Pratt's Wayne Woods

Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve is the largest in DuPage County at 3,465 acres; which, combined with acreage at adjacent James ‘Pate’ Philip State Park, forms a continuous 4,000-acre stretch, a scarce resource in a growing urban area.

The preserve, which is situated on the outwash plain of the West Chicago Moraine, hosts several fishing lakes and a large, diverse marsh complex. This landscape combines calcium-rich water with wet sandy soil to support unique varieties of plant life more commonly seen near Lake Michigan. The numerous wetland areas surrounding Fern Meadows and Brewster and Norton Creeks provide a lush environment for shorebirds and waterfowl including wood ducks, black-crowned night-herons, and state-endangered sandhill cranes and yellow-headed blackbirds. In fact, the park holds the distinction of being named an Audubon Important Bird Area, a program identifying sites around the world that provide critical habitat for our most threatened grassland, shrubland and wetland bird populations.

In addition, the preserve is home to woodland areas, oak savannas, meadows, and restored prairies, making is a haven for diverse populations of plant life, birds, and mammals.

Education

The Forest Preserve District offers nature, conservation, and leisure-activity programs at Pratt’s Wayne Woods and other preserves throughout the district. (program link)

Recreation

Youth Group Camping

Pratt's Wayne Woods offers two camp sites to organized youth groups. Each site holds up to 25 campers and has a fire ring. Firewood is provided at each area; latrines are located adjacent to the campground, and water is available across the road.

Open year-round, the camping areas are set aside for use by youth groups. Youth groups are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations. Only members of these groups, with their accompanying leaders, may camp in these areas. Camping permits and adult supervision of one leader over 21 years of age for every 10 children are mandatory for campsite use. For further information and permits, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Fishing

Anglers will find that Pratt's Wayne Woods' four lakes offer 38 acres of the finest fishing in the county. Pickerel Lake, Catfish Pond, Horsetail Pond and Beaver Slough are all former gravel pits that are stocked periodically with channel catfish and largemouth bass. Bluegill, crappie, flathead catfish and sunfish can also be found in these waters. Anglers can enjoy the limestone shoreline or can take advantage of the two piers on Pickerel Lake. Boating is not allowed on the lakes.

All persons 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have in their possession a valid Illinois sport fishing license. All anglers must follow District and state regulations.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riders are welcome to enjoy the many miles of trails available at Pratt's Wayne Woods. Because these are multipurpose trails, riders should restrain their horses when riding around corners to avoid colliding with other trail users. Pratt's Wayne Woods is host to the Wayne-DuPage Hunt Club, which has been riding in the area for more than 100 years and organizes equestrian events at the preserve. Many horse jumps are located throughout the preserve, but these should not be attempted by novice riders. Horseback riding in developed picnic areas and campgrounds is prohibited. Horse trailers must be parked in the gravel parking area off the special-use road across from the main entrance on the east side of Powis Road.

Model-Aircraft Area

Model airplane owners can fly their crafts in the designated special-use area located on the east side of Powis Road. This oval-shaped field provides an excellent flying area for hobbyists. All model aircraft flyers are required to have a District permit in their possession when using these areas; call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 for more information.

Off-Leash Dog Area

Dogs with Forest Preserve District off-leash dog-area permits can enjoy Pratt's Wayne Woods' 23-acre off-leash area, which is located south of the model airplane field. Owners must have their dogs' permits in their possession when in the off-leash areas. Call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 for permit applications and information. Rules for the area are posted at the preserve. Dogs must be leashed in all other sections of the preserve.

Picnicking

Picnicking opportunities are abundant at Pratt's Wayne Woods and include a picnic area and a 100-person-capacity reservable shelter with a large grill. Ground fires are not allowed, but visitors are welcome to bring their own grills and use the hot-coal disposal containers by the parking lot. Permits for the reservable shelter must be obtained at least three business days in advance; call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Trails

Hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers and horseback riders can explore more than 8 miles of trails. In addition, close to a mile of the Elgin branch of the Illinois Prairie Path runs through the western portion of the preserve, making this an ideal location to start or conclude a day's outing. Hikers and bikers can park in the lot off Powis Road and take the West Trail west of Pickerel Lake to access the Prairie Path.

 

Accessibility: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. At Pratt's Wayne Woods, some trails, the model aircraft field, and both fishing piers are barrier-free. For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.