Most People Don't Even Know This Little-Known Destination In Illinois Even Exists
By Linze Rice|Published July 21, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Unless you’re from the DeKalb County area, or you went to Northern Illinois University, you’ve probably never heard of “the lagoon.” Technically called the East Lagoon, it’s a beautiful waterway right off of the historic Lincoln Highway on the NIU campus. Home videos of me as a toddler show me throwing bread at the ducks with my grandpa (but don’t do this, you’re not supposed to!), and later, as a student at NIU, I often came to sit at the park benches for some rest and reflection between classes. And while there are tons of gorgeous bodies of water in Illinois, this hidden pond near NIU in DeKalb, Illinois has a special place in the hearts of those who know it.
Let’s see why!
The NIU lagoon consists of two small, connected ponds that sit alongside the south branch of the Kishwaukee River. The lagoon is set in a park area with benches, a parking lot, walkways, and access to the university's buildings.
So it's easy to see why in 1907 the school's groundskeeper and gardener teamed up to transform the "mud hole" into a 7-acre lagoon. And in 1930, it was revitalized and recreated with help from the Civil Works Administration program.
With tiny waterfalls, bridges, and islands, the lagoon is a nature-filled oasis right on the college campus. It's perfect for fishing, and art students are often seen posted up creating beautiful works with the landscape as inspiration.
But don't do what I did — feeding the ducks is not allowed, and it's not good for them.
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Of course, all who have been to the lagoon know that there is one major frenemy to the area: Geese. The geese on the NIU campus, particularly at the lagoon, have been the subject of love, ire, and fear since the park's earliest days.
Pro tip: LEAVE THE GEESE ALONE and avoid them at all costs. They can be mean and aggressive! They are usually traveling with young and are very protective, so I can't blame them.
In fact, the geese are so prolific that there is even an area dubbed "Geese Island" that can be accessed by a foot bridge.
A memorial plaque can be found at the park for Willaim "Bob" Goose — said to be the friendliest goose ever known at the lagoon. He swam alongside kayakers and loved pets during his stay from the 1960s through the early 1980s.
Unfortunately, his story had a tragic ending — yet his legacy of kindness will never be forgotten.
Yet, despite the geese, the lagoon is still a tranquil, idyllic area to spend some time alone or with friends. Whether you want to canoe or simply meditate to the sounds of the water fountain, this little pocket of peace is a destination worth visiting.
So, have you ever been to this hidden pond near NIU in DeKalb, Illinois? Would you brave the geese to spend some time at this beloved lagoon? Do you have another little-known park or lake that you love? Tell us in the comments! Learn more about the East Lagoon’s history by checking out the Northern Illinois University website, and look here to stay to date on happenings at the park. And while you’re at the lagoon, consider heading across the street for some of the best pizza and beer nuggets around!
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