Navigation & Wayfinding

Navigation and Wayfinding

Engaging ways to gain or improve wayfinding skills using classical and modern navigation tools.

Compass Course

A marked compass course is located at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville near the Mt. Hoy snowtubing rental shed. Learn how to use a compass by following a series of directions.

• Compass Course Guide (PDF)

Course Maps

• Compass Course Map W (PDF)
• Compass Course Map X (PDF)
• Compass Course Map Y (PDF)
• Compass Course Map Z (PDF)

If you need to borrow a compass, they are available at the Blackwell boat rental building during boat rental hours April — September.  A portion of the compass course may be inaccessible December – February due to tubing hill operations.

Groups of 25 or more must have permits, which are free. Call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248 at least three business days before your visit.

Geocaching

Geocaching adventures are available at several DuPage County forest preserves.

• Searching for caches on Forest Preserve District property does not require a permit or have an associated fee. However, an individual hiding a cache on Forest Preserve District property must apply for a free geocaching permit, which is available through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.
• Participants use a global positioning-system unit to navigate through a preserve to find a “treasure” box hidden in the woods.
• Participants must supply their own GPS units.
• Clues for caches in DuPage County forest preserves are available at geocaching.com.

Letterboxing

Letterboxing adventures are located at several DuPage County forest preserves.

• Searching for letterboxes on Forest Preserve District property does not require a permit or have an associated fee. However, an individual hiding a letterbox on Forest Preserve District property must apply for a free letterboxing permit, which is available through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.
• Using provided clues, participants will find hidden boxes and discover new ways to appreciate the outdoors.
• Clues for letterboxes within DuPage County forest preserves are posted at Letterboxing North America.

Orienteering Course

A permanently marked course is in northeast Waterfall Glen near the trailhead. Learn how to navigate through the outdoors with a map and a compass.

Course Maps

• Beginner Map (PDF)
• Beginner Long Map (PDF)
• Beginner Map and Basic Introduction to Orienteering (PDF)
• Intermediate Map (PDF)
• Advanced Map (PDF)

Groups of 25 or more must have permits, which are free. Call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248 at least three business days before your visit.