St. James Farm

 

Conceptual Master Plan Project Review details and drawings of the St. James Farm Forest Preserve conceptual master plan.

 

St. James Farm was the retreat of the McCormick family, descendants of Cyrus McCormick, who invented the first commercially successful mechanical reaper and was co-founder of what would become the International Harvester Corporation.

 

St. James Farm is closed for the season. It will reopen on May 29, 2010. 2010 Season Dates:
May	29
Jun	5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27
Jul	3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31
Aug	1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29
Sep	4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26
Oct	2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31
Nov	6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28

Home to an assortment of farm buildings, equestrian structures, and agricultural fields, the preserve also includes acres of oak woodlands, prairies and wetlands, habitats that host hundreds of native plant species and wildlife. Springbrook Creek, a biologically-diverse creek in the north part of the preserve, has been reconfigured back to its natural state to improve water quality, control erosion, improve flood-water control, and increase wildlife habitats.

St. James Farm Forest Preserve is in the center of a 4,000-acre stretch of natural areas with linking trails, which includes Danada, Herrick Lake, Warrenville Grove and Blackwell forest preserves.

St. James Farm Forest Preserve is currently open only on select days. The schedule will expand, though, as amenities at the new forest preserve develop.

Education

Visitors can explore the grounds, including tree-lined paths called “allées,” to learn about the history of the estate through a series of interpretive signs and a cell phone tour, which callers can access at (312) 239-8939.

The Forest Preserve District regularly offers fishing clinics and interpretive programs at St. James Farm. In addition, other nature, conservation, and leisure-activity programs are offered at other preserves throughout the district.

Recreation

Archery

As the Forest Preserve District works on the new archery complex at Blackwell Forest Preserve, archers are encouraged to use the temporary range at St. James Farm on Mack Road. Please visit Archery for directions, details and updates.

Fishing

Catch-and-release fishing is allowed at the front pond. 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.

Picnicking

Visitors will enjoy picnicking at tables in a wooded grove or in the large open-air pavilion.

Trails

Three mowed-grass trails totaling 3.4 miles lead hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers through the forest preserve’s natural areas. Bicyclists may enter on Hoy Avenue from the Illinois Prairie Path. In addition, visitors can explore the grounds to learn about the history of the estate through a series of interpretive signs.

 

Accessibility: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. 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.