Springbrook Prairie

Originally slated to be the site of a 200-acre dragon-shaped lake with a swim beach and campground, today, the 1,867-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville is instead one of three regionally significant grassland bird communities in the state and home to species like meadowlarks, dickcissels, grasshopper sparrows, woodcocks, and bobolinks as well as state-endangered northern harriers, short-eared owls, and Henslow’s sparrows.

A stream re-meandering project has created twists and turns and a wider, shallower bank along the namesake Spring Brook. These changes have slowed the flow of water, improving aquatic habitat and allowing the brook to more easily pour over its banks and into the preserve during heavy rains, a valuable flood-control feature for nearby residents.

Recreation

Picnicking

A reservable shelter is at the 83rd Street trailhead. A second, smaller nonreservable shelter is on the west side of Plainfield- Naperville Road near the parking lot.

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

For everyone’s convenience, Springbrook Prairie offers drinking water and restrooms with flush toilets at the 83rd Street trailhead and restrooms with pit toilets at the Naperville-Plainfield Road parking lot.

Trails

The preserve’s trails stay to the perimeter, giving visitors wonderful views and wildlife extra privacy. Over 7 miles are open to hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers; 2 miles of narrow, mowed trails allow visitors, except bicyclists, a closer view of the preserve’s natural features. Sections of the trail may be closed during key bird breeding seasons to protect critical nesting habitats.

Dogs

Dogs with valid Forest Preserve District permits can enjoy Springbrook Prairie’s off-leash area at the 83rd Street trailhead. Owners must have their dogs’ permits in their possession when in the off-leash area. Applications for annual and daily permits are available through Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Rules for the off-leash area are posted at the preserve. Dogs must be on leashes no greater than 10 feet in length in all other areas of the preserve, including the parking lots.

Model-Aircraft Area

Operators with valid District permits in their possession can use the model-aircraft field on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road.

Annual and daily permits are available through Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Senior citizens are entitled to one free annual permit per calendar year.

Volunteer Opportunities

Working under the direction of the Office of Natural Resources, volunteer site stewards and “Volunteer Restoration Workday” participants help to monitor and manage the extensive restored prairies and marshes that make up this preserve. For information on volunteer opportunities at Springbrook Prairie 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.