FEATURES: 42 ACRES

LeRoy Oakes is made-up of a high-quality prairie, woodland, and Ferson Creek, which meanders through the preserve. In addition, contained within the preserve is a true prairie relic (the Murray prairie), various restorations (including the Bob Horlock area), flood plain forests, seeps, oak woodlands and grassy fields. The only native colony of Speckled Alder is growing here. Amenities include bike & nature trails, camping, fishing, historic sites, horseback riding, picnic areas, and shelters.​

FEATURES: 42 ACRES

A native oak-hickory woodland with century-old trees plus native plantings, interpretive signage, fishing opportunities, picnic pavilions, paved pathways, and a dam with a small waterfall.​

FEATURES: 46 ACRES

An Illinois State Nature Preserve, this premier wetland has a sedge meadow, boardwalk, fen with rare plants, walking trails, floodplain woods, and prairie restoration.​

FEATURES: 131 ACRES

An Illinois Land & Water Reserve, this large and extremely diverse landscape environment features restored woodlands, wetlands, prairie and savanna areas with a picnic pavilion and walking trails.​

FEATURES: 5 ACRES

A mature woodland dominated by Maple and Oak with trails.

​

FEATURES: 12.5 ACRES

A mature woodland dominated by Maple and Oak with trails

​

FEATURES: 73 ACRES

Designated as an Illinois State Nature Preserve, this outstanding red oak forest with a wide diversity of wildflowers and a gravel biking trail and a model restored stream channel.

​

FEATURES: 69 ACRES

A model, restored wetland with interpretive signage, gravel walking trail system, creek bridge, and stone overlook.

FEATURES: 30 ACRES

A unique upland swamp with adjacent marshy wetlands and a white oak wooded enclave with trails.

5N860 Weber Drive, St. Charles

​

FEATURES:

Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve straddles the Fox River in St. Charles. East of the river, the preserve is referred to as Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve.

The wooded portion of the preserve, located south of Red Gate Road, is known as Norton Woods. This 31-acre portion was a donation to the Forest Preserve District in memory of Carol Ann Buck. This extraordinary gift is exceptional not only for the generosity but also for the unusual land form. It contains the mouth of Norton Creek and it is the point at which the Newark Valley rock formation is exposed to the surface. Norton Creek twists and turns in oxbow formation as it winds through the floodplain forest to the Fox River.

5N753 IL Route 31, St. Charles

​

FEATURES:

Fox River Bluff straddles the Fox River in St. Charles. The portion on Route 31, along the west shoreline of the Fox River, is known as Fox River Bluff West Forest Preserve.

Among the first things you'll notice at this popular preserve are dogs. This preserve is one of the District's approved off-leash dog areas. Owners are welcome to walk (or run!) up to three dogs at one time here. We ask owners to kindly keep dogs on leash while walking to/from vehicles, and while crossing the bicycle bridge over the Fox River. A full list of Rules & Regulations for use of the Off-Leash Dog Area is available. 

Pedestrians and bicyclists also use this preserve to traverse the Fox River and connect with the Fox River Trail, on the east side of the river, which runs through Fox River Bluff (East) Forest Preserve.

FEATURES: Located directly on the Fox River Trail, this beautiful park boasts beautiful wooden paths that seem to float just above the surface of the ponds.  There's even a nature playground for the kiddos, a shelter, and several picnic tables!

FEATURES: Nestled on the east bank of the Fox River in Batavia, Red Oak Nature Center is the region’s premier facility for nature and conservation education. Surrounded by more than 40 acres of lush forest and wildlife habitat, the nature center is the ideal destination for anyone with a desire to discover more about the great outdoors. Follow the Fox River Trail down to the river’s edge to explore the Chicagoland area’s only known cave – a true gem of the Fox Valley!

39W115 Main St., Batavia

​

FEATURES: 

Dick Young Forest Preserve comprises some of Kane County's finest wetlands, woodlands and prairie. Together, these create an ecological complex that supports a great diversity of animals and plants, including several threatened, rare and endangered species.

​

Whether walking, cycling, or riding horseback, visitors may see wildlife as diverse as pelicans and mink. Flora from pondweed to oak trees will please plant enthusiasts.

