Churchill Woods Forest Preserve

Welcome to Churchill Woods Forest Preserve. Though small in size, this preserve boasts a wide range of habiats including, a prairie, a savanna, and over two miles of scenic riverbanks on the DuPage River. This preserve also helps protect one of the county’s last remaining stands of native prairie which blooms with wildflowers in the spring and summer.

Preserve History: In 1833, the Treaty of Chicago opened up the last remaining Native American lands in the State of Illinois for settlement. This included land in what is now DuPage County. Some of the first white settlers were Winslow and Mercy Churchill who came to this region from Syracuse New York in search of the rich Midwestern farmland. They bought this land for $1.25 an acre (still doesn’t beat the Alaskan purchase of 3 cents an acre) and became prosperous farmers who helped develop local townships. In 1935 DuPage County bought the first parcels of Churchill Woods Forest Preserve from Elize Churchill. Additional acquisitions were made in 1968.

Flora and Fauna: Several threatened and endangered plant species live inside Churchill Woods Forest Preserve and some of the oak trees are over 150 years in age. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include squirrels and raccoons. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors this preserve boasts numerous opportunities for non-gasoline powered watercraft (all watercraft must be state registered and contain PFDs), youth group camping grounds, waters stocked with carp, bluegill, sunfish, and bass (16 and older must have license), numerous picnic tables, multipurpose trails, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!