Frequently asked questions

Explore answers to commonly asked questions about the forest preserves, including topics such as biking, camping, fishing, picnic permits and conservation practices. Our Forest Preserve FAQ page is designed to help you plan a safe, enjoyable outing.

Bicycling

Are electric-assist bicycles allowed on trails?

Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:

1. Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).

2. Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.

3. Have functional pedals.

4. Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.

Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.

Boating

Can I launch my own watercraft at any Forest Preserve fishing lake?

Whalon Lake in Naperville and Rock Run Rookery Preserve in Joliet offer fishing lakes where the District allows the launch of fishing boats (trolling motors only). Boating is also allowed at Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon and Monee Reservoir in Monee Township, but only boats that can be transported in or on top of a vehicle and carried or rolled by hand cart to the lake are permitted at these preserves. There is no boat trailer parking at the Lake Chaminwood or Monee Reservoir. Canoes and kayaks may also be launched at all four preserves; no launch pass is required at any location.

Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedalboats may be rented from Monee Reservoir as well.

Boats may be launched between April 1 and Oct. 31. For more information about the use of watercraft in District preserves, visit the boating page or the canoeing/kayaking page.

What kind of boat can I launch on Forest Preserve lakes?

Non-gasoline powered watercraft that are up to 18 feet long are permitted, including fishing boats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks. Sailboats are not permitted. Only electric trolling motors can be used. Gas-powered motors must be raised and out of the water. Inflatable watercraft are allowed as long as people are entirely secured in the watercraft. 

Can I use a paddleboard on the Forest Preserve District's lakes? 

No. Forest Preserve District rules prohibit swimming and require that all people be entirely secured in watercraft. As a result, paddleboards are prohibited. 

What are the watercraft rental prices at Monee Reservoir?

Visit the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center page for current rental details and fees for canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedalboats.

What are the regulations for fishing boats?

Visit the boating page for information about launching fishing boats at District preserves.

Where can I rent a canoe or kayak?

Canoe and kayak rental is available at Monee Reservoir Visitor Center. Rentals also are available at Lake Chaminwood and Whalon Lake via a kiosk and vendor, respectively. 

Business permits

Can my business host a program in one of the forest preserves?

Yes, but a permit is required along with a $25-per-hour fee. To obtain a permit, an application should be completed and sent to [email protected].

Camping

Is camping allowed in the forest preserves?

Campsites are available at a number of Forest Preserve District preserves. Visit the camping page for more information.

Is there a fee for camping?

Visit the camping page for fee details.

How do I make a reservation for a campsite?

Camping permits may be obtained online or in-person at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township or Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Reservations also can be made online; reservations for campsites must be made two business days in advance of the reservation date.

Youth group camping can only be booked over the phone by calling any of the above visitor centers. A 50 percent discount is offered to youth group organizations.

Visit the camping page for more information.

What amenities are at your campsites?

Each campsite includes picnic tables and grills for cooking and is near bathroom facilities, drinking water and trails. Some campsites are near fishing opportunities as well. Only primitive camping is allowed, with no accommodation for recreational vehicles (RVs). Visit the camping page for more information.

Deer management

Why institute a deer management program?

The District recognizes white-tailed deer as an important part of Will County’s biodiversity. However, high density levels of white-tailed deer in many of our preserves are damaging the health and well-being of our woodlands, savannas and prairies. Overbrowsing by deer over many years has become quite noticeable and, if left unmanaged, will result in rapid and dramatic changes to these areas.

The decision to manage deer may cause some public concern. However, the Forest Preserve District has made this decision based on extensive research, consultation and discussion. If deer are left unmanaged, their large numbers will cause dramatic changes to the District’s ecosystems, resulting in irreversible damage and potential loss of species.

For more information about the program, read our deer management FAQ.

Dog parks

Are dogs allowed in the forest preserves?

Leashed dogs are welcome in the forest preserves, excluding natural surface trails in areas designated as state nature preserves. With a permit, dogs are allowed off-leash in designated dog parks only. Visit the dog park page for more information. 

Do I need a permit to use the dog parks?

Yes, an annual permit is required to use our dog parks. The permit comes on a lanyard and must be displayed while you are in the park. Visit the dog park page for more information.

Where are the Forest Preserve District's dog parks located?

The Forest Preserve offers six dog parks at: Forked Creek Preserve — Ballou Road Access in Wesley Township; Hammel Woods — DuPage River Access in Shorewood; Lower Rock Run Preserve — McClintock Road Access in Joliet; Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen; Whalon Lake in Naperville; and Plum Valley Preserve — Burville Road Access in Crete Township. Visit the dog park page for more information. 

How can I obtain a dog park permit?

A dog park permit may be purchased online or in-person at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township or Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. You also can mail in an application.

Visit the dog park page for more information.

How much does a dog park permit cost?

Visit the dog park page for current fee information.

How many dogs can I bring to the dog park?

A maximum of three dogs per person are allowed in the dog park. Visit the dog park page for more information.

What information must I provide in order to buy a dog park permit?

In order to obtain a dog park permit, you must provide each dog's rabies vaccination tag number and the full date of when the dog is due for re-vaccination. You will also need to provide your driver's license number and the license plate number for all vehicles that will be using the dog parks. Visit the dog park page for more information.

Drones

Can I fly a drone in the preserves?

The operation of drones — or traditional model aircraft — in the preserves by the general public is not allowed under the District's General Use Ordinance.

