Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area, Wilmington, IL

Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area in Wilmington provides residents with direct access to over 5,000 acres of public land dedicated to outdoor recreation. The site includes 12 miles of marked hiking trails, several fishing ponds stocked with bass and channel catfish, and designated waterfowl hunting zones during season. Two boat launches on the Kankakee River allow small-craft access for anglers and paddlers. The area also contains picnic shelters, restrooms, and a shooting range managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Nearby Route 53 connects Wilmington to Interstate 55 within ten minutes, placing Joliet’s retail corridor and Metra station roughly twenty miles north. The combination of maintained trails, river access, and wildlife viewing opportunities gives local homeowners a consistent outlet for hiking, fishing, and seasonal hunting without leaving the immediate area.

Boating Camping Canoeing Fishing Hiking Paths Horseback Riding Kayaking Picnic Area