Duck Creek Quarry Park is a 30.83-acre property that formerly was a limestone quarry that operated from 1827 until 2001. The Village of Howard purchased the property, and the abandoned quarry filled with water from the natural aquifer.

The Duck Creek Quarry was opened for limited recreational use in 2015. The Village of Howard developed it into an actual park and in recent years added amenities such as a sand beach, fishing dock, and a trail system. The beach features a buoyed shallow family swim area and a second swimming area recommended for more advanced swimmers.

Duck Creek Quarry Park is open to the general public during normal park hours (sunrise to sunset), except for the Duck Creek Quarry Beach. Park visitors may enjoy catch-and-release fishing, non-motorized boating, paddle boarding, dog swimming and walking. Swimming, including floating, is only allowed from the beach area.

• The swim beach is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day Monday. Swimming outside these hours and dates is strictly prohibited.
• Wristband distribution for the 2024 swim season is in progress now at the Howard Public Works Department, located at 1336 Cornell Road. Hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Fridays. 
  • Howard residents may get up to five free wristbands per family, plus two additional wristbands for guests. One adult member of the household must complete the wristband order form, show a photo ID, and provide a proof of residency (if not shown on the ID). Residents will be able to get wristbands at Public Works now through Aug. 30, 2024.
  • Non-residents may get up to five wristbands per family at a set cost of $50. One adult member of the household must complete the wristband order form and show a photo ID. Wristbands are available on a FCFS basis starting May 15 until all 2,500 non-resident wristbands are gone. 
  • Wristband distribution is only available during regular hours at the Public Works Department. Wristbands are not available at Howard Village Hall or at Duck Creek Quarry Park.
• As always, the remainder of Duck Creek Quarry Park is open sunrise to sunset daily for all to enjoy.