Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area is a large protected space in Will County covering thousands of acres of prairie, rivers, and wetlands. The land sits where major waterways meet, creating diverse habitats for wildlife throughout the seasons.

The site became a state property in 1948 when Illinois took it over from the federal government, shifting from a simple hunting area to a broader conservation and recreation space. This transition helped protect the prairie landscape for future generations.

The area protects two nature preserves where rare prairie plants and native wildflowers grow as they did long ago. Visitors can walk through these spaces and see what the land looked like before it was developed.

Multiple paved boat ramps provide access to the Kankakee River, though some backwater areas have engine power limits that visitors should know about before launching. Knowing the rules for your specific route helps you plan your visit more smoothly.

This site operates one of Illinois's largest pheasant hunting facilities where hunters need a permit to take part in the hunts. There are also roughly 12 miles of horse trails that wind through the grounds during specific seasons.

Location: Will County

GPS coordinates: 41.39330,-88.21000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:22