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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area

CLOSED:  Eagle Lake and Ponderosa Lake effective September 11, 2024, for a CDB construction project. There is no public access allowed in this area. Fishermen can use Monster Lake which is a half mile west of this area on 5000 Road.

The IDNR Mazonia-Braidwood complex is one of northeast Illinois' most popular destinations for hunting and fishing.  Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area features 1,017 acres and is located in Grundy County 3 miles southeast of Braidwood on Illinois Route 53 and Huston Road.  Braidwood Lake Fish and Wildlife Area - including the partially perched cooling lake for the Braidwood Generating Station -​ is 2,640 acres and is located in Will County south of Braidwood off Illinois Route 53.

The site includes more than 200 water impoundments ranging from 3/4 to 30 acres in size. Anglers may try their luck catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, green sunfish, crappie, channel catfish and bullhead. Good wildlife habitat can be found on the site in the 700 acres of grassland, brushy draws and limited woodland cover. Braidwood Lake currently is used for fishing, waterfowl hunting, fossil hunting by permit, and as a waterfowl refuge. Mazonia is also managed for waterfowl hunting, with quality habitat. ​​​​

Mazonia-Braidwood

Park Information:

Northeastern Illinois

IL Route 53 & Huston Rd.

Braceville

60407

815-237-0063

41.215

-88.270

Mazonia Braidwood site map

Other Parks in Illinois:

Map of Illinois DNR Regions State Parks in Northwestern IllinoisState Parks in Northeastern IllinoisState Parks in East Central IllinoisState Parks in West Central IllinoisState Parks in Southern Illinois