Blackwell Forest Preserve
Located in Warrenville, Blackwell Forest Preserve is a beautiful place for fishing, boating, hiking and picnicking. It also features an off-leash dog park.
In addition to its natural areas and scenic beauty, the preserve is home to the Forest Preserve District’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center. The center serves as a wildlife rehabilitation and education facility. Read this first!
Fishing
In the summer, visitors fish Silver Lake, White Pine Pond and Sand Pond for bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and rainbow trout. Anglers 16 or older who are not legally disabled must carry a valid Illinois fishing license (inland trout stamps, too, for those seeking to catch trout).
Blackwell Forest Preserve also offers fishing opportunities along the West Branch DuPage River from a canoe launch on Mack Road. Those who wish to access this river by boat must display a valid Forest Preserve District permit.
If you plan to ice fish, be sure to bring your own bait and a valid Forest Preserve District permit. The district does not monitor ice and cannot guarantee the thickness of the ice, which may vary in different locations due to river currents or underwater springs.
Camping
Blackwell Forest Preserve Warrenville IL has plenty of camping opportunities for all types of campers. Whether you are in the mood for tent camping, RV camping or even staying in one of their cabins, Blackwell has a site that will suit your needs.
The gently rolling hilly land at Blackwell was shaped by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. Afterward, savannas with widely spaced oak trees formed on the higher ground and marsh and prairie plants made their home on lower-lying areas.
The 1366-acre preserve features woodlands, grasslands and wetlands and is home to many native wildlife species including wild turkeys, deer and bald eagles. The preserve also has a 62-acre lake, which provides great fishing and boating options in the summer. Explore more!
Hiking
Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do at Blackwell Forest Preserve Warrenville IL. The 1,366-acre preserve has a variety of trails that are popular with hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
There’s also a 190-foot-tall scenic overlook, an off-leash dog area, picnic shelters and more. It’s one of DuPage County’s most botanically diverse forests, and it offers a range of activities year-round.
Hiking through Blackwell’s oak and hickory woodlands, prairies, grasslands and wetlands, you’ll 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 that formed savannas on higher ground and unique marshes and prairies in the lower-lying areas.
Picnicking
Picnicking is an important part of Blackwell Forest Preserve’s activities. The 1,366-acre preserve offers a variety of picnicking opportunities, including the scenic overlook, which has a bird’s-eye view of DuPage County and the Chicago skyline.
It also has a campground with 60 wooded sites that are available for tents, trailers and motor homes on Friday and Saturday nights May through October. Each site has electricity, a gravel parking pad and a fire ring.
It’s also a great place to go fishing for bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. You can fish on Silver Lake, White Pine Pond and Sand Pond.
Archery
The 1,366-acre Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville IL is a popular outdoor destination with fishing, camping, hiking, archery, picnic areas and an off-leash dog area. Visitors can also access the DuPage River on a canoe launch on Mack Road.
In addition to the many recreational opportunities, the preserve is home to McKee Marsh and features oak and hickory woodlands, prairies and grasslands. Its trails connect thousands of people to nature, protecting ecological assets and habitats for wildlife.
A fun activity for families of all ages, archery is growing in popularity and offers great family bonding time. In fact, the number of permits sold by the Forest Preserve District has increased by more than 40 percent in the last six months. Check our next area of interest here.
Driving directions from Concrete Hero to Blackwell Forest Preserve
Driving directions from Blackwell Forest Preserve to Cantigny Park