The 109-acre Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve in Darien features 2 miles of trails through mature oak woodland, natural wetland and restored prairie. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy spring wildflowers such as trout lilies, jack-in-the-pulpits, spring beauties, trillium and May apples, but it also puts on a spectacular show of color in the fall.
Natural Scene
Oldfield Oaks is an excellent example of an intact, mature oak woodland, a natural wetland, and a restored prairie. With this diverse mix of ecosystems, the preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, from foxes to great horned owls to western chorus frogs. Wildlife conservation efforts such as amphibian monitoring and bird counts take place at the preserve.
The Forest Preserve District has removed weedy invasive brush from several areas of the preserve to allow light to reach the woodland floor. As a result, wildflowers and other native vegetation are once again thriving at Oldfield Oaks.
Driving Directions
The entrance is 0.25 mile east of Lemont Road on the south side of 87th Street/Oldfield Road.
Oldfield Oaks has a 0.6-mile South Loop Trail and a 1.1-mile limestone North Loop Trail, which weaves through mature oak woodlands and restored prairie and has several switchbacks that offer uphill and downhill hiking.
Bike and horseback riding are not allowed at Oldfield Oaks.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Our newest off-leash dog area opened in June 2018! It features two fenced areas, including a 6-acre area for large dogs with a and a 0.6-acre area for small dogs. It also features a 0.35-mile turf looped trail, 0.2-mile limestone trail, 40-car asphalt parking lot and a trail that connects to the forest preserve's existing looped trail. It is located off Lemont Road on Cheese Road.
If you want to enjoy off-leash fun with your four-legged friends at this new area when it opens, you'll need to carry proof of a valid Forest Preserve District off-leash permit for each dog you bring.
History
The Forest Preserve District acquired Oldfield Oaks through a series of purchases between 1998 and 2014.
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 ourRules & Regulations here.
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!
