The preserve is open one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
General Info
Dogs are allowed at the forest preserve but must be on leashes under 10 feet long. Alcohol is prohibited. Read our completerules and regulations.
Things To Do
Nearly 2 miles of mowed-turf trails loop through the forest preserve's grassy fields and woodlands and are ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing.
You can access Salt Creek via the canoe launch at Salt Creek Park.
A 65-yard walk down a gravel trail takes you to Salt Creek, where you can fish for smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, northern pike, and walleye.
Anglers 16 or older who are not legally disabled must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses. Creel limits, minimum lengths and other regulations are on our Fishing page.
Salt Creek Park has dozens of picnic tables and grassy areas where you can spread a blanket. Nonreservable picnic shelters are also available. Ground fires are not allowed, but you can bring grills. (The preserve has hot-coal containers for charcoal.)
Natural Features
The 97.5-acre Salt Creek Park hosts species like bur oaks, hickories, and black oaks, which provide food and shelter for Baltimore orioles, eastern bluebirds, and red-headed woodpeckers.
History
The picnic shelter closest to Elizabeth Drive was the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps — one of President Roosevelt’s New Deal work-relief programs. It's one of several structures the CCC built along Salt Creek in the 1930s.
