2019 Calendar

Make a Date for Nature

2019 is going to be the best year ever for DuPage forest preserve fun. We'll see you in the preserves!  

Opening Days

Summer Camp Registration Begins
Jan. 1 • DuPage residents
Feb. 1 • General registration
Make plans for summertime fun for kids and teens ages 4 – 14.

Golf Courses Open
April 1 • dupagegolf.com
Green Meadows, Maple Meadows & The Preserve at Oak Meadows
Enjoy a round of golf at one of our distinctive forest preserve courses.

Spring Trout Season Opener
April 6 • 6 a.m.
Blackwell, Pratt’s Wayne Woods & Wood Dale Grove
Grab your fishing gear, license and trout stamp and head out to this highly anticipated event.

Boat Rentals Begin
April 6 • 8 a.m. Blackwell (Silver Lake)
May 25 • 8 a.m. Herrick Lake (Herrick Lake)
Hours Vary
Explore two DuPage forest preserve lakes by kayak, canoe or rowboat.

Archery Permit Sales Begin
May 1 
Get your 2019 permits for archery.

Scenic Overlook Opens
May 4 • 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Weekends – Oct. 27
Greene Valley
Get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape from one of the tallest points in the county.

Fall Trout Season Opener
Oct. 19 • 6 a.m.
Blackwell, Pratt’s Wayne Woods & Wood Dale Grove
Grab your fishing gear, license and trout stamp and head out to this popular opener.

Annual Permit Sales Begin
Dec. 1 
Get your 2020 permits for off-leash dog areas, private boats and model crafts.

Snow Tubing Begins
Dec. 7 • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Weekends & School Holidays – Feb. 24
Blackwell
When there’s plenty of snow on the hill, take a fun 800-foot ride down Mount Hoy. 

Snowshoe Rental Begins
Dec. 7 • Hours Vary
Blackwell Mt. Hoy, Danada Headquarters & Fullersburg Woods
Explore the wintry forest preserve trails by snowshoe.

Signature Programs and Tournaments

Hard Water Classic
Feb. 9 • Noon – 3:30 p.m.
Blackwell
Take part in the only competitive ice-fishing tournament in DuPage County.

Trout Fishing for Kids
March 30 • 8 a.m. – Noon
Wood Dale Grove
Introduce young anglers to trout fishing at this pre-season event for ages 15 and under.

Native Plant Sale
May 10 • 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
May 11 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mayslake Peabody Estate
Fill your garden with flowers, grasses and shrubs adapted to DuPage soils and weather.

Just for Kids Fishing Derby
June 9 • 8 a.m. – Noon
Blackwell
Join this annual friendly fishing competition that’s just for anglers 15 and under.

Discover Mayslake
July 20 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mayslake Peabody Estate
Discover this historic estate inside and out through activities, music, art and tours.

Archery Open House
Aug. 3 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Blackwell
Learn about this classic sport and try the basics with a certified instructor.

Holiday Art & Craft Market
Dec. 14 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dec. 15 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mayslake Peabody Estate
Shop for quality artisan gifts for family and friends.

Special Events

Wonders of Winter
Feb. 2 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mayslake Peabody Estate
Enjoy hayrides, ice fishing, snowshoeing and other ways to experience the forest preserves in winter.

Family Field Day
June 1 • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
St. James Farm
Enjoy equestrian and canine performances, a dairy exhibit, kids activities and more.

Danada Fall Festival
Oct. 13 • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Danada Equestrian Center
Enjoy equestrian performances, hayrides, kids activities, displays, food and more.