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    Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

    4.5 (40 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

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    Lisa G.

    Came here to hike though it was a combination of a light hike / walk. I'm glad I looked at the map a couple minutes in cuz there's a trail called Henslow's Trail that's a bit more, shall I say, rustic, than the main limestone path. It goes for 2 miles before connecting back to Sunflower Trail for another mile. The limestone path is great for cycling & running, but a lil boring for just a stroll.

    Trail
    Nicole G.

    This is another great forest preserve for training and so much more! This forest preserve is a state-designated nature preserve, has over 1,500 acres, is a water reserve, and grassland for breeding and overwintering birds. I had no idea! There are so many birds and they make these trails extra peaceful. The trails here are incredible. Great for running, biking, and even cross-country skiing or horseback riding in certain areas. The main trails are paved and wide to allow for easy passing. The full "loop" is 5.5. miles so if you are training for a marathon or half, this is a a place to train. The loop took me about 50 minutes running at 9 minute miles. It is challenging due to the hills. Let's just say I wasn't in the best mood after finishing these on some days ha! The hills however are a great way to build your endurance and something not all trails offer. The loop is mainly in the sun with very few spots in the shade. Just a note to make sure you wear sunscreen if you plan on doing the full thing. In addition to the abundance of trails, this forest preserve offers a picnic area, no-leash dog spot, and even a model airplane field! I see people flying these around all the time when I visit and they look like they're having a blast. There is a decent size parking lot but on a nice day during the weekend, you'll probably have to park across the street where there is overflow parking. There's an outside bathroom that is kept fairly clean. If you're looking to get outside and spend a good amount of time outdoors, give the preserve a visit (and try running that loop if you're feeling crazy ha!)

    Efrain V.

    This place has a really nice bicycle trail I was amazed by a well the trails are kept and some beautiful spots all over the loop

    5.5 mile loop at Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
    Ron W.

    This is a 5.5 mile looped trail. The trail is an 8 foot wide crushed limestone path that goes around a prairie. The first thing I noticed was there were no trees along the path to provide any shade! This is a nice trail for exercising, but I did not feel secluded in the wilderness. First, you could see across the prairie to the other side of the trail. Then there was too much traffic noise from the bordering streets of 75th Street and Plainfield Road. Again, this is a great exercising loop for the locals. The most memorable moment was when I crossed this wooden bridge. I felt as if I were walking into a beautiful picturesque painting! It really was awesome! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/springbrook-prairie-forest-preserve-naperville?select=1GJAQEgeSHVokdR6F_yoow#kR0QGUyt-Gvb74i2YVPdvA

    On the dog run
    Jason P.

    Great place, and a lot to see and do. There is a 6 mile path around the prairie that you can run, walk, or ride a bike. So much to see, different landscapes and nature. There are also a couple of main parking places where you can park, but those areas also have gazebos. You can rent them and have picnics there. One of the main parking areas off Book Road has a dedicated place to fly model airplanes. Really cool. The other parking area has an off leash dog park. Inside the dog park there are different trails you can walk with your dog(s). There's also a big field where the dogs can play. I recommend going and checking it out.

    Justine N.

    If you do not understand the concept of a prairie landscape, it is possible that the words "forest preserve" may confuse you. What this place is not: an actual forest. Look elsewhere in Chicagoland for a solitary walk in the deep woods, for you will not find it at this location. Know also that this is not truly the prairies of the old horizon folk, where it seemed that the earth was entirely composed of tall, swaying grass, and buffalo. You'll need to head to the Dakotas for that. What this is: a very nice preserve of wide open, beautiful green and golden space, teeming with life. The paths are a meandering 5.5 miles of crushed gravel that loop among tall grass, native Illinois vegetation, and a couple of handfuls of trees - all very well-maintained by DuPage County. This is where you can enjoy a purely Midwestern landscape, while riding or running, or just moseying along -- taking in the sights and sounds of an Illinois prairie. Yes, this preserve is surrounded by busy roads, and you can hear traffic. Off in the distance, there are big box stores, homes, a golf course... This is Chicagoland, after all. But don't let this stop you from visiting and appreciating this place, often. Head out on the path at dusk or dawn. Walk toward the interior of the preserve. Slow down and take the time to stop looking at the evidence of suburbia beyond the preserve, and you may be able to appreciate your immediate surroundings. You will hear the many species of birds that call this prairie home. You might see a deer, or a coyote. Butterfies. Hear an owl hoot at dusk. Enjoy watching the sun play off the grass and wildflowers. If you are heading here to catch some exercise, remember that because this is a prairie, there aren't that many trees to provide shade. If it is hot and sunny, wear a hat, bring water, and maybe avoid high noon. I'm not sure how one could manage to get physically lost here... the place is large, but flat, and you can usually see the edges of the preserve from wherever you are at.

    Entrance

    Nice park. Ample parking. No shade except limited my picnic table. The path is white so without sunglasses it's miserable in the summer. Easy to socially distance which is good. The dog park looks nice but we didn't use it.

    Photo from FPD Website
    Jeff C.

