have paid a daily use fee.

 

 

Boat Use Regulations

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 permit.  The boat use permit is an additional expense after first purchasing the lake use permit (see fees above).  Boat use permits are required if you are planning to do any boating activities and require proof of residency and current IDNR boat registration.  For boaters who would like to utilize the Woods Creek Lake for one day can pay a $15 daily boat launch fee. In order to protect the lakes, motor boats are prohibited.

 

2013-14 Boat Permit & Storage Slips

It is time to renew or purchase new Boat Permits and Storage Slips for the year.  The Village has made changes to the boat permit/storage purchasing process.

 

Boat Permit/Storage Renewals: All boat owners who have a current boat permit may renew their permit, which also includes lake use permits, beginning Monday, April 23, at the Village Hall located at 600 Harvest Gate. For those boat owners who are currently renting a boat storage slip from the Village, you can also renew your current storage slip on the same date. If you would like to move to another storage slip, you may do so on May 1, and pick from the storage slips available.

 

New Boat Permit/Storage Permit Sales will begin on Wednesday, May 1, at 8:30 a.m. Note: All boat users are required to purchase a boat permit and lake use permit to utilize Woods Creek Lake.  The fee breakdowns can be found in the Fees section above.

Complete the Boat and Lake Use Registration Form and bring it with you to register. Please complete the information about your watercraft including the boat’s make, model, color, and license plate (registration number).  Note: You must provide your current State Boat Registration Card (IDNR) to purchase boat permits.  If the form is completed prior to registration, it will help to make the process go much smoother. If you have any further questions please contact the parks & Recreation department at 847-960-7460.

 

 

Fishing

As a lake use permit 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

Fishing is permitted on all of the lakes in Lake in the Hills.  All anglers must have a lake use permit or have paid a daily lake use fee and have an IDNR Sport Fishing License.  Those anglers under 16 years of age, and persons declared legally disabled or blind, may fish without a license.

 

Topographic Survey for Woods Creek Lake

 

 

 

Paddle Boat & Kayak Rentals

Discover the Woods Creek Lake by boat. Participants may rent a boat to paddle or peddle along the shores where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Boat rentals are available at the Indian Trail Beach, 228 Indian Trail, from Noon – 5 p.m. (when the beach is open). Fees are $6 for a 30 minute rental and $11 for an hour rental.