Preservation

The 95-acre Isle a la Cache was acquired between 1982 and 1997.

The preserve is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which conserves more than 2,400 acres of land.

Prior to the District’s acquisition of the land, it may have been used by French voyageurs in the 1700s to cache the supplies and goods they traded with Native Americans.

Natural Resources

Isle a la Cache protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes bird species such as the belted kingfisher and hooded merganser.

The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including black ash and chinquapin oak.

Amenities and Activities

Trails

Isle a la Cache features 0.12 mile of natural surface trail, ideal for the following activities:

• Hiking/Running
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

The preserve also provides a 0.32-mile trail connection to the 10.81-mile, crushed limestone/paved Centennial Trail/I&M Canal Trail, ideal for the following activities:

• Biking
• Hiking/Running
• In-Line Skating (on 3.26-mile paved segment north of 135th Street)
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Download a map of the I&M Canal Trails.

Fishing

The preserve offers access to shoreline fishing on the Des Plaines River. Statewide and District regulations apply. Learn more about fishing in the forest preserves.

Canoeing/Kayaking

The preserve features a canoe/kayak launch on the Des Plaines River. No launch pass is required. All persons in a canoe or kayak must wear a personal flotation device at all times. Learn more about canoeing/kayaking in the forest preserves, or download a map of the northeastern Illinois water trails.

Geocaching

Permits are available for geocaching at this preserve. Learn more about geocaching permits.

Download a map of the amenities at Isle a la Cache.

Visitor Center

Isle a la Cache features the Isle a la Cache Museum, which offers historical education opportunities for families, school groups, and youth groups. The Isle a la Cache Museum is open to the public free of charge. It also offers picnic, camping, and dog park permits for purchase.

Programs and Events

A variety of fun and educational public programs are hosted at Isle a la Cache throughout the year, including historical demonstrations and campfire programs. The preserve also features the annual premier program "Island Rendezvous" in June. View upcoming programs.

In addition, the preserve provides learning opportunities for school groups and youth groups. Learn more about educational programs in the forest preserves.

Photograph Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock