Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve
Location
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is located on Pauling Road, east of Route 50/Governors Highway, in Monee Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Raccoon Grove Nature Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Spanning 213 acres, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee Township protects a diverse mix of forest, prairie, savanna and wetland habitats along a portion of Rock Creek, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life.
The site also holds cultural significance, protecting part of a reservation granted in 1832 to the daughters of a Potawatomi woman named Marie Bailly.
Planning your visit
The preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
To protect the preserve’s sensitive habitats and wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the nature trail.
Exploring the preserve
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve features 0.27 mile of natural surface trail, ideal for hiking and running.
Flora and fauna
Raccoon Grove supports a variety of wildlife, including the tiger salamander and more than 80 bird species such as the scarlet tanager and eastern wood-pewee. The preserve is home to a rich mix of plant life, including white, bur and black oak, shagbark hickory and sugar maple trees. In spring, wildflowers such as blue-eyed Mary and Virginia bluebell create a colorful display across the forest floor.
Ongoing management — including invasive species control and prescribed burning — helps maintain and enhance these ecosystems.
Preserve history
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve was acquired between 1937 and 1992. A 211-acre portion of the site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1989, providing permanent protection for the site’s natural resources. The preserve is part of the Rock Creek preservation system, which protects nearly 470 acres.
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Upcoming events
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Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
June 13, 2026 | 8:00 A.M TO 12:00 P.M
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Tic-Tac-GO!
June 13, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 4:00 P.M
Turn this summer into a summer of adventure with weekly explorations at Monee Reservoir and Plum Creek Nature Center.
Pollinator Party
June 13, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 2:00 P.M
Get a head start on celebrating Pollinator Week 2026 at this family-friendly event where you can learn about the insects and animals that perform the important task of pollinating plants.
Latest headlines
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What you need to know about the lone star tick
June 12, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Lone star ticks are grabbing headlines because they can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. Learn how to identify them and how to prevent tick bites.
Vehicle access to be restricted at Lockport Prairie to protect at-risk wildlife
June 12, 2026 | Preserves and trails
The move comes as a result of data showing increased turtle deaths on Division Street during nesting season.
One small gosling's rescue highlights a big problem in the preserves
June 12, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
A gosling tangled in fishing line got a second chance thanks to wildlife rescue volunteers. The rescue highlights the dangers discarded fishing line poses to wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
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.