​

This preserve includes a horseback riding area. Most horse trails are natural surface, mowed grass paths. Limestone screenings trails and asphalt bike trails are available in some of the preserves. These are multi-use trails shared with runners, bicyclists, dog walkers etc. Horse riders are required to stay on designated, forest preserve-maintained trails. Trail riding is not allowed in restricted natural areas, Illinois Nature Preserves, picnic areas or in farmed areas. To prevent trail damage during wet weather, trails may be temporarily closed. Individual forest preserves will post a sign at the entrance when horse trails are closed. Trails are currently OPEN for equestrian use at this preserve.

2S731 Route 31, Batavia

​

FEATURES: 

This small preserve in Batavia protects over 3,600 feet of Fox River shoreline. The paved Fox River Regional Bike trail runs the length of the preserve, and several floodplain islands provide excellent habitat for fishing.

Outcroppings of dolomite bedrock can be seen at various points along the trail, adding a picturesque charm to the landscape. Les Arends is partly wooded, with some nice specimen of White and Chinkapin Oak. Mill Creek feeds into the Fox River in the southern portion of the preserve.

​

Les Arends is off Route 31, north of Mooseheart Road and south of the city of Batavia.

FEATURES: Situated along the Fox River, Fabyan Forest Preserve boasts over 4 miles of paved trails, a Japanese Garden, and Windmill that is available for tours (both open seasonally).

FEATURES: Located behind the Kane County Government Buildings, this is where you will find the beautiful Sacred Heart Seminary Shrine (also known as the 'Geneva Grotto') when you hike south from the Government Building's parking lot.

FEATURES: With five different paths varying in length, and all connecting to make for a longer route, there are plenty of scenic views here!  Natural prairie, beautiful native wildflowers, and even a large lake to gaze at! Hawk's Hallow Nature Playground is open year round and the water feature is on from Memorial Day to Labor Day (have kiddos bring swimsuits and watershoes)!

FEATURES: Shallow watery area with a beautiful little waterfall.  Wear watershoes as you can play in the water!  Park off of Route 31and walk west down the path for 2 minutes.  It will be on your right side!

FEATURES: Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve is the largest forest preserve in the county. It offers great fishing and a place to fly model planes and is home to the Brewster Creek Marsh Nature Preserve. The preserve is located on the outwash plain of the West Chicago Moraine. Made up largely of wetlands, this landscape combines calcium-rich water with wet sandy soil to support plant life more commonly seen near Lake Michigan.

4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles

​

FEATURES: 

The trails at Campton Forest Preserve are multi-use, natural surface, mowed-grass paths shared with runners, bicyclists, dog walkers, birdwatchers and horse riders. Equestrian use is permitted here and there is a trailer parking area. There is a picnic shelter, ample parking and restrooms. Campton Forest Preserve is also home to to the District's Trades Division. In winter months, snowmobiling is permitted here on internal, marked trails.

FEATURES: 

The 358-acre West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago is one of the region’s premier natural areas. It contains over 600 species of native plants and animals. Many volunteers invest their time and energy to help protect the ecological health of this rare Illinois ecosystem, offering the Forest Preserve District assistance in caring for the natural area.

​

West Chicago Prairie contains no large picnic areas or fishing lakes, unlike other forest preserves. Visitors have a unique opportunity to enjoy a tranquil walk through one of the state’s rarest — and richest — prairie ecosystems.  The Forest Preserve District and West Chicago Park District jointly own 115 acres of West Chicago Prairie.

​

In addition to wetlands and upland oak savannas, the preserve is home to one of the most biologically diverse sites in northeastern Illinois, the 126-acre Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve. It is one of eight state-designated nature preserves in DuPage County owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District.

FEATURES: Trails and a canoe launch. Bring water shoes to wade in the river!

FEATURES: The 1,366-acre Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville is one of the District's most popular forest preserves and has been repeatedly voted among the best in the western suburbs. It offers fishing, camping, archery, picnic shelters, an off-leash dog area and more. You can walk, jog, bike, cross-country ski or ride horseback on most trails at Blackwell.