Education

Can schools go on field trips to forest preserves?

We offer educational programs for school groups at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township.

Visit the education page for more information.

As a teacher, how can I sign up my class for a field trip?

Reserve your field trip online by visiting the education page.

Can a naturalist come to my classroom to give a presentation?

We offer in-school educational programs on Tuesdays through Fridays to schools in Will County. Visit the education page for more information.

Do you have programs for Scout groups?

Youth group programs are available at several of our visitor centers. Visit the education page for more information.

Fishing

Is fishing allowed in the forest preserves?

Fishing is allowed in any forest preserve unless otherwise posted. Visit the fishing page for more information.

Do I need a special permit to fish at Will County forest preserves?

There is no special permit required to fish in Will County forest preserves. However, in accordance with State law, anyone over the age of 16 who fishes a public Illinois waterway is required to have a fishing license, which may be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or at the District's Hidden Lakes Trout Farm bait shop, The Tackle Box, and Monee Reservoir Visitor Center. Visit the fishing page for more information.

What kind of fishing bait is available for purchase at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and Monee Reservoir?

Visit the Hidden Oaks Preserve and Monee Reservoir pages for information about bait and concessions sales. 

Is ice fishing allowed in the forest preserves?

Ice fishing is not allowed in Will County forest preserves.

Getting involved

Are there any opportunities for employment at the Forest Preserve District, and how can I submit an application?

Visit the employment page for a list of current opportunities and information about the application process.

Are there opportunities for me to volunteer with the Forest Preserve District, and how can I sign up to volunteer?

There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.

Miscellaneous activities

Can I collect mushrooms, flowers, firewood or dead branches from forest preserves?

Natural material of any kind cannot be removed from the forest preserves.

Can I or my dog swim at any preserve?

The District does not allow wading or swimming of any kind in its preserves. Dogs are also not allowed in the water.

What winter recreational activities are offered by the Forest Preserve?

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing may be enjoyed at preserves throughout Will County. Sledding is offered at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township and Forked Creek Preserve — Butcher Lane Access in Wilmington when conditions allow. The sled hill at Forked Creek Preserve — Butcher Lane Access is not supervised nor monitored for snow conditions. Ice skating is offered on a pond at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve when proper conditions exist.

Miscellaneous information

Is alcohol allowed in the Will County forest preserves?

Alcohol is allowed in all forest preserves without any special permission unless there is signage posted prohibiting alcohol in a particular area. For example, alcohol is prohibited inside the District's dog parks.

Picnicking

Do I need to make a reservation in order to use a picnic shelter or grove?

Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.

How do I rent a picnic shelter or grove?

A picnic permit can be obtained in person at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook,  Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Monee Reservoir in Monee Township or Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township, Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. A reservation can also be made online. Please note, Monee Reservoir only issues permits for the shelters and grove at Monee Reservoir. Reservations must be made at least two business days in advance of the reservation date.

To reserve the shelter at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, call 815-722-9470.

Visit the picnicking page for more information. 

How can I find out if a picnic shelter or grove is available for rental?

To check on the availability of a picnic area, visit or call Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet at 815-727-8700 or check availability online.

To check the availability of the Four Rivers Shelter or Riverside Shelter in McKinley Woods, contact Four Rivers Environmental Education Center at [email protected] or call 815-722-9470. 

Do I need special permission to have alcohol at my picnic?

Alcohol is allowed in all forest preserves without any special permission unless there is signage posted prohibiting alcohol in a particular area. For example, alcohol is prohibited inside of the District's dog parks.

The sale of alcohol is prohibited.

Photography and videography

Do I need a permit to take photos or videos in the preserves?

Any for-profit photographer must obtain a permit before taking photos or videos in a District preserve. The fee for a photography permit is $25 per hour. Commercial filming permits are $125 for a half day, $250 for a full day, and $1,000 for a week. Permit applications are available on the Photography and Videography permit page. We do not offer annual permits at this time. 

Programs

How do I register for a program offered by the District?

To register for one of the District's programs, click the link or call the number listed in the program description in the event calendar.

Safety

How can I report safety concerns in a forest preserve?

Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.

What are the District's rules about firearms with regard to the Concealed Carry Act?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.

Visitor centers

What hours are the visitor centers open?

Visit the visitor centers page for more information about each of our visitor centers, including their hours of operation.

When is the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery visitor center open?

The Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Visitor Center is only open during guided tours and public programs, which are listed in the event calendar.

How much does it cost to visit Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Isle a la Cache Museum or Plum Creek Nature Center?

There is no admission fee for visitor centers because we are tax supported.

Weddings

How do I find out more information about having a wedding at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon?

Visit the wedding page, call 815-722-9470 or email [email protected].

Wildlife

What can I do for an injured animal in a forest preserve or on my property?

The Forest Preserve District of Will County does not provide rehabilitation services or support for animals found on District or private property.

The state of Illinois provides guidance on its Wildlife Illinois website, including a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators. 

In addition, there are regional wildlife rehabilitation centers in other counties that may be of assistance including the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn and Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation in Barrington.

If you find an injured bird, you can call Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at 773-988-1867 (you cannot text). The agency is staffed by volunteers who might be available to transport the injured bird to a rehabilitation facility. 

Is hunting allowed in Will County forest preserves?

Hunting is not permitted in Will County forest preserves.