O'Hara Woods Preserve
Location
O'Hara Woods Preserve is located north of Romeo Road and east of Weber Road in Romeoville.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
O'Hara Woods Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville protects a 54-acre parcel composed of forest and wetland along a portion of Lily Cache Slough, offering a peaceful setting for nature exploration.
The preserve is located adjacent to the Village of Romeoville’s O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve, creating a larger connected landscape for wildlife and visitors alike.
Planning your visit
O’Hara Woods is open 8 a.m.to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Exploring the preserve
The preserve features 0.67 mile of paved, boardwalk and natural surface trail, ideal for hiking, running and snowshoeing. The trail system connects to trails owned by the Village of Romeoville, with access available from the Village’s Conservation Park or Village Park.
Flora and fauna
O’Hara Woods protects a mix of forest and wetland habitat that supports local wildlife and plant communities. Its location along Lily Cache Slough adds to the ecological diversity of the site.
Preserve history
O’Hara Woods Preserve was acquired between 2006 and 2008. The preserve is part of the Lily Cache Creek preservation system, which protects approximately 1,000 acres.
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Upcoming events
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Slug Stroll
July 21, 2026 | 9:00 A.M TO 10:30 A.M
Join us at O’Hara Woods for a slow stroll through the woods in hopes of spotting some slugs.
Coffee at the Confluence
July 12, 2026 | 9:00 A.M TO 11:00 A.M
Experience the joys of seated birdwatching while drinking bird-friendly cold brew coffee.
Little Explorers: Snails and Slugs
July 15, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Bring your preschoolers to Four Rivers to learn about snails and slugs.
Latest headlines
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Nature Foundation donation directs $104,500 to preserve projects
July 10, 2026 | Board of commissioners
Funding will support restoration work, Woods Walk supplies and a new water bottle filling station.
Five fast facts about fish-loving osprey
July 9, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Discover fascinating facts about ospreys, from their fish-catching adaptations and long migrations to how to tell them apart from bald eagles.
Warbler wows judges for Preserve the Moment photo contest win
July 7, 2026 | Programs and events
Channahon woman’s split-second warbler shot earns top honors in June’s Preserve the Moment photo contest.
Frequently asked questions
Prescribed fire is a carefully planned activity, and controlled burns are conducted under specific weather conditions by trained professionals. Many Illinois ecosystems — including prairie, oak savanna and woodland — evolved with periodic fire. Prescribed burning helps:
- Control invasive species
- Encourage native plant growth
- Recycle nutrients
- Maintain healthy ecosystem structure
Burns are conducted with public safety as the top priority.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information 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.
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.