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Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Sunrise: 5:44 a.m.
Sunset: 8:12 p.m.
Saturday, July 31



Acres: 70

Amenities: Drinking Water, Latrines and Parking

Hours: Open daily one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset

Location: Oak Brook, IL

Activities & Facilities

Bicycling, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Picnicking, Wildlife Watching

Downloadable Maps

Preserve Map

Habitats:

Lake/Pond/Waterway, Wetland and Woodland

York Woods

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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 not a large preserve, it is known for its wide variety of flora and fauna that thrive in its marshland, vast oak woodlands, and floodplain forest. Birders will enjoy spotting Baltimore orioles, cedar waxwings, warbling vireos, and owls.

Recreation

Picnicking

York Woods features an easily accessed, reservable 100-person capacity picnic shelter with a grill 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 one-mile paved trail is open to hikers and cross-country skiers as well as to cyclists or joggers.

 

Accessibility: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. At York Woods, a paved path connecting the north and south picnic areas is wheelchair accessible. 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.