Acres: 316
Amenities: Parking
Hours: Open daily one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset
Location: West Chicago, IL
Activities & Facilities
Hiking, Wildlife Watching
Downloadable Maps
Preserve Map
Habitats:
Prairie/Grassland, Wetland and Woodland
West Chicago Prairie
West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve is one of northern Illinois' premier natural areas, for in addition to wetlands and upland oak savannas, the preserve is home to the Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve, a special state designation, one of only two designated nature preserves in the county. The Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve is one of the best examples of prairie in the state, and provides rare and specialized habitats to over 600 plant and animal species. The prairie contains the greatest plant diversity in the county.
Wildlife species at the preserve are typical of those found in northeastern Illinois. Various species of interesting and uncommon snakes and other reptiles are found in the wetlands and prairies, some of which are endangered or rare.
In order to ensure that this unique natural area will remain available to the public, many special management programs have been initiated in the prairie, including controlled burning, the removal of alien plant species, and the removal of brush.
Education
The Forest Preserve District regularly offers various nature, conservation, and leisure-activity programs at West Chicago Prairie and other preserves throughout the district.
Recreation
Trails
Nine linking footpaths meander through West Chicago Prairie. Many connect with the Illinois Prairie Path, which leads outside of the forest preserve and connects with West Chicago’s Reed-Keppler Park.
Because the Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve and other nature preserve land covers all of West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve, in accordance with the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act, bicycles and horses are not allowed at the forest preserve.
Dogs
In accordance with the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act, dogs are not allowed at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve.
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.