Spring Creek Reservoir Forest Preserve
Location
The entrance is located on the north side of Lake Street (Route 20) one-quarter mile east of Glen Ellyn Road and one-quarter mile west of Medinah Road.
Preserve Maps
- Spring Creek Reservoir Trail map (210 KB PDF)
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
Spring Creek Reservoir Forest Preserve has a hard-surfaced trail of more than one mile that is accessible to individuals who are mobility-impaired and is great for walking, jogging, biking or in-line skating. This popular preserve for exercise enthusiasts has a half mile of shoreline to explore. Several benches are scattered along the trail. While on an excursion through the preserve, nature enthusiasts can have a seat as they enjoy the various species of plants and animal wildlife that make the 88 acre preserve and its waters their home.
Picnicking
On the preserve's grounds is one reservable 50-person-capacity picnic shelter, which is accessible from the parking area. Visitors can also set up a blanket in other areas of the preserve for a makeshift picnic area. Ground fires are prohibited, but visitors may bring their own grills and dispose of coals in the on-site hot-coal containers. Latrines are located next to the picnic area, and a water pump is located along the trail near the main picnic area.
Fishing
The reservoir has an average depth of 15 feet, although during floods it can fluctuate up to 55 feet. Bass, catfish, bluegill and sunfish are frequently caught in the reservoir's waters. 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.
Preserve History
Looking at the waters of the reservoir, it's hard to imagine acres of corn and wheat. Yet at one time, farmland spread as far as the eye could see. Near this site, the family of Josiah Stevens of New York staked claim in 1833 when DuPage was still part of Cook County.
Years ago, a sea of stone formed a gravel pit near the fertile farmland. The scene now quiet and sublime was once noisy, dusty and devoid of all plant life. Gazing east past the gravel pit during the 1950s, one would have seen a flock of turkeys, unaware of their future trip to the market. Carl Bauer owned this 74-acre site then and quarried the land and ran his turkey farm and meat market on the east side. The land was later leased to the Curtis Sand and Gravel Company, which removed the majority of stone from the pit.
The site was virtually left barren because of the quarrying operations in the area by 1987 when the District acquired it. Today, the preserve acts as a much-needed flood-control area for surrounding homes and businesses while providing valuable open space and recreational opportunities to the public. The reservoir helps store flood-waters for Springbrook Creek within the Salt Creek watershed.
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