West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve
Location
Located on Route 59, approximately one-half mile north of Roosevelt Road (Route 38). A second entrance is on Gary's Mill Road, between Roosevelt and Winfield roads.
Preserve Maps
- West DuPage Woods Trail map (250 KB PDF)
Outdoor Recreation
Fishing
This preserve offers fishing along the West Branch of the Dupage River that features sunfish, carp and bluegill. In the Elsen's Hill area, there is a 1/2-acre pond that features bass and sunfish.
Trails
Trails include a one-mile loop from the main parking lot and a two-mile loop from the Elsen's Hill parking lot. Both offer a variety of terrain and are very popular for hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
Preserve History
The Forest Preserve District began to acquire the land that now is West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve in 1919, making it one of the oldest preserves in the District. In 1919, 68 acres were purchased from Charles and Jennie Bolles by the then-four-year old District for $200 per acre. In 1924, the Bolles sold the District 40 more acres. Other neighboring properties and small farms were purchased until the preserve grew to the 462 acres that are here today.
The Elsen's Hill area is named for a former landowner, John C. Elsen, who sold the District 57 acres in 1964. Elsen's farm extended from Gary's Mill Road to the West Branch of the DuPage River and was surrounding by small, single-family homes. In 1969, the District entered an agreement with the Village of Winfield that gave the village several acres of District land on which to build a wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater is filtered through wetlands on District land before entering the West Branch of the DuPage River.
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