Archery

A classical sport that offers challenging, rewarding experiences for all ages and abilities

 

Archery Range Temporarily Relocates to St. James Farm

While crews work to construct a bigger, better archery complex and recreational area in the southwest corner of Blackwell Forest Preserve, the existing archery range will be closed. Archers are encouraged to use the temporary range at St. James Farm Forest Preserve on Mack Road. The site features a parking lot, multiple styles of targets, picnic tables and a portable toilet.

Although St. James Farm is closed December through May, the archery area will be open year-round but only for archers. Other visitors — hikers, joggers, horseback riders, bikers, cross-country skiers, bird watchers — will need to use adjacent forest preserves until St. James Farm reopens in the spring.

When completed, the new archery complex at Blackwell will include two static ranges over open turf and an interactive range in a natural setting, a total of over 40 targets at shooting lengths from 10 to 100 yards. It will be next to a 3-acre picnic area with a 50-person picnic shelter, a trailhead, and a 100-car parking lot and near a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier at Sand Pond. The area will open once construction is complete and turf is established, which is expected to be midsummer 2012.

General Use Information

• Use of the archery range does not require a permit or have an associated fee.
• The range opens one hour after sunrise except on Wednesdays, when it opens at 10 a.m. after routine maintenance; it closes daily at sunset.
• The area features bow racks, quivers and 10 targets with distances of 20 to 60 yards.
• For the safety and enjoyment of all forest preserve visitors, archers must follow all rules and regulations, which are on display at the range.
• When open, the boat-rental area at Blackwell sells Tyvek targets for $6.50 a piece.