You’re driving down Schick Road, just past Gary Avenue, and the suburban sprawl of Hanover Park suddenly gives way to nearly a thousand acres of wild, green silence. This is Mallard Lake Hanover Park, or more officially, the Mallard Lake Forest Preserve. Honestly, most people just drive right by it on their way to the Stratford Square area, thinking it’s just another retention pond or a patch of generic grass.
They’re wrong.
Basically, this place is a bit of a local enigma. It’s the largest recreational lake in the entire DuPage County Forest Preserve District, spanning 85 acres of water within a massive 948-acre footprint. But the history of this land is kind of wild. It wasn't always this pristine sanctuary for blue herons and weekend anglers.
The Landfill That Became a Landmark
If you stand on the high ridges at Mallard Lake today, you’re looking at a landscape shaped by two very different forces: a massive glacier and a massive amount of trash.
Ten thousand years ago, the Wisconsin Glacier retreated, leaving behind a ridgeline. Fast forward to the 1950s, and humans were busy mining the area for gravel and peat. Then things got weird. Between the 1970s and 1990s, a large portion of the site—specifically the area west of the lake—was used as the Mallard Lake Landfill.
It actually rises to 982 feet above sea level.
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That makes it the highest point in DuPage County. While the idea of a "trash mountain" sounds like a deterrent, the Forest Preserve District did something pretty incredible. They reclaimed it. They stabilized the West Branch of the DuPage River, diverted it around the old landfill footprint, and spent years monitoring the groundwater to ensure the ecology stayed healthy. Today, unless you know the history, you’d just think you’re looking at a particularly tall, grassy hill perfect for hawk-watching.
Why the Fishing Here is Actually Legendary
You’ve probably seen the guys in lawn chairs lined up along the boardwalk. They aren't just killing time. Mallard Lake Hanover Park is a legitimate powerhouse for local fishing.
Because the lake is so large (for a forest preserve), it supports a diversity of species you won't find in smaller neighborhood ponds. We’re talking:
- Muskie (the "fish of ten thousand casts")
- Northern Pike
- Largemouth Bass
- Channel and Flathead Catfish
- Crappie and Bluegill
There are two wheelchair-accessible piers, which is a huge plus. If you’re planning to cast a line, you absolutely need an Illinois fishing license if you're 16 or older. And don't even think about bringing a gas motor. The lake is strictly for non-gasoline powered watercraft—think kayaks, canoes, or boats with electric trolling motors.
One thing to keep in mind: the zebra mussel situation. These invasive little guys have shown up in the lake. If you bring your own kayak, you’ve gotta be diligent about draining and drying everything. The locals are pretty protective of the water quality, and honestly, for good reason.
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Hiking the Four-Mile Loop
The trail system here is solid. It’s about four miles total, mostly crushed limestone. It’s wide enough for those jogging strollers but rugged enough to feel like a real hike.
I’ve found that the 2.5-mile loop around the lake is the sweet spot. It takes you over two bridges and a long boardwalk that cuts right through the wetlands. If you’re into birding, this is your mecca. You’ll see beavers (if you're quiet), great blue herons, and kestrels.
The paths also connect to Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve and the North Central DuPage Regional Trail. You could technically start in Hanover Park and bike halfway across the county if your legs are up for it.
The Logistics: What You Need to Know Before You Go
It’s open daily, from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Parking is usually easy, but the main lot off Schick Road can get jammed on Saturday mornings when the weather is perfect. There’s a secondary lot on Greenbrook Boulevard, which is often a lot quieter.
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Pro-tip for families: There is a playground, but it’s sort of tucked away. If you follow the trails through the woods, you’ll stumble upon it. It’s a great way to bribe the kids into finishing the hike.
Quick Rules for the Road:
- Dogs: Allowed, but keep them on a leash (10 feet or shorter). And please, pick up after them. The "landfill" history is enough; we don't need new deposits on the trail.
- Boating: You need a Forest Preserve District permit to launch. There are no on-site rentals at Mallard Lake itself, so you have to bring your own gear.
- Grills: You can bring your own, and there are hot-coal containers available. Just no ground fires.
- Alcohol: Totally prohibited. Keep the cooler PG.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're heading out to Mallard Lake Hanover Park this weekend, don't just wing it.
Start by downloading the digital trail map from the DuPage Forest Preserve website; cell service can be spotty near the deeper wooded sections. If you’re fishing, check the current creel limits, as they can be more restrictive than general Illinois state rules to protect the muskie population. Finally, if you're looking for the best views, head to the boardwalk at golden hour—the way the sun hits the wetlands makes the whole "former landfill" thing feel like a distant, impossible memory.
Pack some binoculars, grab a permit if you’re hitting the water, and actually take the time to look at the "mountain" to the west. It’s a pretty cool reminder that nature is great at staged comebacks.