In recent years, more than 350,000 people annually visit the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area. The area is over 5,000 acres, with approximately 200 acres of water.
Milliken Lake, as well as several ponds and the river backwaters, provide panfish, catfish, and bass fishing.
Pheasant hunting is the most popular choice for sportsmen at Des Plaines, and the largest pheasant hunting facility in the state is located at the site. For variety, however, there are unlimited numbers of deer, rabbit, and dove.