Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve

Location

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve is located on Division Street, east of Route 53/Broadway Street, in Lockport Township. Street parking is available on Division Street.

 

View Lockport Prairie interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-Sunset

Trails

Lockport Prairie Nature Trail

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

Encompassing 320 acres, Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve protects one of the most unique and biologically significant landscapes in the region. This rare dolomite prairie supports a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life, making it an important site for conservation and nature exploration.

Planning your visit

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

Dogs and fishing are not allowed in the nature preserve due to the sensitivity of the site’s natural resources.

Exploring the preserve

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve features a 0.43-mile natural surface trail suitable for hiking and running.

The road to 24,000 acres

The Forest Preserve District sprouted up in 1926 and has continued to save land from development.

Buzz bit: How to help a turtle cross the road

If you find a turtle that needs a little help, there are some very important steps you should take to ensure you're actually helping the turtle.

Get to know the red-winged blackbird

Red-winged blackbirds are very territorial, they'll spend time during the day chasing away other males and other intruders from their territory.

Flora and fauna

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve supports a wide range of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland and a portion of the Des Plaines River. The preserve is home to rare and federally listed species, including the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly, the federally endangered leafy prairie clover and the federally threatened lakeside daisy.

Ongoing management efforts such as invasive species control, prescribed burning and monitoring help protect and enhance these sensitive natural communities.

Preserve history

The preserve was acquired in 2011 and 2015 and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres.

A 254-acre portion of the site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1983, providing permanent protection for its natural resources. Before acquisition, the land was managed by the Forest Preserve District for 30 years under a lease agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. 

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

Prairie with trees in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
River with prairie in the foreground and trees in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Pond surrounded by prairie with trees in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
River lined by prairie and fall colored trees.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Black swallowtail butterfly landed on wild bergamot wildflower.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Great blue heron walking in pond.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Painted turtles resting on a fallen tree in the water.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Common milkweed growing with white and pink flower petals.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Blue-winged teal standing on a log in the water.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Grass snake sitting in grasses.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Upcoming events

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Frequently asked questions

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

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.

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

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.

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