Mayslake Forest Preserve
Location
The entrance to Mayslake Peabody Estate is located on the south side of west 31st Street (Oakbrook Road) one-quarter mile west of Route 83 and one-half mile east of Midwest Road/Cass Avenue. An off-leash dog area is located south of 31st Street just west off St. Paschals Drive.
Preserve Maps
- Mayslake Forest Preserve map (338 KB PDF)
Activities & Facilities
Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook includes 13 acres of wetlands, nine acres of lakes and ponds, and a 15-acre area of prairie, marsh and savanna that is currently under restoration. Also located on the 90-acre property are 66 acres of maintained grounds with several historically significant buildings, including Mayslake Hall and the Portiuncula Chapel, which are both part of the Mayslake Peabody Estate.
Mayslake Hall is an intriguing registered national historic landmark. The history of this incredible estate is a fascinating tale waiting to be told by a corps of volunteers. Click here for descriptions of volunteer positions and application materials. Call (630) 933-7681 for more information or e-mail the volunteer office at volunteer@dupageforest.com.
The estate hosts summer productions of the First Folio Shakespeare Festival, and the hall is open for public tours Wednesdays and Saturdays. The chapel is available for ceremonies such as weddings and memorials. For information on reserving the chapel, call the events coordinator at (630) 206-9569.
Fishing
Fishing at Mayslake can be a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon. The northern portion of the lake is open for public access, but the southern shores are private property. Please respect the rights of these property owners by keeping to the northern part of the lake. Watercraft are prohibited. 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.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Dogs with Forest Preserve District off-leash dog area permits can enjoy Mayslake's fully fenced off-leash area, which features 4 acres of mowed grass with a double gate system. The parking lot is located off St. Paschal's Drive. Call Visitor Services Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (630) 933-7248 for permit applications and information. Rules for the area are posted at the preserve. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the preserve.
The Portiuncula Chapel
History of the Chapel
The original Portiuncula Chapel in Assisi, Italy, takes its name from the "Little Portion" of land where St. Francis of Assisi is said to have received his call to serve the poor in the year 1208.
The Portuncula Chapel at the Mayslake Peabody Estate is the only known replica of the original chapel in the United States and is considered a work of art. Built as a memorial to coal magnate Francis Stuyvesant Peabody by his family, the chapel was originally located on the south side of the lake where Peabody died in August 1922.
The chapel was moved to its present location near the mansion in 1973. Behind the chapel lies a semi-circular memorial wall that shelters a beautiful flower and herb garden. The wall was constructed and cared for by the Franciscan Order, owners of the estate until 1993.
Rental Information
Reservations
Within 14 days of the selection of a ceremony date and time, a deposit is due to secure the reservation.
Seating Capacity
The chapel itself seats 62. However, two sets of large double doors may be opened to allow additional guests seated outside to witness the ceremony.
Arrangements
It is the responsibility of the party reserving the chapel to arrange for the clergy or appropriate official as well as any music or flowers.
Fee Information
Fees are for a four-hour rental to include set-up time:
| Chapel Only | $550 |
| Grounds Only or Chapel and Grounds | $750 |
Preserve History
In 1919, wealthy coal magnate Francis Stuyvesant Peabody accumulated 848 acres of prime real estate in eastern DuPage County and began construction of his 39-room Tudor Gothic mansion. He named the estate Mayslake as a tribute to his first wife and his daughter, both named May.
Shortly after the mansion was completed, Peabody died of a heart attack at the age of 63. At the time of his death, he had amassed a personal fortune of $35 million and a business fortune of $75 million.
The grieving family did not wish to remain at the estate, and on March 28, 1924, the property was sold to the Franciscan Order or Friars Minor. The Franciscans used the mansion as a retreat house from 1925 and added an additional wing in 1951. Construction also began in 1951 on the St. Paschal's Friary, a 90,000-square-foot building which was completed 16 years later. The Franciscans used the friary for training workshops and later to house the retired and aging friars.
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