Preservation

The 1,541-acre Hickory Creek Preserve was acquired between 1942 and 2010.

The preserve is part of the Hickory Creek preservation system, which conserves more than 2,000 acres of land.

The preserve is the District's largest individual preserve, and the majority of the land was acquired for a regional stormwater reservoir which was never constructed.

LaPorte Road Access is one of three access areas to the preserve. The other access areas are Hickory Creek Barrens in New Lenox, and Hickory Creek Junction in Mokena.

Natural Resources

Hickory Creek Preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland, and a portion of Hickory Creek.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes more than 50 bird species, such as the pileated woodpecker, yellow rumped warbler, brown creeper, and hermit thrush.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including lead plant, beechwood sedge, yellow trout lily, prairie gentian, and wild senna.

The site is managed with invasive species control and prescribed burning to protect and enhance its natural resources. Learn more about the District’s land management activities.

Amenities and Activities

Trails

LaPorte Road Access provides access to the 2.90-mile, paved eastern segment of the Hickory Creek Bikeway, ideal for the following activities:

• Biking
• Hiking/Running
• In-Line Skating
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Picnicking

LaPorte Road Access offers two picnic shelters for rental: Hickory Hollow Shelter (permit capacity of 150 people) and Shagbark Grove Shelter (permit capacity of 90 people). Learn more about picnic permits and fees.

Fishing

LaPorte Road Access offers access to shoreline fishing on a detention pond within the preserve. Statewide and District regulations apply. Learn more about fishing in the forest preserves.

Geocaching

Permits are available for geocaching at LaPorte Road Access. Learn more about geocaching permits.

Download a map of the amenities at Hickory Creek Preserve.

Visitor Center

LaPorte Road Access features the Environmental Learning Center, which offers nature education opportunities for school groups and youth groups. The Environmental Learning Center is open by permit only.

Photograph Courtesy of Amy Bartling