Meacham Grove

The 255-acre Meacham Grove Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale features woodland groves, meadows, wetlands, the meandering Spring Brook Creek and the Meacham Grove Nature Preserve. In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, this forest preserve collects and filters stormwater and overflow.

 

Natural Scene

On the east side of Meacham Grove, the lake and adjacent wetlands are excellent places to hear western chorus frogs or see great egrets, great blue herons, swallows, and other native wildlife, including beavers and dragonflies.

On the west side of Bloomingdale-Roselle Road, native plants, some endangered, grow in an upland forest etched with intermittent streams. In 2012 the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission gave this area an extra level of protection by designating it as the Meacham Grove Nature Preserve.

 

Driving Directions

The entrance is on the west side of Circle Avenue 0.25 mile north of Lake Street (Route 20).

Trails

Hike, bike or cross-country ski around the lake and through the adjacent wetlands on 2.5 miles of trails, including a stretch of the North Central DuPage Regional Trail. A pedestrian bridge carries the regional trail west over Bloomingdale-Roselle Road.

The Savanna Trail on the west side of Bloomingdale-Roselle Road is for foot traffic only, and in accordance with the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act, pets must stay on the trail as it passes through the nature preserve.

 

Picnicking

Meacham Grove has dozens of picnic tables and grassy areas where you can spread a blanket. Ground fires are not allowed, but you can bring grills. (The preserve has hot-coal containers for charcoal.)

 

Fishing

Fish for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and crappie along the 32-acre Maple Lake.

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.

 

History

The Potawatomi were the sole inhabitants of the area that is now Bloomingdale until 1830, when the first white settlers arrived. In 1833 the Meacham brothers claimed 1,200 acres, mainly woodlands used for construction and fences.

In 1920 the Forest Preserve District acquired 40 acres previously owned by the Meachams from the Heinberg family and created Bloomingdale Grove Forest Preserve, later renamed Meacham Grove. It acquired additional parcels in 1977 and the mid-1990s.

On This Page

Natural Scene
Driving Directions
Trails
Picnicking
Fishing
History

 

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.

 

Maps 

Trail Map (PDF)
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers scores of nature-related programs and activities for grownups, kids, families and groups year-round. Click below to register for programs, reserve shelters and campsites or purchase permits, and we'll see you soon!
Register
Reserve Facility
Purchase Permit