Escape to Lake Arlington! This scenic 50-acre lake, created to manage stormwater and prevent flooding, offers a tranquil escape for all. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or jog on the 2-mile walking path that encircles the lake year-round. While swimming isn’t permitted, you can rent a boat and explore the calm waters. Check out Lake Arlington Programs for more information.
Operating Season 2024
- The Lake Boathouse operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10AM-7PM (weather permitting)
Amenities
- Outdoor Exercise Area
- Wayfinding & Interpretive Signage
- Playground for Ages 2-12
- Boardwalk Connected to a Boating Dock
- Fishing Pier
- Sensory Garden & Decorative Fountain
- Multi-Generational Area with Gazebo & Game Tables
- Boat Rentals (sailboats, paddle-boats and boards, kayaks and pontoon pedal boats)
- Two Mile Bike/Walk Path (please see path etiquette below)
- Sailing Lessons (youth, adult, family)
- Youth Sailing Camps
- Picnic Area with Pavilion and Seating Options
- Playground
- Washrooms (inside and outside)
- Concession Stand
- Inside Seating
- Lake View Deck
- Fishing (Catch and Release Only)
Boat Storage
The boat and storage area holds boats up to 14’ long and 4’ wide. Small sailboats and kayaks can fit into the storage unit. No sail boards, or boats with motors are allowed. Arlington Heights Park District reserves the right to question and/or disallow any boat. Trailer storage is not available. Dollies are provided to assist in moving your boat.
Storage Dates
| Season | Fee |
| Summer (May 1–Oct 31) | $165 |
|---|---|
| Winter (November 1–April 30) | $145 |
| Yearly | $220 |
Boat Rentals
Everyday 10AM-5:30PM with the following exceptions:
- June 17-21 and June 24-28 rentals start at 12PM
- July 15-19 and July 22-26 rentals start at 12:30PM.
The Park District rents sailboats and paddle-boats during the summer and fall season.
- Minimum age to rent a boat is 12 years old with a signed waiver.
- A waiver is required of all persons renting a boat.
- Anyone under 16 years of age will be required to have a current waiver on file with the Park District, signed by a parent or guardian.
- All boaters are required to wear a personal flotation device (P.F.D.) while on the water. Lake Arlington will provide P.F.D.’s for all renters.
- Children under 12 years of age who have been in a sail camp during the summer and have instructor approval will be allowed to rent a sailboat with a parent or guardian on site.
- You MUST have participated in a Lake Arlington Sail camp or lesson and have instructor approval to rent a sailboat; or
- You MUST demonstrate through a verbal test that you have sailing experience and can sail a dinghy.
Rental Rates
All Rentals are for 1 Hour
| Rental | Fee |
| Paddle Boats | Adult $8 Child $4 (2-5 yrs) |
|---|---|
| Kayaks | Single $20/hr Tandem $25/hr |
| *Sailboats | $30/1st hour $15/additional hour |
| Paddle Board | $20/hr |
| Pontoon Peddle Boat | $45/hr |
| Swan Boat | $25/hr |
| Punch Card | (5) 1-hour rentals: $120 |
*Sailboats – Please call 847-577-3054 prior to 3 p.m. during the week and one hour in advance on the weekends.
Boat Launching
Boaters are allowed to launch their own craft at Lake Arlington. Boaters must check-in with Boat Dock Staff to ensure watercraft is clean before launch. Hand dollies are available for use on service ramp. If assistance is needed, please inquire inside The Boathouse. No sailboards or motors are allowed. Small sailboats, kayaks and paddle boards are welcome. Boaters must wear PFD while on the water.
Daily Fee: $10/$15 (R/NR)
Season Launch Pass: $65/$90 (R/NR)
Lake Arlington Camps & Classes
We offer an exciting Adventure Camp and Sailing Camp for ages 9-14.
Learn More Camp Welcome Letter Sail Camp Packet
Adult & Family Sailing Lessons
Set sail on a summer adventure! Learn to kayak or sail with our beginner-friendly lessons offered all summer.
Additional Lake Programs
Lake Arlington offers a series of outdoor adventure type camps for children ages 9-14.
Northwest Passage Programs
AHPD partners with Northwest Passage to offer Learn to Kayak and Learn to SUP (stand-up paddleboard) classes throughout the summer.
Posted Rules
Specific rules and regulations regarding the use of Lake Arlington are posted at various locations throughout the lake site. Everyone using the site is expected to know the rules and follow them.
If you have any questions about the site, call 847.577.3054.
Fishing at Lake Arlington is regulated by all Illinois Department of Conservation rules and regulations. Fishing licenses are required for 16-65 year olds. The Park District has stocked the Lake with bass, bluegill, catfish, and northern fingerlings.
*A catch and release program is in effect for the fishing season. Only Carp and Gizzard Shad can be taken from the Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Lake Arlington?
While we love dogs, they are unfortunately not allowed at Lake Arlington due to user conflict. If you are looking for a dog park, check out AHPD’s Canine Commons
- Why do I have to pay a launch fee to use my own boat on the lake?
This nominal fee is only applied during the season and helps cover staff and incidental operating costs. If you are going to visit frequently, consider a season pass!
- Why do I have to clean my boat before launch?
Invasive aquatic species like zebra mussels tend to hitchhike on watercraft and can be easily spread from one body of water to another wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem. Easy prevention is simply making sure your craft is clean!
- What are the park hours?
The park is open sun up to sun down all year long. The Boathouse is open for rentals and concessions from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- How do I make a tee time?
While our names are similar, we are Lake Arlington. For the golf course, please call Arlington Lakes Golf Club at 847-577-3030
Path Etiquette
Travel Safely & Pass with Care
- Always walk, run, and roll at a CONTROLLED SPEED
- Bicyclists must yield to ALL other path users
- Skaters/Rollerbladers must yield to PEDESTRIANS
- Bicyclists pass on the right and use PASSING ZONES when possible
- COMMUNICATE when passing others. Example: “On your RIGHT”
Follow the “Right of Way” Rules
- PEDESTRIANS always have the right of way
- The outside lane is for bikes and skaters/rollerbladers in a COUNTER CLOCKWISE DIRECTION
- The inside lane is for pedestrians moving in EITHER DIRECTION
- SLOW DOWN at path intersections
- Always ANTICIPATE other path users
Protect Yourself & Respect Others
- Keep headphone VOLUME LOW
- Respect any WILDLIFE you encounter and keep your distance
- NO dogs allowed
- RESPECT private property
- BE SAFE. Call 911 if you feel unsafe on the path at any time
Keep The Path Clean
- Please put litter in ITS PLACE. Thank you.
