Blackwell

Visitors hiking through Blackwell Forest Preserve walk on land that the retreating Wisconsin Glacier shaped 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. The glacier’s retreat left a concentrated deposit of sand and gravel in the preserve – a rare formation that resulted in unique vegetative growth. Savannas with widely spaced oak trees formed on the higher ground while the lower-lying ground became home to many species of marsh and prairie plants. Blackwell is home to McKee Marsh, the district’s first wetland restoration project, which is now a popular stop for migratory birds. Two bird blinds have been constructed to enhance the birding experience.

During the restoration of McKee Marsh, District employees uncovered the skeleton of a woolly mammoth that lived about 14,000 years ago. This was the District's most significant archeological discovery and is one of the oldest paleontological finds in northeastern Illinois.

Education

Interpretive Trail

Blackwell's McKee Marsh area is the site of an interpretive trail that features two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the rich history and ecological significance of the marsh.

Compass Course

This course challenges users to find their way through the outdoors with the aid of a compass. Supplies for the compass course on Mt. Hoy are available by calling Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110.

Programs

The Forest Preserve District regularly offers fishing clinics and archery instruction at Blackwell. In addition, other nature, conservation, and leisure-activity programs are offered at Blackwell and other preserves throughout the district.

Recreation

Archery

While the Forest Preserve District works to construct a larger, improved archery complex at Blackwell, the existing archery range will be closed. Archers are encouraged to use the temporary range at St. James Farm Forest Preserve on Mack Road. Please visit Archery for directions, details and updates.

Boating

Federal and state regulations require that watercraft contain one wearable, well-fitting, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for each member on board and that children under 13 wear their PFDs at all times. In addition, District regulations require that all individuals, regardless of age, wear PFDs in private canoes and kayaks and in all District-rented watercraft.

Private Watercraft

At Silver Lake, visitors can bring their own non-gasoline-powered watercraft up to 20 feet in length including boats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and multi-chambered inflatables with factory-installed hardened floors and transoms. Watercraft must be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and have a District private-boating permit. Boaters can purchase daily and annual permits at the Blackwell boat-rental area and at Forest Preserve District headquarters. A steel lockbox is available at Blackwell to collect daily fees.

A canoe launch on the south side of Mack Road offers free access to the West Branch of the DuPage River. However, ongoing work to clean up and restore habitat along the river will make sections downstream impassable during the spring, summer and fall. As a result, the launch will be open only as a take-out site for paddlers from the north. The District will post warning signs at the launch during these times.

Please note that all watercraft must be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Federal and state regulations require that watercraft contain one well-fitting personal flotation device for each member on board and that children under 13 wear PFDs when underway in recreational vessels. In addition, District regulations require that all individuals, regardless of age, must wear PFDs when in private canoes and kayaks. For details, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Rentals

Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and boats with electric trolling motors for use on Silver Lake by the hour or the day at Blackwell’s boat-rental area. Visitors can provide their own electric trolling motors for use on District boats, but the District does not provide motors for use on private boats. Oars, paddles and PFDs are provided for rentals only and cannot be rented for use in private watercraft.

The boat-rental area is open on weekends and holidays from the beginning of April through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s also open Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Between Labor Day and the end of September, the rental area is open only on weekends from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Camping

Family Camping

Sixty family sites are available at the campground north of Silver Lake. Each includes a gravel parking pad, fire ring and picnic table. There are campsites suitable for tents (some with crushed-rock tent pads), trailers and motor homes, and sites are located near latrines, running water and trash containers. Restrooms with showers and campsites with electrical hookups are also available; however, there are no sewage or water hookups. The campground is open Friday and Saturday nights from May through September but is also open the week of the Fourth of July with additional days on other holiday weekends. For permit and other information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Youth Group Camping

Twelve semi-wooded campsites are located close to an open play field, trails and lakes; water and latrines are also nearby. Each site holds up to 25 campers and has its own fire ring.

Open year-round, these camping areas are set aside for use by youth groups. Youth groups are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations. Only members of these groups, with their accompanying leaders, may camp in these areas. Camping permits and adult supervision of one leader over 21 years of age for every 10 children are mandatory for campsite use. For permit and other information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Fishing

The 62-acre Silver Lake is a hot fishing spot that features bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout and walleye. It's also the site of the Just for Kids Fishing Derby held each June. Two floating piers make fishing at Silver Lake easy, but fishing is prohibited from the boat docks or boat-launch area.

Bluegill, channel catfish, bass, crappie and sunfish can also be caught in White Pine Pond, located west of the main entrance.

Ice fishing is permitted at Blackwell. However, ice conditions are not monitored by rangers, so all ice-related activities are done at the user's own risk. As a guideline, not a guarantee, at least four inches of ice are recommended for any ice activity.

All persons 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have in their possession a valid Illinois sport fishing license. All anglers must follow District and state regulations.

Off-Leash Dog Area

Dogs with valid Forest Preserve District permits can enjoy Blackwell's fully fenced off-leash area. Rules for the area, which is on the south side of Mack Road, are posted at the preserve. Owners must have their dogs' permits in their possession when in the off-leash area; dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the preserve. The area is open during regular preserve hours except on Mondays, when it opens at 9 a.m. after routine maintenance. Owners should call Visitor Services Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (630) 933-7248 for permit applications and information.

Picnicking

There are ample picnic sites located around the shore of Silver Lake. The Hawthorne Grove picnic area as well as the preserve's four picnic shelters can be reserved. Ground fires are not allowed, but visitors are welcome to bring their own grills and use the hot-coal disposal containers on site. Permits for reservable areas must be obtained at least three business days in advance; call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Trails

More than seven miles of turf and limestone trails make Blackwell a hiker's paradise. Multipurpose trails, including a 3.6-mile section of the Regional Trail (connecting four other preserves to Blackwell), can be used by horseback riders, cyclists, hikers and cross-country skiers. A trail connection provides a convenient route from the Illinois Prairie Path to Blackwell's trail system.

Horseback riders are reminded that riding in developed recreational and picnic areas and campgrounds is prohibited. Trailers may be parked in the McKee Marsh parking lot north of Mack Road.

Cross-country skiers will enjoy the gently rolling to hilly terrain in the developed sections of Blackwell as well as the quieter winding trails. Skiers are asked to stay to the outside of the trail, leaving the inside area for hikers and other trail users. When conditions permit, trails are groomed for classical and skate-style cross-country skiing.

Dog sledding is allowed only on designated trails north of Mack Road.

Tubing on Mt. Hoy

Tubing fans can take a thrilling ride down Mt. Hoy when three or more inches of snow cover the hill. District inner tubes are the only devices that may be used on Mt. Hoy and can be rented on weekends and school holidays December through February at the base of the hill. Call the Outdoor Report at (630) 871-6422 for hours of operation and snow conditions.

 

Accessibility: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. At Blackwell, a trail and two piers ensure easy access to Silver Lake. A modern restroom is available on the northeast side of the lake, and improvements to campground showers have made them barrier free as well. The south picnic shelter, with its nearby asphalt trail and latrines, is also easily accessed.

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.

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