Lake Park Golf Course

Lake Park Golf Course Overview
Lake Park Golf Course is an 18-hole par-3 course located in Des Plaines, adjacent to the man-made Lake Opeka, which also offers paddle boat rentals and fishing. The site was purchased by the city in 1959 for $1 from the company that excavated the lake during original construction of the Northwest Highway. Opened in 1963 and owned by the Des Plaines Park District, the course is designed for low-stress golf, making it a good option for kids learning the game or adults looking to work on their short game. The longest hole is 115 yards, so leave your woods in the trunk. Tee boxes are made of astroturf mats, though some players opt to tee off from the grass.

The track measures 1,515 yards in total, with no official course rating or slope due to its par-27 layout. Five of the holes are over 100 yards, and the greens are very flat, contributing to the course’s accessible and friendly design. There are some bunkers to avoid. Push cart rentals are available for those who need them. In addition to traditional golf, Lake Park also offers Foot Golf, a variation of the game where players kick a soccer ball toward 21-inch holes located throughout the course.

Lake Park doesn’t have a driving range, but there is a practice green located behind the first tee box. As you’d expect, the pro shop is modest, offering just the essentials needed to get started on the course. The clubhouse provides a small selection of snacks and beverages.