The 87-acre Des Plaines Riverway Forest Preserve in Burr Ridge is comprised of wet and wet-mesic bottomland forest, marsh, shrub and tallgrass meadows, vernal ponds and a creek and the Des Plaines Riverway Nature Preserve. It features oaks, elms, ashes and diverse groundcovers, including some rare plant species.
Des Plaines Riverway represents the county's finest example of wet and wet-mesic bottomland forest and supports populations of state-endangered or threatened plants and birds, including marsh speedwell, cerulean warblers, black-crowned night-herons and black-billed cuckoos. Numerous Illinois species in greatest need of conservation and regionally rare amphibians, birds and native plants have also been found here.
In 2012 the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission gave the entire forest preserve an extra level of protection by designating it as the Des Plaines Riverway Nature Preserve.
Des Plaines Riverway is just north of the Des Plaines River east of Madison Street. It does not have a parking lot.
Natural Scene
Driving Directions
The preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset. Dogs must be on leashes under 10 feet long, and alcohol is prohibited. Read our Rules & Regulations.
Nature Preserve Map (PDF)
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
Visitor Services
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 630-933-7200
Email: forest@dupageforest.org
Police: 630-933-7240
Email: police@dupageforest.org
Contact Our Board