McKinley Woods
Location
McKinley Woods has two access points:
- Frederick's Grove is located on McKinley Woods Road, south of Route 6/Eames Street, in Channahon Township.
- Kerry Sheridan Grove is located on Walnut Lane, east of Blackberry Lane, in Channahon.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Frederick's Grove
Heritage Trail, I&M Canal State Trail, Trail of the Old Oaks and Upland Trail
Kerry Sheridan Grove
All Persons Trail, Backwater Trail, Four Rivers Nature Trail, I&M Canal State Trail, Prairie Loop Trail, South Loop Trail and Woodland Loop Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
McKinley Woods in Channahon offers a wide range of outdoor experiences along the Des Plaines River and I&M Canal. From wooded trails and river access to camping and interpretive features, the 589-acre preserve provides opportunities for both recreation and exploration.
The preserve’s visitor center, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, features interactive exhibits focused on local waterways and wildlife, along with public programs and educational opportunities for all ages.
Planning your visit
McKinley Woods is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
The preserve has two access areas in Channahon: Frederick’s Grove and Kerry Sheridan Grove.
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Amenities and activities
- Camping: Frederick’s Grove offers four primitive campsites for family or group rental, each accommodating up to six people. Campsites include access to grills, fire pits and latrines. Two sites are ADA accessible. Camping is unavailable from Nov. 1 through April 15.
- Canoeing/kayaking: Frederick’s Grove provides canoe and kayak access to the I&M Canal, and Kerry Sheridan Grove offers access to the DuPage River. No launch pass is required.
- Fishing: Shoreline fishing is available at both Frederick’s Grove and Kerry Sheridan Grove along the Des Plaines River and I&M Canal. State and District regulations apply.
- Picnicking: Three shelters are available for rental; Frederick’s Grove Shelter (capacity 30), Kerry Sheridan Grove Shelter (capacity 90) and Riverbend Lookout Shelter (capacity 50). Frederick’s Grove Shelter is unavailable from Nov. 1 through April 15.
- Trails: Frederick’s Grove features 1.32 miles of natural surface trails for hiking and running, with 0.89 mile also suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A portion of the Riverbend Lookout Trail is closed due to unsafe conditions, but remaining segments provide access to the Upland Trail loop. Frederick’s Grove also connects to the 61.5-mile I&M Canal State Trail.
Kerry Sheridan Grove features 0.56 mile of natural surface trails and 1.75 miles of paved trails suitable for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. An All-Persons Trail includes textured strips, interpretive signage and wayfinding features to improve accessibility.
Flora and fauna
McKinley Woods protects a range of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland and river corridors. Wildlife includes species such as the queen snake and nearly 100 bird species, including cedar waxwing, bald eagle and purple martin. Plant species found at the preserve include redbud, blue ash and chinquapin oak.
Ongoing management efforts such as invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration help maintain these natural communities.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 1931 and 2004 and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres. Before acquisition, the site was informally known as “Moose Island.” The Frederick’s Grove Shelter remains as a remnant of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp built on the site.
Upcoming events
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Little Explorers: Snails and Slugs
Bring your preschoolers to Four Rivers to learn about snails and slugs.
These Books Are Made for Walkin’
Join us for our walking book club! July's book is “Migrations” by Charlotte McConaghy.
Yoga and Hike
Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection.
Latest headlines
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Be a Trailblazer experience turns points, prizes into lasting outdoor rewards
Participants say app-based missions have led to new preserves and a stronger connection to nature.
Nature Foundation donation directs $104,500 to preserve projects
Funding will support restoration work, Woods Walk supplies and a new water bottle filling station.
Second installment of Road Scholars Native American series set for July 18
July 18 program will be held at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville.
Frequently asked questions
Camping permits may be obtained online or in-person at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township or Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. 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.
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 accommodation for recreational vehicles (RVs). Visit the camping 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.
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
Groups less than 25 people 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 that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking 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.