Salt Creek Park

The 92-acre Salt Creek Park Forest Preserve in Wood Dale features elements of DuPage County’s natural and cultural history.

The forest preserve is a mix of upland forest and floodplain woods. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is actively managing the preserve’s natural areas by removing nonnative woody species, which helps species like bur oaks, hickories, and black oaks thrive, preserving habitat for northern orioles, eastern bluebirds, and red-headed woodpeckers.

The land also serves area residents and businesses by storing stormwater from the namesake Salt Creek, thus providing flood control.

Within the forest preserve, the picnic shelter closest to Elizabeth Drive is the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps — a work-relief program that was part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. The shelter was one of several structures that the corp built along Salt Creek during the 1930s.

Recreation

Picnicking

Picnickers can reserve Salt Creek Park Forest Preserve’s 100-person shelter with a grill through Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 but must do so at least three business days before their visit.

Picnickers can also use the smaller, nonreservable shelter and the numerous tables that are located throughout the preserve.

Ground fires are prohibited, but visitors may bring their own grills and use the on-site hot-coal disposal containers.

For everyone’s convenience, Salt Creek Park has a water pump and restrooms with pit toilets.

Trails

Nearly 2 miles of looped trails meander through the forest preserve. These mowed turf trails are ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing through the grassy fields and woodlands in the forest preserve.

Fishing

A moderate 65-yard walk down a gravel trail leads anglers to fishing along Salt Creek. The state stocks the creek with smallmouth bass, but the waterway also features largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, northern pike, and walleye.

Anglers 16 and older who are not legally disabled must have valid Illinois sport fishing licenses in their possession. All anglers must follow all District and state regulations.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome at Salt Creek Park but must be on leashes no greater than 10 feet in length.

Accessibility

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Individuals with accessibility needs or concerns should
contact the District’s ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit.