Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
Location
The model airfield is located on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road one-half mile south of 75th Street, east of Route 59. The main lot (trailhead and off-leash dog area) is located on the north side of 83rd Street one-half mile west of Book Road.
Preserve Maps
- Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve map (385 KB PDF)
- Springbrook Prairie Trail map (284 KB PDF)
Preserve History
Originally named Dragon Lake Forest Preserve, Springbrook Prairie was slated to be the home of a 200-acre dragon-shaped lake, complete with a swim beach and campgrounds. However, the emergence of a significant grassland bird population eventually led the District to abandon the idea of a lake and to look at ways to restore the preserve to a native prairie landscape.
Recently, the District has secured over $1 million in grants to fund a stream re-meandering project to return the western part of Spring Brook to a more natural state. By returning the twists and turns and by making a wider, shallower bank, the District will improve water quality by slowing the flow and will also allow the stream to easily pour over its banks and into the preserve during heavy rains, improving floodwater-control features.
Activities & Facilities
At Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville, visitors will find 1,849 acres of swaying grasslands, restored prairies and wetlands. Over 90 species of birds, 18 different mammals, and nearly a dozen species of reptiles and amphibians call Springbrook Prairie home. With a little diligence, bird watchers may spot several native grassland species including meadowlarks, dickcissels, grasshopper sparrows, woodcocks, and bobolinks and state-endangered birds like northern harriers, short-eared owls and Henslow's sparrows. Springbrook Prairie is one of three places in northern Illinois to house such a regionally significant grassland bird community.
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
The preserve's 13 miles of trails stay to the perimeter, giving visitors wonderful views and wildlife extra privacy. Over 8 miles are open to hikers, bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers, and over 2 miles of narrow, mowed trails allow people on foot a closer view of the preserve's natural features. Sections of the trail may be closed during key bird breeding seasons to protect critical nesting habitats.
Picnicking
Springbrook Prairie features a non-reservable picnic shelter at the trailhead off of 83rd Street. A second non-reservable picnic area is located off of Plainfield-Naperville Road.
Special-Use Areas
Model-Aircraft Field
Hobbyists are welcome to enjoy the model-aircraft field located on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road but must have District permits in their possession when using the area. For permit information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Dogs with Forest Preserve District off-leash dog-area permits can enjoy the fully fenced off-leash area at the 83rd Street trailhead. The area, which is northwest of the parking lot, features 2 acres of fine-mowed turf and 34 acres of trails. Call Visitor Services Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (630) 933-7248 for permit applications and information. Owners must have the permits in their possession when using the off-leash area. Rules for the area are posted at the preserve. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the preserve.
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