Places to Go-Forest Preserves-James "Pate" Philip State Park

James "Pate" Philip State Park

The 501-acre James "Pate" Philip State Park in Bartlett is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and managed by the Forest Preserve District. The nature center is operated by the Bartlett Park District.

Natural Scene

The preserve features remnant tallgrass prairie and wetlands that are home to white-tailed deer, beavers, yellow-headed blackbirds, common snapping turtles and sandhill cranes. Visitors can enjoy watching waterfowl, warblers and beavers and other wildlife at the Brewster Creek bridge.

The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission gave 31 acres of this high-quality forest preserve an extra level of protection by designating it as the Dwarf Bur-Reed Marsh Land and Water Reserve .

Driving Directions

The entrance is on the north side of Stearns Road, 0.6 mile west of Powis Road and 0.5 mile east of Route 25.

person on bicycle with dog on a leash at James

Trails

You can walk, jog, bike or cross-country ski on most trails, but in accordance with the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act, bicycles and pets must stay on the trail that circles the land and water reserve.

Hours & Things to Know

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 here.