Monee Reservoir Visitor Center

Visitor center amenities

The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, including:

• Public programs
• Youth group programs 
• Concessions
• Equipment rentals
• Facility rentals
• Annual fishing contest
• Free District publications and trail maps

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The following licenses, passes and permits are available for purchase at the visitor center:

• Fishing licenses
• Picnic permits for the shelters and picnic grove at Monee Reservoir

The following bait and tackle are some popular items also available for purchase:

The following items are available for rental at the visitor center: 

Anchors

Anchors are available for rental at Monee Reservoir.
Activity fee: $1/day

Pedalboats

Pedalboats are typically available for rental at Monee Reservoir May 1-October 31. Pedalboats have a maximum capacity of four persons per boat (955 pounds). There is no fishing from pedalboats.
 
A $20 cash deposit is required on all boat rentals. Renters must be 18 years old and bring a valid driver's license or state ID. A $20 late fee will be charged if boats are not returned by 7 p.m. May 1-September 14 or 5 p.m. September 15-October 31.
Activity fee: $15/hour

Rowboats

Rowboats are typically available for rental at Monee Reservoir April 1-October 31. Rowboats have a maximum capacity of four persons per boat. Only electric trolling motors are allowed. Boats must leave the dock while fishing. All Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) boating regulations are enforced.
 
A $20 cash deposit is required on all boat rentals. Renters must be 18 years old and bring a valid driver's license or state ID. A $20 late fee will be charged if boats are not returned by 5:00 p.m. in April and September 15-October 31, or 7:00 p.m. May 1-September 14.
Activity fee: $15/hour, $35/half-day, $45/day

Trolling motors

Trolling motors are available for rental at Monee Reservoir.
Activity fee: $15/hour, $35/half-day, $45/day

Trolling motor batteries

Batteries for personal trolling motors are available for rental at Monee Reservoir.
Activity fee: $10/hour

Canoes/kayaks

Monee Reservoir's 46-acre lake provides a beautiful site for you to enjoy an hour or a half-day exploring in a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are rented on a first-come, first-served basis and are available May 1-September 30. With a rental, life vests, oars, and paddles are included.

Canoes have a maximum capacity of three persons per canoe. Regular kayaks have a maximum capacity of one person per kayak, and tandem kayaks have a maximum capacity of two persons per kayak.

A $20 cash deposit is required on all boat rentals. Renters must be 18 years old and bring a valid driver's license or state ID. A $20 late fee will be charged if boats are not returned by 5:00 p.m. September 15-September 30, or 7:00 p.m. May 1-September 14.
Activity fee: $15/hour, $35/half-day

Personal canoes and kayaks can be launched and all Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) boating regulations are enforced.

All persons in a rented canoe or kayak must wear a personal flotation device at Monee Reservoir and at District-sponsored programs.

Flag system

Monee Reservoir has a wind speed flag system to alert staff and boaters to conditions on the lake: Green flag, 0-14 mph, all boating is allowed; yellow flag, 15-24 mph, rowboats only, no kayaks, canoes or pedal boats; red flag, 25 mph or higher, thunder or lightning, no rowboats, kayaks, canoes or pedal boats. Current conditions at Monee Reservoir can be checked on Weather Underground by searching for "Monee Station."

Fishing

 

At Monee Reservoir, even a rookie angler can get in on the action by purchasing a one-day or annual Illinois fishing license, and renting a fishing pole. But dipping your own line in the water is always free, as long as you have the proper licensing.

Fishing license

A fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years of age who fishes a public Illinois waterway, and may be purchased from Monee Reservoir or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Resident: $5.50/day, $15/year
Non-resident: $10.50/day, $31.50/year (out-of-state)

Fishing license (senior citizen)

The Senior Citizen fishing license is for applicants who are age 65 or older and are Illinois residents. A fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years of age who fishes a public Illinois waterway, and may be purchased from Monee Reservoir or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Activity fee: $5.50/day, $7.75/year (Illinois residents only). The annual fee for senior citizens 75 years of age or older is $1.50/year for Illinois residents.

Fishing poles

Fishing poles can be cheked out for free at Monee Reservoir. 

Group outings

While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to visit, they are required to get a special use permit in advance to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts. Please contact the nature center at 708-534-8499 for more information. 

Preserve amenities

The Monee Reservoir Visitor Center is located at Monee Reservoir, which offers the following amenities and activities:

• Hiking/running
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Picnicking
• Fishing
• Canoeing/kayaking
• Boating (rentals only)
• Geocaching