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.
Hours
8 a.m.-Sunset
Trails
Lockport Prairie Nature Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
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.
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.
Upcoming events
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Volunteer Morning: Riverview Farmstead Preserve
August 25, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 1:00 P.M
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
After Hours at the Pond
August 27, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 7:30 P.M
Come learn what’s stirring beneath the surface of Snapper Pond and who pops out near the shore as day turns to night.
Wild Child
August 28, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:00 A.M
Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5.
Latest headlines
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Vehicle access now restricted at Lockport Prairie to protect at-risk wildlife
June 12, 2026 | Preserves and trails
There have been increased turtle deaths on Division Street during nesting season.
All about earwigs: Get to know this peculiar insect
August 19, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Earwigs may look menacing, but they are completely harmless to humans. And they don't want to crawl into your ears either.
Share plant and wildlife observations to support Forest Preserve conservation efforts
August 17, 2026 | Conservation and restoration
Nature sightings can help staff document species and changes in local preserves.
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.