SPRINGFIELD – The popular Maple Grove boat launch at Chain o' Lakes State Park in McHenry County has reopened to the public following a $3 million improvement project that incorporates numerous accessibility upgrades and other amenities, including a new fishing pier and kayak launch.
Located in the heart of Illinois’ largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain o’ Lakes State Park features nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline, offering outstanding recreational opportunities for boaters, anglers and water skiers. The park’s free Maple Grove boat launch sees more than 4,000 launches per season, making it the busiest state-owned launch in northeastern Illinois.
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Construction began in October 2025 to address outdated design and configuration that prevented the launch from being disabled accessible. Visitors will now find the following upgrades:
- Complete replacement of both boat ramps, including the north double-lane ramp and the south double-lane ramp, plus new security lighting on both sides of the launches
- New accessible fishing pier and accessible kayak launch
- ADA accessible railings, as well as new gangways, piers and concession boat livery dock
- New sidewalks and sidewalk ramps instead of stairs
- Resurfacing of disabled parking spots, as well as pavement sealing and striping of ADA lanes and boat parking
- New, relocated, accessible vault toilet
- New benches, information kiosk, signage, and accessible drinking fountain
- Incidental drainage structures
- Strategic waterway dredging
- New water-tight storage building
Improving accessibility at the Maple Grove boat launch is an important step in an ongoing commitment to modernizing Illinois state parks and making them accessible to everyone, said Jim Montgomery, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“These upgrades ensure that visitors of all abilities can safely and comfortably enjoy one of Illinois’ most popular boating destinations. With these renovations, the boat launch, day use areas, and connecting pathways are now fully ADA accessible,” Montgomery said. “We want every person who visits our parks to feel welcome, supported, and able to experience the outdoors without barriers. Investments like these help us create parks that truly serve all Illinoisans.”
The project was managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB).
“The restoration and redevelopment of the Maple Grove Boat Access Area creates new opportunities for the community to enjoy the outdoors” said CDB Director TJ Edwards. “Improving public access to state sites and supporting recreational opportunities are valuable investments that benefit Illinois residents and our visitors.”
Chain o’ Lakes State Park attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually. Activities available at the park include fishing, hunting, boating, camping, hiking, archery, bicycling, picnicking, winter sports, and more.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
