Things to Do/Get Outdoors/Archery

Archery

The archery range at Blackwell has three separate ranges, each with posted regulations, bow racks, quivers and limestone shooting lanes.

We provide a limited number of targets for the three ranges and encourage archers to bring their own targets.

Beginner (open daily March 1 – Nov. 15; closed remainder of year)		Eight lanes up to 25 yards; safety netting on three sides

Advanced (open year-round)		11 lanes up to 90 meters

Interactive (open daily March 1 – Nov. 15; closed remainder of year)		Nine lanes up to 60 yards

Archery Permits

You need a permit to use the range. Senior citizens (65 and older), active military and veterans are entitled to one free annual permit per household per calendar year.

Archers can purchase daily and annual permits online 24/7. For other options, download our archery range permit application (PDF) or call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.

Annual permits are for the calendar year January – December.

Archery Range Permits

DuPage resident
$30/year

Daily permit
$5/day

Nonresident
$50/year

Daily permit
$10/day

Using the Range During COVID

Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. When you’re shooting, you don’t need to wear it, but you do need to keep at least 6 feet away from people who aren't members of your household.
Stay at least 6 feet away from archers who are shooting and may not be wearing masks.
Do not exceed the following maximum capacities: beginner range, three people; advanced range, six people; and interactive range, seven people.
Display your permit so Forest Preserve District staff can see it without getting too close.

Archery Range Safety

For the safety of our archers and other forest preserve patrons, crossbows are not allowed at the archery range. Arrows with broad heads are also forbidden at the range.

Why can't I use a crossbow at the archery range?

Crossbow archery is a popular sport and enjoyed by many archers, but Forest Preserve District rangers do not monitor this archery range. The District prohibits the use of crossbows at its archery range in order to ensure a safe and fun experience for all of our forest preserve patrons. Some ranges that allow crossbow archery — although not owned by the Forest Preserve District — are located a few miles from Blackwell Forest Preserve.

Archers use this range at their own risk.

Why is another visitor able to use a crossbow but I cannot?

Permission to use a crossbow is available to an individual who submits a Disability Identification Card certifying that he or she is incapable of drawing any type of bow with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds. If this applies to you, please submit your paperwork to permits@dupageforest.org to receive the required permission.

Archery Range Rules & Regulations

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, you must follow these rules and regulations, which the Forest Preserve District may change at any time.

Ranges are for archery use only, and use is first-come, first-served unless someone obtains exclusive use from the Forest Preserve District via written request.
Wear or display your permit when using the archery range, and present it to a Forest Preserve District agent for inspection if requested.
Never use crossbows, broadhead points, or aerial targets or devices. (You can only use a crossbow if you qualify under the Americans with Disability Act and include a copy of your disability ID card with your permit application.)
Permitted adults must supervise children under 16.
Always walk in the archery range. Never run.
Do not move to the shooting line until the range is clear or someone gives the proper whistle command.
Keep your arrows in a quiver until you’re ready to shoot.
Only point arrows at the ground or your target.
Shoot only at your target. At the interactive range, shoot only at the target that’s the same color as the zone you’re shooting in (green, yellow or red).
Do not advance to the target until someone gives the all-clear or the proper whistle command. Additionally, at the interactive range, do not shoot if a flag is deployed on any of the bow racks. The flag’s a signal someone is retrieving arrows.

As a permitholder you agree to abide by these rules and regulations as well as all Forest Preserve District ordinances and administrative orders and state statutes. You also understand that the Forest Preserve District may fine you or revoke your permit without refunding your permit fee if you supply false information on your application or fail to comply with any rules, regulations, ordinances, orders or statutes.