Wood Dale Grove

Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve is comprised of an upland forest, a natural wet prairie, ephemeral ponds, and wetlands that are home to owls, deer, rare plants and animals, amphibians, and other forms of wildlife. The preserve acts as a rest stop for many avian migrants -- such as common loons, yellow-rumped warblers, and ruby-crowned kinglets -- and a nesting area for hooded warblers, black-cuckoos and blue-gray gnatcatchers. In addition, an upland savanna in the northern section of the preserve is home to native, springtime perennials like jack-in-the-pulpit, spring beauty, rue anemone, trout lily and red trillium.

Education

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

Recreation

Fishing

Grove Lake has a maximum depth of 28 feet and covers nine acres. Two accessible piers provide the perfect spot to drop a line. The lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, rainbow trout and sunfish. Bait collection is not allowed in the forest preserve, but anglers may use their own minnows, worms, insects, lures, wet flies, dough balls, stink or blood bait to attract fish. 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.

Picnicking

There are two reservable shelters for picnickers in the preserve, each accommodating 100 people. The south shelter has a grill. Ground fires are not permitted, but picnickers are welcome to bring their own grills and dispose of coals in the on-site hot-coal containers. Accessible latrines are near both shelters. Water pumps are nearby with another pump located on the woodland trail. For picnic shelter reservations, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7288.

Trails

Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve's multipurpose trail provides a scenic journey for hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers. A one-mile trail that is accessible to individuals with impaired mobility surrounds the lake and curves through the restored woodlands. Benches constructed from recycled materials are installed along the limestone trail.

 

Accessibility: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. At Wood Dale Grove, two piers on Grove Lake can be accessed by wheelchairs, as can a one- mile trail and latrines near both picnic shelters. 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.