McGinty Slough

A landscape changed by beavers

From wetland depression to open water

According to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, beaver activity raised the water level here in the early 2000s, transforming a small wetland depression into water deep enough for fishing. The county lists the slough at 38 acres, with a depth of 8.2 feet.

The name honors Dave McGinty, a former chief fisheries biologist and assistant superintendent of conservation known for innovative fisheries techniques.

Pause along the water

The photographs show a mix of open water, cattail edges, bare trees and grassy paths. Look closely at the waterfowl gallery to compare the long-necked Northern Pintail, green-headed Mallard and slender-billed Common Mergansers.

A Robin, an orange anglewing butterfly and fluffy cattail seed heads offer other reasons to slow down. These are moments from past visits; sightings and water conditions vary.

Plan your visit

A walk-in stop on the Sag Valley trails

Where to start

The closest official parking is Sag Valley Equestrian Parking on West 131st Street, east of Bell Road, near Lemont. McGinty Slough is reached on foot via the Brown Unpaved Loop. Use the trail map rather than navigating only to the lake’s map pin.

A suggested walk

The county recommends a 3.4-mile introductory route combining the Red Unpaved Trail and Brown Unpaved Loop from the parking area. It describes rolling terrain and mostly mowed trails. This is one route within the much larger Sag Valley network, not a 3.4-mile shoreline path.

Hours & shared trails

Sag Valley trails are open sunrise to sunset year-round. Routes are shared with cyclists and equestrians, and dogs must remain leashed. Follow posted signs and check current closures before setting out.

Come prepared

Expect unpaved footing and bring water, comfortable walking shoes and binoculars. Leave space for other trail users, give birds room to feed and rest, and avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation or animal structures.

Photographs by Brian Woolman

Explore the visit

18 selected photographs from 27 images. Open any photograph for the slideshow, or load the additional image in each gallery.

Water & trail views

Bare tree trunks rising from blue slough water at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Bare tree trunks rising from blue slough water

A grassy trail beneath a clear blue sky at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — A grassy trail beneath a clear blue sky

An open trail through dormant grasses and shrubs at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — An open trail through dormant grasses and shrubs

Open water beneath a pale blue sky at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Open water beneath a pale blue sky

A wooden trail bridge with metal railings at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — A wooden trail bridge with metal railings

A small pool edged with golden grasses at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — A small pool edged with golden grasses

A broad shoreline view across McGinty Slough at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — A broad shoreline view across McGinty Slough

Blue water framed by dry cattail stems at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Blue water framed by dry cattail stems

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Grassy shoreline and woodland across the slough at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Grassy shoreline and woodland across the slough

Waterfowl & small discoveries

Canada Geese gathered on rippling water at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Canada Geese gathered on rippling water

Common Mergansers swimming beside a grassy bank at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Common Mergansers swimming beside a grassy bank

Male Mallard beside a weathered stump at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Male Mallard beside a weathered stump

Male Northern Pintail among standing stems at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Male Northern Pintail among standing stems

Northern Pintail swimming near Canada Geese at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Northern Pintail swimming near Canada Geese

American Robin perched on a bare branch at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — American Robin perched on a bare branch

An orange anglewing butterfly basking on a branch at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — An orange anglewing butterfly basking on a branch

Fluffy cattail seed heads against blue sky at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — Fluffy cattail seed heads against blue sky

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A mound of sticks and vegetation at the marsh edge at McGinty Slough near Lemont, Illinois — A mound of sticks and vegetation at the marsh edge

Official information & trail map

Visitor information and history: Forest Preserves of Cook County. Route details come from its Sag Valley Trail System guide. The map below covers the regional trail network, including the approach to McGinty Slough.

Official Visitor Information Official Trail Map ← Back to Places to Explore

From wetland depression to open water

Pause along the water