The Liquid Heart of Kane County, Illinois – Ancient but Still Beating!

The ultimate Chicagoland day trip!

Dive right in!

Glacial Lake Pingree is not just a geological curiosity. From the vast bed of this ancient lake, numerous watersheds still flow—the Kishwaukee River watershed to the west and, to the east, Jelkes Creek, Tyler Creek, Fitchie Creek, Otter Creek, Bowes Creek, and the Ferson Creek watersheds.

Each of the eastward-flowing creeks is an essential tributary of the Fox River basin. Those creeks also provide the names of numerous Kane County Forest Preserves.

Natural history, beautiful forest preserves, rural experiences, food stops, tap rooms, and farm-to-table, shopping abound in and around Glacial Lake Pingree! You can help conserve Kane County open spaces by taking the tour, supporting the businesses, and sharing your experiences on this ultimate Chicagoland day trip, the Glacial Lake Pingree Circle Tour.

The above button will take you to a self-guided auto tour that is still under construction. Alternative tours are available both in a motorcoach format through the Kane County Forest Preserve District and via the Illinois State Geological Survey guide form 1999 called “Quaternary Geology, Geomorphology, and Climactic History of Kane County”, which you can access by clicking the cover image below.

Site Map

• Explore Resources
  The Glacial Lake Pingree Circle Tour is based on decades of research and preservation. The following links point to videos,… Read more: Explore Resources
• Scroll the Gallery
  There is much that is beautiful about the environs of Glacial Lake Pingree. Here we attempt to highlight some of… Read more: Scroll the Gallery
• Activate Me
  Is it time for you to act on what you learned about Glacial Lake Pingree? This ancient glacial lake basin… Read more: Activate Me
• Sponsor the app
  Be included on the Glacial Lake Pingree Circle Tour app and online presence.
• Claim a sign
  Sponsor the placement of Glacial Lake Pingree Circle Tour signage in the name of your business or organization. Have you… Read more: Claim a sign