Today

Monday, May. 20, 2013

Sunrise:

5:42 AM

Sunset:

8:24 PM

Hours

Open daily one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed holidays.

Maps

Fullersburg Woods Map

Web Map With Trails and Driving Directions

Stats

Acres

226

Location

Oak Brook, IL

Trails

6 Miles

Features

Drinking Water
Parking
Restrooms
Latrines

Habitats

Lake/Pond/
Waterway
Prairie/
Grassland
Woodland

Activities

Fullersburg Woods

Fullersburg Woods opened to the public in 1920 and has a rich history. In the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was built here, and the visitor center and several of the shelters stand as remnants of that period. In subsequent years, the preserve was so heavily used that in 1969 picnicking was restricted, and boating was prohibited because sewage discharges and water runoff from surrounding communities polluted Salt Creek.

It was this time that Fullersburg’s revival began. Dedicated to multiple-use land management, the District implemented plans to restore and preserve the natural surroundings, improve flood control, and provide environmental education. As a result, the creek's water quality has improved, trees and other plant communities are thriving, and a restored prairie adds to the preserve's diversity. Today, Fullersburg Woods is a prime wildlife haven in an urban environment, hosting a variety of woodland wildlife, nesting songbirds, and spring and fall migratory birds, especially warblers.

Education

Educational Programs

Fullersburg Woods offers a variety of on-going, seasonal, and specialized education programs for schools, youth groups, and families. Seasonal programs for all age groups include tapping maple trees for sap, identifying spring wildflowers, and tracking wildlife. The preserve offers programming that meets state-curriculum standards to promote nature education in the classroom.

Nature Education Center

The interactive center promotes an understanding of humankind’s impact on natural ecosystems and the environment – on the local level and globally. Guests can explore the world of Salt Creek and its inhabitants, discover how to recognize resident bird species, study wild animal tracks, examine the reconstructed remains of a 13,000-year-old woolly mammoth, and much more.

Interpretive Trail

Taking a self-guided tour of this 1.3 mile trail through lowland woods and restored prairies by foot, bicycle or cross-country skis is a good way to learn about DuPage County's natural history. Most of the trail follows Salt Creek, providing visitors with the chance to see local flora and fauna.

Trail to Graue Mill

The half-mile walk along the banks of Salt Creek leads to Graue Mill Historic Site. Over a century ago, Frederick Graue put the waters of Salt Creek to work for him in a milling operation. Today, this National Historic Landmark allows visitors to see the mill operate as it did in Graue's day. The mill is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., mid-April to mid-November. For information about field trips, programs or admission fees, see www.grauemill.org or contact Graue Mill at (630) 655-2090.

Also nearby, The Frederick Graue House, built in 1859 is a fine example of early Victorian “Italianate” architecture. A $1-million restoration project has renovated the building and grounds. Three large rooms and a service area are available on a rental basis. For information, see www.grauemill.org or call (630) 920-9720.

Resource Center

The Robert H. Kelly Community Resource Center is available to educators by appointment, offering books, articles, magazines, activity and curriculum guides, and collection and monitoring equipment for checkout.

For more information on learning opportunities at Fullersburg Woods, see Education, or call (630) 850-8110.

Recreation

Fishing

Anglers will enjoy spending the day at Salt Creek, which features largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, northern pike and walleye. All anglers 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have valid Illinois sport fishing licenses in their possession and must follow District and state regulations.

Picnicking

When not in use by school or other groups, a picnic area and non-reservable shelter are available just west of the parking lot. Several smaller picnic shelters are located along the trail. Campfires, charcoal grills and alcohol are prohibited.

Trails

The Wildflower Trail – starting near the visitor center and traveling through the woods and restored prairie -- showcases many native species of wildflowers. Miles of multipurpose trails are open to bicyclers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, hikers and dog walkers.

Volunteer Opportunities

Fullersburg Woods Nature and Educaiton Center is one of six District Education Centers that provides year-round volunteer opportunities. People interested in volunteering at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center can lead youth and school groups in environmental activities. Training is provided by District staff. For more information, click here or call (630) 933-7681.

Working under the direction of the Office of Natural Resources, volunteer site stewards and “Volunteer Restoration Workday” participants help to monitor and manage the restored prairies and mature oak woodlands that make up this preserve. For information on volunteer opportunities at Fullersburg Woods and other forest preserves, visit the Natural Resource Management volunteer page, or contact Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681 or volunteer@dupageforest.org.

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.