Wolf Lake: Where Football Meets Fishing

The Chicago Bears’ latest stadium plan has landed on Wolf Lake, because that’s exactly what this serene spot needed – a bunch of screaming football fans. Michael Boos, a man who’s spent his life enjoying the lake’s tranquility, is less than thrilled. ‘I can imagine if the Bears set up at Wolf Lake, it would be hunting season on the Illinois side and football season on the Indiana side,’ he said. ‘That should be a treat.’

A Brief History of Wolf Lake

Boos has used Wolf Lake for recreation for years, watching hunters, anglers, and wind surfers make the most of the lake’s unique location on the Illinois-Indiana border. In the 90s, he helped form the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative to protect the area from a proposed third Chicago airport. The airport never materialized, but the association remained, hosting events and advocating for the lake’s health.

Science Says the Lake is Actually Pretty Clean

Phil Willink, a research biologist, has studied Wolf Lake extensively. Despite being surrounded by heavy industry, the lake’s water is remarkably clean. ‘You would think there would be nothing natural left alive when you look at all the factories and everything,’ he said. ‘But there’s actually a lot of fantastic places that have survived the last 200 years of development. And Wolf Lake is one of those.’

Rare Creatures and Sensitive Species

Willink’s research has uncovered some amazing biodiversity in Wolf Lake, including the mudpuppy, an aquatic salamander that’s ‘a very sensitive species.’ The lake is also home to the Iowa darter, a small, colorful minnow that’s making a comeback due to the lake’s improving water quality.

The Stadium: A Potential big deal (Not Really)

The proposed stadium could bring millions of people to Wolf Lake, potentially introducing them to the lake’s environmental importance. However, it also risks disrupting the nearby wetlands that keep the lake’s water clean. Boos and Willink are concerned, but they know the decision is out of their hands. ‘We’re still fighting that fight,’ Boos said. ‘To get Illinois and Indiana to discuss things and to agree on certain things.’