Best lakes around Addison, Illinois, are situated within a region characterized by its extensive forest preserves and interconnected trail systems. This area offers a variety of natural landscapes, including waterways and woodlands, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The terrain features numerous popular trails and routes around lakes near Addison IL, suitable for walking and cycling. Notable landmarks and natural features include large forest preserves and various water bodies.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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In addition to being a convenient way to cross the water, this is a popular place with anglers trying their luck. The views across the water and exceptional as well.
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Timber Ridge Trail connects the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail. This smooth, paved path runs past Kline Creek Farm and Timber Lake.
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This lake is a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails, offering opportunities to explore the area by rowboat, canoe, or kayak, all of which can be rented nearby. Even if you choose to stay on land, the views from here are awesome.
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North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is a charming small island nestled in the midst of Salt Creek. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings with available picnic shelters, offering a perfect setting to relax, take in the views, and even set up your fishing pole.
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Ned Brown Forest Preserve, also known as the Busse Woods, is a 3,558-acre preserve with almost 13 miles of paved trails to ride. This park has an elk pasture and is one of the most popular parks in the state.
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This enormous, 3,700-acre swath of forestland sits on the edge of Chicago's suburbs. It contains more than a dozen miles of trails, extensive waterways, an elk pasture, and some truly ancient trees.
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A small rocky dam separates the North Pool and the Main Pool of Busse Lake from each other. The paved (and striped) Busse Woods Bicycle Trail (BWBT) passes directly between the two reservoirs and offers great views out onto the water.
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The lakes around Addison offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the Salt Creek and Des Plaines River Trail Loop, or explore hiking trails such as the Stonewort Pond, Green Lake and Riverbend Pond Loop. For more options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Addison and Hiking around Addison guides.
Yes, several areas are family-friendly. Busse Lake — North and Main Pools is a great spot, offering opportunities for rowboat, canoe, or kayak rentals. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), with its extensive paved trails and elk pasture, is also very popular with families. Additionally, North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve provides picnic shelters and a relaxing setting.
The region is rich in natural features. You can find extensive waterways and woodlands, particularly within the 3,558-acre Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which also features an elk pasture. Busse Lake — North and Main Pools offers awesome views, especially from the paved Busse Woods Bicycle Trail. The Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge provides a scenic crossing and a popular spot for anglers.
Yes, there are options for easy walks and accessible paths. The Timber Ridge Trail is a smooth, paved path connecting major trail systems, and it is noted as wheelchair-accessible. The Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) also boasts almost 13 miles of paved trails suitable for easy walks.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge is known as a popular spot for anglers. Additionally, North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve offers a perfect setting to relax and set up your fishing pole in Salt Creek.
The lakes around Addison are enjoyable throughout the year, with each season offering unique experiences. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and cycling on the extensive trail networks due to milder temperatures and scenic foliage. Summer is perfect for water activities like kayaking and canoeing on Busse Lake, while winter can offer opportunities for different outdoor pursuits, though specific winter activities vary by lake.
Yes, you can find picnic areas. North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, nestled in Salt Creek, provides charming picnic shelters, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Popular trails include the paved paths within the Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which offers almost 13 miles of trails. The Timber Ridge Trail is also well-regarded for its smooth, paved surface, connecting the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail.
Yes, Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails, offers excellent opportunities to explore by rowboat, canoe, or kayak, with rentals available nearby.
Visitors particularly appreciate the extensive forest preserves and interconnected trail systems that surround the lakes. The combination of waterways and woodlands provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, from cycling on paved trails to exploring by boat. The natural beauty and the well-maintained facilities, such as those at Busse Woods, are frequently highlighted.
Many forest preserves and outdoor areas in the region are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. For specific rules regarding each lake or preserve, it's always best to check local signage or the official website of the respective forest preserve district.


Still not found your perfect lake around Addison? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.