Vermont Cemetery Preserve
Location
Vermont Cemetery Preserve is located on Normantown Road, south of Wolfs Crossing Road, in Naperville.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Normantown Trail
Tall Grass Greenway Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Encompassing 38 acres, Vermont Cemetery Preserve in Naperville combines natural beauty with a glimpse into the region’s early settlement history. A rare prairie remnant surrounds a historic cemetery, offering a unique setting for reflection and quiet exploration.
Planning your visit
Vermont Cemetery Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Amenities and activities
- Trails: Vermont Cemetery Preserve provides access to the 4.04-mile paved Tall Grass Greenway Trail and the 2.68-mile paved Normantown Trail, both suitable for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Wildlife viewing: An overlook provides views of the historic cemetery prairie and opportunities for observation.
Flora and fauna
Vermont Cemetery Preserve protects prairie habitat, including a small remnant that has been the focus of long-term scientific study and preservation.
The preserve is home to rare species, including the federally threatened and state-endangered Mead’s milkweed. Ongoing management efforts such as invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration help maintain this sensitive ecosystem.
Preserve history
Vermont Cemetery Preserve was acquired between 1998 and 2012 and is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which protects nearly 1,800 acres. Before acquisition, the site served as a cemetery for early settlers of Wheatland Township. The cemetery and surrounding prairie have been preserved as part of the site’s cultural and natural legacy. A one-acre portion of the preserve was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1999, providing permanent protection for its natural resources.
Upcoming events
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Volunteer Morning: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
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.
Trick or Treat in the Woods: Four Rivers
Experience the woods like never before on this trick-or-treating adventure around Four Rivers.
Scavengers of the Sky
Hit the trails to learn what makes turkey vultures unique in the bird world.
Latest headlines
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Rainy day gull shot wins September photo contest
Shorewood photographer captures moody moment at Whalon Lake Preserve.
Mocktails at Messenger Woods – a Halloween-themed program for adults
Sip seasonal mocktails, explore the preserve after dark and relax around a campfire on Oct. 15.
Wander at Will: Blazing trails across the preserves
Be a Trailblazer experience encourages people to slow down and experience nature on the trails.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.