Photo: tjb1215, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–72 °F | 60–85 °F | 33–77 °F | 17–37 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Channahon Dresden Island Dam, 4 mi away, elevation 505 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Chicago’s Wild Backyard — 5,000-acre wetland complex along the Des Plaines River — critical migration corridor for millions of waterfowl on the Mississippi Flyway
Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area protects 5,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, and forests along the Des Plaines River in Will County — just 50 miles from downtown Chicago. The site sits on the Mississippi Flyway, one of the four major bird migration routes in North America, channeling millions of waterfowl through the Des Plaines River valley every spring and fall. The area was restored from degraded farmland in the 1940s and now supports over 280 bird species — making it one of the premier birding destinations in the Chicago metro area.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Will County, IL (50mi from Chicago!) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Size | 5,000 acres! |
| Birds | 280+ species! Mississippi Flyway! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mississippi Flyway?
The Mississippi Flyway is a bird migration superhighway stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic. Hundreds of millions of birds follow the Mississippi and its tributaries (including the Des Plaines River) north each spring and south each fall — making sites along the flyway critical stopover habitat.
About Des Plaines
Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area in Will County covers over 5,000 acres along the Des Plaines River in the Chicago metropolitan area — providing critical green space and wildlife habitat in one of the most densely populated regions of the Midwest. The area features wetlands, prairies, and forests that represent remnants of the pre-settlement landscape.
Things to Do
Hunting (deer, pheasant, waterfowl — permits required), fishing in the river and ponds, birdwatching (the wetlands attract migratory species), hiking, and wildlife observation. Valuable accessible outdoor recreation near Chicago.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Kankakee River State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; state code caps leash length at 10 feet
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in areas posted 'NO PETS', reserved for beach areas, concession areas and crowded campground/picnic areas (e.g. no dogs on the beach at Illinois Beach State Park)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in campground cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash rule exceptions for hunting dogs, field trials and dog training areas; pets must not be left unattended
Are dogs allowed at Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area?
Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.illinois.gov. More: Illinois state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities around Chicago (about 45 mi away)
from $508
from $35
from $35