Preservation

The 1,541-acre Hickory Creek Preserve was acquired between 1942 and 2010.

The preserve is part of the Hickory Creek preservation system, which conserves more than 2,000 acres of land.

The preserve is the District's largest individual preserve, and the majority of the land was acquired for a regional stormwater reservoir which was never constructed.

Hickory Creek Junction is one of three access areas to the preserve. The other access areas are Hickory Creek Barrens in New Lenox, and LaPorte Road Access in Mokena.

Natural Resources

Hickory Creek Preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland, and a portion of Hickory Creek.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes more than 50 bird species, such as the pileated woodpecker, yellow rumped warbler, brown creeper, and hermit thrush.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including lead plant, beechwood sedge, yellow trout lily, prairie gentian, and wild senna.

The site is managed with invasive species control and prescribed burning to protect and enhance its natural resources. Learn more about the District’s land management activities.

Amenities and Activities

Trails

Hickory Creek Junction features 0.55 mile of natural surface trail, ideal for the following activities:

• Hiking/Running
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Hickory Creek Junction also provides access to the 3.68-mile, paved western segment of the Hickory Creek Bikeway, ideal for the following activities:

• Biking
• Hiking/Running
• In-Line Skating
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

In addition, Hickory Creek Junction provides access via a 0.65-mile trail connection to the 21-mile Old Plank Road Trail, a paved trail ideal for the following activities:

• Biking
• Hiking/Running
• In-Line Skating
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Download a map and guide to the Old Plank Road Trail.

Picnicking

Hickory Creek Junction offers one picnic shelter for rental, Hickory Creek Junction Shelter, with a permit capacity of 135 people. Learn more about picnic permits and fees.

Playground

Hickory Creek Junction features an accessible playground constructed from recycled materials. Learn more about the District’s playgrounds.

Download a map of the amenities at Hickory Creek Preserve.

Photograph Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock