York Woods Forest Preserve
Location
Going east on 22nd Street, turn north onto Spring Road. At Harger Road, turn right and follow the road to the south parking lot. Another parking lot is located north, following Harger Road around toward Roosevelt Road (Route 38). Or, take I-88 to York Road. Proceed north on York Road to the Roosevelt Road west exit. Take the York Road south ramp. Go right on Harger Road.
Outdoor Recreation
Picnicking
York Woods, the first DuPage County forest preserve, features an easily accessed reservable 100-person capacity picnic shelter on the south end of the grounds. This historic shelter was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps after the Depression. As with other reservable shelters, permit holders have priority.
In addition, picnickers can find a 25-person capacity non-reservable shelter toward the north end of the preserve. Ground fires are prohibited, but visitors may bring their own grills or use the grill located near the south picnic shelter and may dispose of coals in the on-site hot-coal containers. Latrines and a water pump also are available.
Trails
An asphalt trail that takes hikers through the woods and along the northern edge of the preserve connects the south picnic area with the north picnic area. Another trail, paved with asphalt and accessible to visitors with impaired mobility, also connects the north and south picnic areas. The 1-mile paved trail is open to hikers and cross-country skiers as well as to cyclists or joggers. However, please be considerate of other trail users, and be aware of the wildlife both on and off the trail. With 75 acres of grounds, there is much to discover both on and off the paths.
Preserve History
The District purchased what is now York Woods Forest Preserve in 1917, which makes it the oldest preserve in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Although it is one of the smaller forest preserves in the District, it is known for its wide variety of flora and fauna, including vast woodlands home to deer, foxes and owls.
One of the first European settlers in the area, Nicholas Torode, arrived in North America in 1818 from Guernsey, Great Britain. Before moving to Illinois in 1835, Torode lived in Ohio and studied at Kenyon College. After coming west, the Terode family built a home at 333 S. York Road. Previously, the area had been known as Frenchman's Woods because of the family's French roots.
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