Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area offers varied outdoor opportunities close to the Chicago area. Visitors commonly praise well-managed, spacious grounds for hunting, bird-dog training, field trials, and shooting practice; facilities are described as clean and include archery and trap ranges. Water access supports smallmouth bass fishing and walking trails, and picnic areas, a playground and restrooms make it family-friendly. Some hunters note recent changes to hunting access (lottery/standby procedures) and occasional communication gaps about those policies, so check current regulations before visiting. Overall it’s a convenient, versatile spot for many outdoor pursuits.

Our summary of 61 traveler reviews.