East Branch Forest Preserve
Location
The main entrance is on Glen Ellyn Road one-quarter mile south of Army Trail Road approximately two miles north of North Avenue (Route 64). The off-leash dog area is on the west side of Swift River approximately one mile north of North Avenue.
Outdoor Recreation
Fishing
Many acres of open water await anglers at East Branch Forest Preserve in Glendale Heights. There are excellent fishing opportunities in both the 9-acre Rush Lake and 5-acre Sunfish Pond. Rush Lake has a maximum depth of 22 feet with very little vegetation and steep gravel shores.
Both water bodies feature bass, sunfish, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill. Carp and bullheads also live in Rush Lake's waters. For those who would rather fish a stream, there is a 1.6-mile shoreline along the East Branch of the DuPage River. 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.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Dogs with Forest Preserve District off-leash dog area permits can enjoy East Branch's off-leash area, which can be accessed via the Swift Road entrance, just north of North Avenue. Call Visitor Services Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (630) 933-7248 for permit applications and information. Rules for the area are posted at the preserve. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the preserve, and while in the parking lots.
Picnicking
There is a picnic area at the entrance on Glen Ellyn Road with picnic tables and a hot-coal disposal container. Ground fires are not allowed, but visitors are welcome to bring their own grills and use the hot-coal disposal container on site.
Preserve History
East Branch Forest Preserve was acquired by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County in the early 1970s, primarily for storm-water control and outdoor recreation. Most of the preserve is in the East Branch of the DuPage River's flood plain.
In 1985, the Forest Preserve District allowed Opus Corporation to mine a limited amount of gravel. In return, Opus gave the District a new 25-foot-deep fishing pond - Sunfish Pond.
Also in 1985, the District authorized the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority's removal of fill material for portions of I-355 in return for two new wetlands in the southern end of the preserve near the off-leash dog area. These wetlands provide valuable plant and wildlife habitats and flood control and improve water quality to nearby residents and businesses.
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