Places to Go-Forest Preserves-Wood Dale Grove

The 185-acre Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale rests on the Tinley Moraine, a ridge of rocks and soil deposited around the Lake Michigan basin during the last glacial period, which ended roughly 10,000 years ago.

Natural Scene

Wood Dale Grove is comprised of an upland forest, a natural wet prairie, ephemeral ponds, and wetlands, which are home to owls, deer, amphibians, and other forms of wildlife — some rare — as well as rare plants. It is a rest stop for many avian migrants, such as common loons, yellow-rumped warblers, and ruby-crowned kinglets, and a nesting area for hooded warblers, black-cuckoos, and blue-gray gnatcatchers.

An upland savanna in the northern section of the forest preserve is home to native spring perennials like jack-in-the-pulpits, spring beauties, rue anemones, trout lilies and red trilliums.

Driving Directions

The main entrance is on Wood Dale Road, north of Lake Street (Route 20), south of Third Avenue (Oak Meadows Drive), and west of Route 83.

bullfrog in the water at Wood Dale Grove

Trails

A 0.5-mile limestone trail encircles Grove Lake; a second 0.5-mile limestone trail curves through restored woodlands on the northern part of the preserve. Both offer scenic journeys for hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers.

Picnicking

Wood Dale 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.)

Groups can reserve one of two picnic shelter as well. Details are on our Picnicking page.

Fishing

Fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, rainbow trout and sunfish on the 9-acre Grove Lake, which has a maximum depth of 28 feet and two piers.

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). Lake maps and regulations, including creel limits and minimum lengths, are on our Fishing page.

History

In presettlement times, the preserve was a mix of prairie, scattering timber and timber. After settlement, some of the land was under cultivation with a few home sites along Wood Dale Road, while many woodland and wetland areas stayed intact.

The first parcels were purchased in the late 1920s and 1930s. Adjacent parcels were purchased throughout the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

The waterbody that is now called Grove Lake was constructed on former agricultural land in the 1970s before the District purchased the property.

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.