Egermann Woods

The 110-acre Egermann Woods Forest Preserve in Lisle is one of the few remaining pre-settlement oak forests in DuPage County. While this preserve is relatively undeveloped, it has a mowed turf trail that meanders for 1.3 miles through it. 

Natural Scene

In addition to its oak forests, Egermann Woods has several ephemeral ponds and 15 acres of reforested native trees and plants, making it a valuable habitat for amphibians, birds and other wildlife.

Driving Directions

Egermann Woods is on Hobson Road east of College Road. It does not have a parking lot.

Trails

A 1.3-mile mowed turf trail meanders through the preserve for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers and horseback riders.

 History

Portions of the preserve were grazed by cattle in the early part of the 20th century, and a homesite sat along Hobson Road. During World War I, nearly all of the walnuts were cut down and sold for the manufacture of gunstocks.

Fearing the majestic oaks found in the woods would be threatened by development in the early 1970s, a neighbor of the woods formed a "Save Egermann Woods" Committee and garnered support from local environmental groups and the media to persuade the Forest Preserve District to purchase the property. In 1974, their efforts succeeded, and the land was protected for future generations. A smaller parcel was added in 2002.