Staying Active

Mendota is perfectly situated to take advantage of the area’s amazing natural environment. One of the most beautiful settings in Mendota is the 208 acres that contain Lake Mendota and Lake Kakusha. The lakes provide playgrounds, sheltered picnic areas, volleyball, skate park, softball diamonds, soccer fields, game fishing and a pier. There are several neighborhood parks with additional recreational equipment and Strouss Park, which holds three Little League diamonds, picnic shelters, swimming pool and elaborate playground equipment. Wildlife and prairie, 98 acres of beauty, can be seen from the trails in nearby Snyders Grove Nature Area.

Several state parks provide exceptional recreational amenities as well. Starved Rock State Park features miles of hiking trails that wind through canyons, atop bluffs, and to the remains of two Indian villages. The 3,200-acre park offers camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking.

Buffalo Rock State Park provides a splendid panoramic view of the Illinois River from its high bluff. Families frequently come to Buffalo Rock State Park to picnic and enjoy the live buffalo. The park and the lodge are open year around.

Matthiessen State Park is a 1,938-acre park showcasing amazing geological formations and canyons. Meanwhile, the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail provides opportunities galore for hiking, biking, and even snowmobiling.

Mendota provides a wealth of opportunities to participate in city and YMCA sponsored sports and recreation programs. There is strong youth participation in organized sports like Little, Minor and Senior League baseball, and Mendota Area Youth Soccer. Mendota provides recreation for all ages, including bowling, indoor shuffleboard and an 18-hole golf course.