10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in DuPage County That You Shouldn't Miss

February 19, 2022 Alida England

Discover the best top things to do in DuPage County, United States including Springbrook Nature Center, Hidden Lake Forrest Preserve, Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Whalon Lake Preserve, Blackwell Forest Preserve, Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Timber lake park, Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve, Dean Nature Sanctuary, Spring Creek Reservoir Forest Preserve.
Restaurants in DuPage County

1. Springbrook Nature Center

130 Forest Ave, Itasca, IL 60143-2053 +1 630-733-5572 http://www.itascaparkdistrict.com
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Springbrook Nature Center

2. Hidden Lake Forrest Preserve

Downers Grove, IL 60515 +1 630-933-7683 http://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/hidden-lake
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Hidden Lake Forrest Preserve

3. Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

Naperville-Plainfield Road, Naperville, IL 60540 +1 630-933-7200 http://www.dupageforest.org/Conservation/Forest_Preserves/Springbrook_Prairie.aspx
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States

I rode my bike and hiked on the trails in Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville in August. The trails are wonderful running through prairieland vegetation. No shade is to be expected most of the way. The place was chirping with variety of grassland birds and lots of rabbits were on the trails. A model craft field is also available at the Plainfield Road parking lot. The prairie was abloom with a variety of colorful flowers. The main attraction is an approximately 5.5 mile loop trail (Springbrook Prairie Trail). There is also a one mile trail (Sunflower Trail) which serves as access path from Modaff Road. These two trails are very smoothly paved with crushed stone and biking is permitted on these two trails. There is also a 2-mile long nature trail (Henslow’s Trail) dedicated for hiking only. Lots of black berries were in fruition on this trail. Trail markings are excellent throughout and quite informative placards posted every so often. Rest benches are located about every half mile. The only small negative thing about the loop trail is that a major road (Book Road) cut through the 5 mile loop, which means one has to cross the road twice in order to complete a loop. But, a tunnel under Plainfield Road conveniently connects the two trails on either side of the road. Springbrook Preserve is a gem of a place excellent for hiking, running, or biking. Best on a cloudy day to avoid the sun, though.

4. Whalon Lake Preserve

Royce Road, Naperville, IL http://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/preserves/whalon-lake
Excellent
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Whalon Lake Preserve

Reviewed By Y2287DBlynne - Lombard, United States

If goose poop everywhere is a deal breaker for you, Whalon Lake Preserve is probably not gonna be your jam. But besides that, this park is like a mini-vacation away from the world. With greenery, a little waterfront, walking and biking and even a dog park this site offers something for just about everyone to enjoy. We held our granddaughter's first birthday there in order to be outdoors and socially distanced. The use of the pavilion to eat together, but apart, was a great asset there. We will use this space again and again, even just to hang out and enjoy the outdoors.

5. Blackwell Forest Preserve

Butterfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555 +1 630-933-7200 http://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/blackwell
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Blackwell Forest Preserve

6. Willowbrook Wildlife Center

525 S Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6900 +1 630-942-6200 http://willowbrookwildlife.org
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Reviewed By 860cindyc - Glen Ellyn, United States

This is a low-key, zero or low-cost (suggested donation) way to enjoy a morning or afternoon with the grandkids. The rehabilitation of different animals on the grounds (Sandhill Cranes, Fox, Raccoon, Turkey Vultures) are an easy way for little ones to get an up-close look at various wildlife without having to park and pay for a bigger attraction. Don't miss the lovely hiking loop just over the bridge behind the center --- the prairie restoration and small pond are just the right size for a short walk. Indoors are some opportunities for nature-play and some bird, turtle, and reptile encounters. Nice for the kiddos to know about their animal hospital; we've taken injured birds and squirrels here (teaches compassion). Expanded parking and picnic areas are a bonus.

7. Timber lake park

near Lakewood Drive, Willowbrook, IL 60527
Excellent
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Timber lake park

8. Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve

S Wood Dale Rd, Wood Dale, IL 60191 +1 630-933-7200 http://www.dupageforest.org/hubfs/Places-to-Go/Documents/Forest-Preserves/wood-dale-grove-trails-guide-map-2018.pdf
Excellent
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100%
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve

9. Dean Nature Sanctuary

115 Canterberry Ln, Oak Brook, IL 60523-2304 +1 630-990-4233 http://www.obparks.org/facilities/dean-nature-sanctuary
Excellent
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Dean Nature Sanctuary

10. Spring Creek Reservoir Forest Preserve

333 E Lake St, Bloomingdale, IL 60108-1196 +1 630-933-7200 [email protected] https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/spring-creek-reservoir
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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