The Forest Preserve District offers several settings for business meetings, conferences and seminars, weddings and receptions, or casual lunches.
DuPage forest preserves provide scenic backdrops for family get-togethers and other group gatherings. Our picnic shelters and areas can accommodate groups up to 300 people. For information about picnic shelters, areas, amenities and fees, visit our picnicking page. Reserve a picnic shelter or area online or contact Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.
Several activities— ceremonies, church services, 5K fundraisers, walkathons, classes, tournaments, photo and movie shoots, etc., as well as requests to exceed facility capacities, impact trail use and extend preserve hours outside of their normal open and close times — require more than picnic permits. They require special-use permits, which cannot be purchased online. To request a special-use permit, fill out an inquiry form or contact Visitor Services at 630-933-7247 at least four full calendar weeks in advance.
Meeting Space at the Indoor Riding Arena
St. James Farm's indoor riding arena features a meeting space that can be rented on a limited basis. It can accommodate 45 people and includes tables and chairs, a small kitchenette and an idyllic view of St. James Farm’s river birch allée. For information about renting this new space, call Visitor Services at 630-933-7247.
| Fees | ||
| Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
$150/first two hours | $25/each additional hour |
| Friday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
$200/first two hours | $50/each additional hour |
Danada House (link) in Wheaton is a beautiful location for a special event or business meeting. The house’s main level accommodates 150 people for cocktails or seats 100 people. The 4,000-square-foot, climate-controlled atrium features a wooden dance floor, large windows and state-of-the-art lighting and accommodates 250 guests. An outdoor space in the gardens is also available for 200 people. Danada House will provide a list of approved, licensed caterers to assist with your event. For information about Danada House or to schedule a visit, contact 630-668-5392 or jill@danadahouse.com.
The Forest Preserve District owns Danada House; it is operated by the Friends of Danada nonprofit support group.
Mayslake Peabody Estate
Mayslake Hall will close for exterior renovations May 31, 2022 through June 1, 2023, and will not be available for private rentals. If you're interested in hosting an event at the hall after that time, please call 630-206-9569 to discuss your plans.
The Portiuncula Chapel at Mayslake Peabody Estate is available year-round for intimate ceremonies and seats up to 62 people. The surrounding chapel grounds seats up to 120 people. A clergy member or officiant, music and flowers are to be booked by the party renting the chapel. For more information about the chapel, contact 630-206-9569 or sbrookes@dupageforest.org.
Frederick Graue House in Oak Brook is a perfect venue for a small, private function. Situated near Graue Mill in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, the house accommodates up to 70 people and seats 50 people. Its outdoor space is available for 150 people. Graue House will provide a list of approved, licensed caterers to assist with your event. For more information about Graue House or to schedule a visit, contact 630-920-9720 or info@grauemill.org.
Maple Meadows Golf Course (link) in Wood Dale is a great place to play a round of golf. But you can also host a business meeting, holiday party or special occasion (October – March) at the Maple Meadows Clubhouse (link)for up to 120 people. Catering packages for breakfast, lunch or dinner are available. For more information about the clubhouse, contact 630-616-8424.
The Maple Meadows Bar & Grill (link) is open during the golf season (May – September) and offers a comfortable atmosphere, menu, scenic patio and full-service bar. For more information, contact 630-616-8424.
Maple Meadows is owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers scores of nature-related programs and activities for grownups, kids, families and groups year-round. Click below to register for programs, reserve shelters and campsites or purchase permits, and we'll see you soon!
Help keep our forest preserves beautiful and safe places. If you have a concern, let us know.
