Cricket Creek Forest Preserve
Location
The main entrance is located on the north side of Fullerton Avenue, one block east of Villa Avenue and south of Lake Street (Route 20).
Outdoor Recreation
Fishing
There are three shallow lakes at Cricket Creek, each featuring largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish and bluegill. The 9-acre Green Lake has a maximum depth of 10 feet. Stonewort Pond is 3 acres with a maximum depth of 9 feet, and Riverbend Pond is 5 acres with a maximum depth of 9 feet. 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.
Model Boating
A small model boating lake is located on the southern end of the forest preserve and may be used with a District permit. Call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 for details.
To get to the model boating lot, take Fullerton Avenue to get to the Route 83 frontage road and go south about 1/4 of a mile. The entrance is on the right.
Picnicking
The picnic shelter near the main parking lot holds 50 people and can be reserved for special events by calling Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248. An open picnic area is also nearby. Ground fires are prohibited, but visitors may bring their own grills and dispose of charcoal in the on-site hot-coal containers. Latrines and a water pump are also available to make visits more enjoyable.
Trails
Footpaths that wind through the preserve and encircle the ponds are ideal for hiking, jogging and cross-country skiing. The paved trail around the picnic area and reservable shelter is accessible to visitors with disabilities. Dogs are welcome at Cricket Creek but must be on leashes no greater than 10 feet in length.
Preserve History
Henry Dietrick Fischer was the first person to build within the flood plain of Salt Creek in what is now Cricket Creek Forest Preserve. While Fischer may have been the first to build on the flood plain, he certainly was not the last. Massive development within the Salt Creek flood plain has caused considerable flooding downstream. After years of overflow, a restoration plan was developed with hopes of returning the flood plain back to the river.
In 1970, the Forest Preserve District and the Illinois Department of Transportation purchased 75 homes within the flood-prone area to preserve the flood plain's natural qualities for flood control, recreation and open space. The then-controversial plan has since proven to be a great success, transforming the frequently flooded housing development into a beautiful 183-acre forest preserve for all to enjoy.
Cricket Creek has yet another unique distinction. It serves as the site for DuPage County's first wetland mitigation bank, a wetland restoration site funded by developers to replace previously destroyed wetlands.
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