Heritage Quarries Recreation Area

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Lemont owes its existence to the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M). Digging began in 1836 and finished in 1848, representing a revolution in the transportation of goods and people and set Chicago on its path to become a great American city. Today, visitors can enjoy a day at the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA). Whether you're walking, running, biking, boating, or fishing, the paths along the I&M Canal and quarries is your location for recreation.

The HQRA is open from dusk until dawn, seven days a week. There is no swimming, no hunting, no alcohol and no open fires allowed. Only paddle, oar or electronic tolling motor boats are allowed.

Located just half a mile east of downtown Lemont, the entrance is accessed from Talcott Avenue just east of Main Street and the adjacent railroad tracks. Following the road, you will cross another set of tracks, and just past the tracks, the first entrance is to the east. Take the second entrance drive, north alongside the I&M Canal, to get to parking areas for boating, fishing, picnic groves and The Forge: Lemont Quarries. There are many spots along the way where you will see fisherman, kayakers and boaters enjoying the quarries.

The entrance to the west end of the quarries is accessible off of Stephen Street in downtown Lemont, just northeast of the I&M Canal bridge. Parking is available in the lot and the trail is along the canal. No unauthorized vehicles are allowed on this path.

Heritage Quarries Recreation Brochure

Enjoy the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area all year-long.

HQRA Brochure

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Fishing and Boating

Permits / Licenses and Fish Limits

Fishing is allowed in all quarries and a boat ramp provides access to the Great Lakes Quarries for boats, canoes, and kayaks. Two picnic areas offer shady spots to relax. The Village of Lemont entered into a Cooperative Management Agreement with the IDNR Division of Fisheries in 2018. Size and catch limits were implemented April 1, 2019.

Site Regulations:

Bluegill, Redear or Hybrid sunfish – 15 fish daily creel limit, no size limit
Black or White crappie – 15 fish daily creel limit, no size limit
Largemouth Bass – 3 fish daily creel limit, 14" minimum length limit

A License is required for fishing in the HQRA. Visit: Fishing License (Illinois DNR)

Boat Launches

Biking and Running Trails

Maps and Distances

The I&M Canal Trail provides 6 miles of crushed stone surface for runners, hikers, bikers, and dog walkers. For those who wish to exercise or train in the HQRA, signs along the I&M Trail mark courses of 2 miles, 5k, and 5 miles, respectively. These looped courses begin and end at the trailhead located in downtown Lemont east of Stephen Street at the "Safety Village," which is equipped with a bike repair station, water bottle filling, and public restroom. Free parking is available.

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail (TrailLink)

Bird Watching

In addition to the canal and quarries, the HQRA has two other notable water-related features. On the east side of the park lies a small waterfall. Depending on the time of year, water may be trickling calmly or crashing down to the canal. Just west of Icebox Quarry is a limestone fen; a fen is a rare type of wetland that supports a diverse plant and animal community.

The open waters of the quarries attract water birds like grebes, coots, and ducks during their fall and spring migrations. In winter, bald eagles have been spotted and summer always brings herons and swallows to the HQRA.

The Forge

The Village of Lemont's Heritage Quarries Recreation Area is home to The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a year-round outdoor adventure course featuring ziplining and ropes courses, kids zone, paddleboats and kayaks, a bike park with pump track, cafe, and entertainment. Visit forgeparks.com to book your reservation.

Admission to The Forge is FREE and you only pay for activities that require a waiver. Visit their Park Map and get ready to explore!

Nearby Amenities

The Quarries are minutes by car, bike, or trail from Lemont Downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit lemontdowntown.com to learn more about our great restaurants, brewery, and taverns or the specialty boutiques in our charming downtown. Don't forget to visit for one of the many special events!

Volunteerism

Watch for annual clean up events and other ways you can participate in the ongoing efforts to restore the HQRA. For event information, please sign up to our Stay Informed electronic notification system to receive notification of upcoming events. For businesses that want to be involved, please email.

Friends of the Forge Volunteer Program

Volunteers are the backbone of The Forge: Lemont Quarries community.

As a volunteer, you have endless opportunities to make a difference, share your skills, and connect with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Explore impactful adventures as a Friends of The Forge volunteer, with individual and group volunteer opportunities available.

Throughout 2021, Friends of The Forge volunteers can participate in the restoration and beautification of the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA) through park conservation and clean-up projects, trail restoration and development, special events support, and more.

A volunteer’s interests, experience, and availability will factor into the specific volunteer area where you are placed. Volunteers generally work 2-hour shifts once per month during our winter/spring season (January - June), expanding to a minimum of 3 - 4 hour shifts twice per month during our summer/fall season (July - December).

Volunteers of all ages are welcome! Children aged 14 and under require adult supervision by a parent or guardian. Visit Friends of the Forge for complete information on this volunteer program.