    A very nice project by the FPD of Dupage County. The main parking lots are located on Naper Plainfield south of 75th, and on 83rd Street west of Book Rd. The "main" loop of crushed limestone is about 6 miles - but there is a total of about 13 miles in the preserve. It's one of the better places for a run/walk/bike/CC Ski in the western burbs, save for the fact that it's a prairie, meaning....well, it's freaking flat. There's probably a total of 3 hills you'll "feel the burn" (burn is a little too aggressive of a word). Things are kept interesting though - the path isn't completely straight, it'll wind around the entire prairie, taking you over some streams, crossing some streets, up and down some hills, by the off-leash dog park, and passing the model aircraft field. There are a couple pavilions along the path, near each parking lot. There are usually a couple packs of deer on the prarie, and Cooper's Hawks are not uncommon. The only real drawback of this place is the FPD refusal to put in path to access the interior of the prairie. There is sort of an unofficial path (known as "the path") but I'm sure eventually that will get shut down, so get out on "the path" while you can.

    Morgan M.

    This much I know: I'd like it that on my 80th birthday I got a bicycle, preferably a big blue beauty with high handle bars and classic wear and tear. A basket holstered on the bars for all of the yarn, fresh baguettes and fresh flowers that I bought at a farmers market. And a snazzy straw hat because those UV rays can be damaging on aged skin. Flashback to the present where I am not dashing in and out of alleys or along the narrow streets but through the vast amount of prairie lands in the suburbs. Sans bicycle. There are some days where you just need to get off of the lazy bones, and get yourself outside. Even with this newfound gym membership, the sun was out and it wasn't too drafty so why not tread some pavement and clear the conscience. I parked myself off of Naperville/Plainfield Rd, snagged the sunglasses and busted out tunes by Kesha. She's the guilty pleasure of working out, since she's such a dirty girl and all and when you work out. You're just getting plain dirty. Though in this case, it was walking so the dirty-ness will be taken up with the gym later. The paths are clearly marked and coming from someone who is used to having paths littered with really bad unmentionables, I was completely impressed with the cleanliness of the gravel lanes throughout the prairie. The paths seem endless and the prairie is a prime area to zone out and collect your thoughts. Or have a meeting or walking date in motion. Fall is definitely here and can be seen across the open fields with the many trees that have leaves turning to a more golden hue instead of the rich greens. Along the paths that stretch very far and are at a comfortable level with slight inclines here and there, everyone is friendly and if they're not on their ipod either or whizzing by on their five speeds, they will give a warm greeting. For those of you who have mechanical planes, there's a section just for you. A gated and freshly mowed plane field with fully marked lanes and a landing strip. So apart from having really great open paths that aren't filled with raging Lance Armstrong followers and grimy garbage and homeless bums, there's a little bit for everyone. This including a mini picnic gazebo that would be a great way to end a little adventure. This girl isn't a 5 speeder so I'll keep anticipating that birthday but until then, I'll strap on the tennis shoes and get my groove on, pavement style. P.S. If you park off of the Naperville/Plainfield there's washrooms. Just in case you needed to know.

    Enjoying a walk at the forest preserve!

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Nice place for a walk, run, or bike ride. It's in a loop and had plenty of markers. There are bathrooms at the trail head.

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    10 years ago

    Great forest preserve in the area to walk or run. Also a place to observe the beauty and natural habitat of the Naperville area.

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    Ask the Community - Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

    Does west shelter have electricity?

    Does anyone know if you have to pay a fine to go here or a parking fee? Thank you?

    There is no parking fee or fine to enter! Absolutely free.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

    The "main" loop of crushed limestone is about 6 miles - but there is a total of about 13 miles in the preserve.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Wolf's Crossing Community Park - The splash pad @ Wolf's Crossing is great. It's the perfect FREE activity for a hot summer day!

    Wolf's Crossing Community Park

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    IT TAKES A VILLAGE…read more Raising children is hard, but Wolf's Crossing Community Park makes life a bit easier. Located on the Naperville / Oswego border where 95th St dead-ends into Wolf's Crossing Rd, this public park incorporates 33 acres of carefully planned and meticulously maintained space. It's the perfect answer when asked by your kid for the umpteenth time "wHaT aRe wE dOoOiNg ToDaY?" This complex features a playground, splash pad, covered pavilion, basketball courts, sand volleyball, tennis/pickleball courts, a lookout point with sledding hill and a ninja warrior obstacle course. It connects to various biking trails and there's onsite public bathrooms with plenty of parking. The ~100ft zipline is a standout feature and draws a considerable line on busier days. Watching kids nearly get yeeted off into the bushes makes for great theater! I assume the weight limit is 200lbs so next time I'ma have a go at it (get outta my way, kids!) The only thing missing is concessions, as the lone pop machine near the restrooms didn't appear to work. I think there's enough people here on a routine basis to warrant building a snack shop! I'd love to serve nachos and root beer to hungry peeps, as long as I got paid $25/hr. * TL;DR * This idyllic, multi-faceted rec area is fully deserving of its perfect rating. Wolf's Crossing Community Park was built with young children and special accommodations in mind, easily accessible to all ages & abilities. The fam spent several hours here (granted, most of them were confined to the splash pad) and we barely scratched the surface. I can't wait to beast through that legit obstacle course some day when I remember to wear close-toed shoes. Ain't no way my clumsy ass is making it through there in flip flops. WCCP has tons of what we in the gaming realm refer to as "replayability", essentially, is there enough stuff to do on repeat visits? You bet there is! See for yourself, check them out before summer's gone!

    My daughter loves it here, we will definitely be back! What a fun way to cool off in the summer…read moreheat!

    Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve - parks - Updated May 2026

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