Activities
and Facilities
Outdoor Report
Read the Outdoor Report for latest fishing conditions, wildlife sightings and other nature news.
Programs
and Events
For upcoming recreation-related programs and events, visit the Calendar of Events.
Questions?
Call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248, or e-mail forest@dupageforest.com.
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Picnicking and Shelters
Great locations for family get-togethers or a quiet lunch break.
Picnickers can spread a blanket on the ground or grab a table at scenic sites throughout DuPage
County’s forest preserves.
Groups can also reserve picnic areas and shelters for a fee at several forest preserves. In select areas, picnickers can also rent canopies and grills or set up private canopies.
Picnicking Guidelines
- A reserved area is for the exclusive use of the permit holder’s group.
- Ground fires are not allowed, but visitors can bring their own grills and use the on-site hot coal disposal containers.
- Groups should make holiday reservations as early as possible in the calendar year for the best selection.
- Groups can change reservations up to two weeks in advance, but changes are subject to a $5 fee.
- The Forest Preserve District is not responsible for cancellations due to weather conditions, and permits are nonrefundable.
- The District prohibits alcohol in all forest preserves.
- Prohibited items include horseshoes, piñatas, egg-toss games, water balloons, animal rides, dunk tanks, moon walks, musical performers, disc jockeys, stages, tents and trampolines.
Reservable Picnic Areas (per day)
Forest Preserve | Shelter Capacity | Area Capacity | DuPage
Resident | Non-resident |
Blackwell in Warrenville |
North shelter (GE)
South shelter (G)
East shelter (G)
West shelter
Picnic area | 50
50
50
50
- | 100
100
100
100
300 | $60
$55
$55
$45
$70 | $75
$70
$70
$60
$90 |
Churchill Woods in Glen Ellyn |
Shelter (G)
Central picnic area
West picnic area | 100
-
- | 100
50
50 | $100
$35
$35 | $120
$45
$45 |
Cricket Creek in Addison |
Shelter | 50 | 50 | $45 | $60 |
Greene Valley in Naperville |
West shelter
East shelter | 50
50 | 100
100 | $45
$45 | $60
$60 |
Herrick Lake in Wheaton |
East shelter (GE)
West picnic area
West shelter
South shelter (F) | 100
-
50
50 | 100
150
100
50 | $105
$35
$45
$45 | $130
$45
$60
$60 |
Mallard Lake in Hanover Park |
Shelter | 50 | 50 | $45 | $60 |
McDowell Grove in Naperville |
Central picnic area
North shelter (F) | -
25 | 150
25 | $35
$45 | $45
$60 |
Pratt's Wayne Woods in Wayne |
Shelter (G) | 100 | 100 | $100 | $120 |
Salt Creek Park in Wood Dale |
Shelter (G) | 100 | 100 | $100 | $120 |
Songbird Slough in Itasca |
Shelter | 50 | 50 | $45 | $60 |
Spring Creek Reservoir in Bloomingdale |
Shelter | 50 | 50 | $45 | $60 |
Springbrook Prairie in Naperville |
Shelter (E) | 50 | 100 | $50 | $65 |
Wood Dale Grove in Wood Dale |
North shelter
South shelter (G) | 50
50 | 100
100 | $45
$55 | $60
$70 |
York Woods in Oak Brook |
Shelter (G) | 100 | 100 | $100 | $120 |
G- Built-in charcoal grill
E- Electricity
F- Fireplace (Firewood is provided. As part of Districtwide efforts to help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer, outside firewood is not allowed.) |
Canopy and Grill Rentals (per day) | DuPage Resident/Nonresident |
District Canopy
Size: 20' x 30' Capacity: 75 people | $325/$375
(includes setup and takedown) |
Private Canopy
Size: Over 200 sq. ft. | $10/$12 |
District Grill
Size: 2' x 5' Capicity: 60 people
charcoal and lighter fluid not included | $75/$90
(includes setup and cleanup) |
Five canopies and four grills are available for use at select forest preserves and are subject to availability. |
Picnicking Reservations |
Visitor Services
District Headquarters
3S580 Naperville Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 933-7248 Weekdays 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | In Person: Cash, Check or Credit Card By Mail: Check or Credit Card By Fax or Phone: Credit Card Only
|
Groups must make reservations at least three business days in advance. |
Picnic Permit Application |