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Preserves, visitor centers to close for Christmas holiday

12/20/2024
An exterior view of Sugar Creek Administration Center

All forest preserve visitors centers will be closed after noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and all day on Wednesday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday.

Also, all preserves, including dog parks, will be closed on Dec. 25. This is the only day of the year the preserves are closed so all Forest Preserve staff can be with their families for the Christmas holiday.

The Forest Preserve visitor centers that will be closed are: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The visitor centers will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday, Dec. 26. 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook is closed for renovations and will reopen in 2025. Monee Reservoir Visitor Center in Monee Township is closed for the winter season and will reopen March 1. 

News

Virtual 5K makes a winter appearance with December Dash 

11/25/2024

The December Dash virtual 5K began Dec. 1. To participate, pick one of 11 designated trails to run, jog or walk your race on any day through Dec. 31. The first 100 who submit a screenshot of their completed course will get a long-sleeve shirt. 

Healing With Nature: Crete man battling cancer finds health and hope on paths at Goodenow Grove

11/21/2024

Tom Scott of Crete is giving thanks this year for the people in his life who pushed him to start walking at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve as he was recovering from cancer. The daily hikes have given him better health, hope for the future and a new appreciation of nature.