Beaches & Lakes

 

Indian Trail & Butch Hagele Beaches

Woods Creek Lake has two sand beaches to choose from, Butch Hagele, 71 Hilltop Dr. and Indian Trail, 228 Indian Trail.  In order to use the beaches, you must either purchase a lake use tag or a daily use.  Lake use tag holders are allowed to place up to six guests on their tag, however each guest must pay an admittance fee.

Cool off during the hot summer at one of our beaches on Woods Creek Lake.  Indian Trail Beach and Butch Hagele beach are guarded by Red Cross Certified Lifeguards to help make your visit a safe one. 

Beach Water Conditions are explained by 3 different levels.  Green indicates that the beach is open for swimming; Yellow indicates that the beach is open but E coli bacteria has exceeded advisory limits so swim at your own risk; Red indicates the beach is closed to swimming.  E coli bacteria has exceeded closing limits.  The water temperature is updated every Wednesday and can be found in the box on the right.

Beach Hours:                                         

	Butch Hagele	Indian Trail Beach
Gates Open:	Gates open May 29-Sept. 6 from Sunrise to Sunset	Sunrise - Sunset Year ‘round
Guarded:	11:00am - 5:00pm June 14 - Aug. 22	10:00am - 6:00pm June 5 - Aug. 22, 28, & 29 Sept. 4, 5, & 6

 

 

 

 

Paddle Boat & Kayak (NEW) Rentals

Discover the Woods Creek Lake by boat. Participants may rent a boat to paddle or peddle along the shores where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Boat rentals are available at the Indian Trail Beach, 228 Indian Trail, from Noon – 5 p.m. (when the beach is open). Fees are $6 for a 30 minute rental and $11 for an hour rental. 

 

 

 

 

The Lakes in Lake in the Hills

As the name implies, Lake in the Hills has lakes - four of them.  Woods Creek Lake is the largest with two swimming areas - Indian Trail Beach and Butch Hagele Beach.  Goose Lake, Willow Lake and Lake Scott are all shallow lakes.  Goose Lake is utilized mainly for fishing while Willow Lake and Lake Scott are wildlife ponds. 

 

One of the biggest benefits of living in Lake in the Hills is the natural beauty of our lakes nestled on the east side, minutes from the hustle and bustle of the major roadways.  The lakes provide the opportunity for many recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, etc. 

 

 

Lake Use Regulations

Residents interested in taking advantage of this resource need only sign up for a lake use registration tag on sale now!  The tag allows all household members access to swim or boat on the lakes.  If you’re someone who loves the idea of using the lake, but are sure you wouldn’t have the opportunity to use it year round, you always have the option of paying the daily use fee. 

Lake Use Tags, Boat Tags, and Boat Racks may be purchased at the Village Hall. Daily Admission fees are also available at the beaches (in-season) and Police Department. 

Fees	Residents	Non-Residents
Lake Use Tag	$40 (Senior $30)	$60
Beach Daily Admissions	$2.00	$5
Boat Tag *	$10 (Senior $7)	Not available
Boat Rack	$20 (Senior $15)	Not available

Note: If you are participating in any activity on the lake (boating, fishing, swimming), you need to have a Lake Use Tag or have paid a daily use fee.

*All boat users are required to purchase a Boat Tag and Lake Use Tag to utilize the Woods Creek Lake.  Your current IDNR registration must be included with your registration form to be eligible to purchase current boat tags.

 

 

Fishing

As a lake use tag holders, you are also free to take in a bit of shoreline fishing, provided you are appropriately licensed by the State.  The lakes are stocked with an assortment of fish including:

• Largemouth bass

• Smallmouth bass

• Crappie

• Bluegill

• Catfish

Fishing is permitted on all of the lakes in Lake in the Hills.  All anglers must have a lake use tag or have paid a daily lake use fee and have an IDNR Sport Fishing License.  Those anglers under 16 years of age, and persons declared legally disabled or blind, may fish without a license.

 

 

 

Boat Use Regulations

If you’d prefer to catch fish while floating gently on the water, or you simply want to get some exercise rowing, residents may purchase a boat use tag.  The boat use tag is an additional expense after first purchasing the lake use tag (see fees above).  Boat use tags are required if you are planning to do any boating activities and require proof of residency and current IDNR boat registration.  For boaters who would who would like to utilize the Woods Creek Lake for one day can pay a $15 daily boat launch fee. In order to protect the lakes, motor boats are prohibited.

 

Boat slips at either Nockels Park or Turtle Island are available for purchase on or after May 1st of each year.  Residents must first purchase both the lake and boat use tags before obtaining a slip.