Enjoy hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and horseback riding on more than 12 miles of forest preserve trails. A stretch of the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch cuts through the preserve as well.
In accordance with the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act, dogs and bicycles are not allowed within the Brewster Creek Marsh Nature Preserve.
Horseback riders should park their trailers in the gravel lot on the east side of Powis Road and should not ride in developed recreational areas, such as picnic areas and campgrounds.
The Wayne-DuPage Hunt Club has been riding in the area for over 100 years and continues to host equestrian events at the forest preserve. As a result of these events and other horse trial groups, horse jumps are located throughout the preserve but are only for advanced riders. License agreements and special use permits allow the use of a portion of the nature preserve buffer area only for special equestrian events.
Picnicking
Pratt's Wayne Woods 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.)
Groups can reserve the 100-person picnic shelter as well. Details are on our Picnicking page.
Fishing
Pratt’s Wayne Woods offers 58 acres of the finest fishing in the county at Pickerel Lake, Catfish Pond, Horsetail Pond, Beaver Slough and catch-and-release-only Harrier Lake. All five lakes contain largemouth bass, catfish and other popular species; Pickerel Lake contains rainbow trout as well.
Anglers 16 or older who are not legally disabled must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses (inland trout stamps, too, if they're fishing for trout). Creel limits, minimum lengths and other regulations are on our Fishing page.
Youth-Group Camping
Pratt's Wayne Woods' youth-group campground has two sites that can each accommodate up to 25 campers.
The campground is open year-round but is for the exclusive use of youth groups, which are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations whose members are 17 or younger. Only members of qualifying groups with their accompanying leaders may camp here.