Pioneer Park Forest Preserve in Naperville is a 18-acre floodplain forest along the West Branch DuPage River, which offers great places to fish.
Natural Scene
Several state and regionally rare species rely on Pioneer Park for habitat, including belted kingfishers, American redstarts, yellow-billed cuckoos, red-headed woodpeckers, ovenbirds, and breeding Cooper’s hawks, downy woodpeckers, and white-breasted nuthatches. Ecologists have identified beavers, coyotes, American toads, water and queen snakes, and a variety of freshwater mussels and aquatic invertebrates at the forest preserve as well.
Driving Directions
Pioneer Park is at the intersection of Washington Street and Hobson Road. The parking lot is on Washington Street.
Fishing
The West Branch DuPage River is home to smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish.
If you're 16 or older and not legally disabled, you must carryvalid Illinois fishing license. Make sure to read up oncreel limits and other regulationsbefore you go.
History
In presettlement times, the preserve was timber lying adjacent to the West Branch DuPage River.
The bulk of the preserve was purchased in 1929 and was managed by Naperville Park District until 2016, when the Forest Preserve District took over management responsibilities.
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.
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!
