As the Forest Preserve District prepares for winter, drinking fountains will be turned off and boat launches and bait shops will close. 

These measures are being taken as the District prepares for colder weather conditions.

Boat Launches: Boat launches will be closed starting Nov. 1.

Bait Shops: Both the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center concessions area/bait shop, and the Tackle Box bait shop at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm/Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook will be closed as of Nov. 1 for the season. 

Kayaks and Canoes: Kayak and canoe rentals ended at Monee Reservoir on Oct. 1. The Rent.Fun kayak rental unit at Lake Chaminwood Preserve will cease rentals on Nov. 1. 

Parking Lots: The lower parking lot at McKinley Woods – Frederick's Grove in Channahon and the access road to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook will close on Nov. 1 (or after the first snowfall if it occurs sooner). Both roads have steep inclines. 

Drinking Fountains: Drinking fountains will be turned off in the middle of October or earlier if weather conditions warrant it.

Preserves: Preserves will remain open throughout the winter except for Christmas Day, which is the only day the preserves are closed during the year. 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Preserve: Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook will remain closed through the end of the year for remodeling. The Hidden Oaks Preserve area around the nature center also is closed for safety reasons as construction continues. The site is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2025.