FAQ

Bicycling

Are electric-assist bicycles allowed on trails?

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

1. It must be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
2. It must have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
3. It must have functional pedals.
4. The rider must be at least 16 years of age.

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 lakes?

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 Minooka, but only watercraft that can be carried on top of a vehicle is permitted. There is no boat trailer parking at the Lake Chaminwood Preserve. Canoes and kayaks may also be launched at all three preserves, in addition to Monee Reservoir; 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 October 31. For more information about the use of watercraft in District preserves, visit the boating page or canoeing/kayaking page.

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

Forest Preserve District rules prohibit the use of paddleboards. 

"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 registered with IDNR is permitted. Swimming, wading and float tubes are prohibited. Persons must be entirely secured in watercraft."

Because "persons must be entirely secured in watercraft" and swimming is not allowed, paddleboards are prohibited.

What are the watercraft rental prices at Monee Reservoir?

Visit the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center page for the 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.

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?

Tent campsites are available at a number of our 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 Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, or Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher. 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 accommodations 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 the last decade has become quite noticeable and, if left unmanaged, will result in rapid and dramatic changes to these areas.

It is understandable that 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 areas designated as State Nature Preserves unless otherwise posted. 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'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 Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon or Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. 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 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 much 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. 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, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township near Beecher.

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 posted otherwise. 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 Monee Reservoir. Visit the fishing page for more information.

What kind of fishing bait is available for purchase at Monee Reservoir?

Visit the Monee Reservoir page 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 our 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 always 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?

No natural material can be removed from the forest preserves.

Can I or my dog swim at any preserves?

The District does not allow wading, swimming or dogs in the water at any of its preserves.

What winter recreational activities are offered by the Will County 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 of the District's dog parks.

Picnicking

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

Groups of 25 or less 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 larger than 25 people. 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 Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Monee Reservoir in Monee Township or Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township near Beecher, or a reservation can be made online. Please note, Monee Reservoir only issues permits 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 shelter at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 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. The permit applications are available on our 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 a safety concern 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 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 our 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, Isle a la Cache Museum or Plum Creek Nature Center?

There is no admission fee for our 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 Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 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.

In addition, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers a wildlife rehabilitation facility, Willowbrook Wildlife Center, that may be contacted for assistance.

Is hunting allowed in Will County forest preserves?

No hunting is permitted in Will County forest preserves.