Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve
Location
Located on Wood Dale Road, between Lake Street (Route 20) and 3rd Avenue (Oak Meadows Drive), just west of Route 83.
Preserve Maps
- Wood Dale Grove Trail map (161 KB PDF)
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve's multipurpose trail provides a scenic journey for hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers. A 1.1-mile trail that is accessible to individuals with impaired mobility surrounds the lake and curves through the restored woodlands. Benches constructed from recycled materials are installed along the limestone trail. This surface is longer-lasting and easier to maintain than grass trails.
Fishing
Grove Lake has a maximum depth of 28 feet and covers 9 acres. Two accessible piers provide the perfect spot to drop a line. The lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, rainbow trout and sunfish. Bait collection is not allowed in the forest preserve, but anglers may use their own minnows, worms, insects, lures, wet flies, dough balls, stink or blood bait to attract fish. 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
There are two reservable shelters for picnickers in the preserve, each accommodating 100 people. Ground fires are not permitted, but picnickers are welcome to bring their own grills and dispose of coals in the on-site hot-coal containers. Accessible latrines are near both shelters. Water pumps are nearby with another pump located on the woodland trail.
Preserve History
Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve is located on the Tinley Moraine, a glacial deposit. Underlying the area is a layer of glacial till, sandy stone and gravel left behind by the Wisconsin Glacier over 10,000 years ago. Today, glacial remnants are found throughout DuPage County.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County made its first land acquisitions of 10 acres at Wood Dale Grove in 1929. The District purchased an additional 21 acres in 1930 and 14 more in 1936. These parcels were not contiguous then, so in 1979 the District acquired the remaining in holdings.
Today, Wood Dale Grove is 187 acres of open space, including an upland forest and wetlands that are home to owls, deer, rare plants and animals, and other forms of wildlife.
Accessibility
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.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857