Messenger Woods Nature Preserve is one of Will County's oldest and most unusual forest preserves. The 444-acre preserve began with a 144-acre purchase in 1930, and visitors to the preserve can enjoy one of the few remaining forests in northeastern Illinois that has not been altered by grazing, cutting, farming, or development.

The preserve has old groves of oak and rich maple bottomlands amidst rolling hills. Spring Creek, which runs through the preserve, has cut steep ravines through the hilly forest.

The site was dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in the 1990s in recognition of its diverse habitats for state-listed species, including rock elm, heart-leaved plantain, red shouldered hawk, and Cooper's hawk.

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve is known for its abundance of spring wildflowers that carpet the forest floor. Watch the numerous nature photographers perch over their cameras to capture the blue-eyed Mary, showy trillium, wild geranium, and hepatica in bloom. The biggest attraction is the Virginia bluebells; far more appear at Messenger Woods over a few fleeting weeks in April and May than anywhere else in Will County. Because of these sensitive natural resources, dogs are not allowed in the preserve.

Visitors can hike or cross-country ski along two miles of looped trails that meander through this scenic preserve. Two picnic shelters are available for reservation for large groups, and primitive campsites are available for tent camping.

In 2012, the District is performing garlic mustard control work at McKinley Woods. View more information about this project.

In 2011 and 2012, the District is conducting enhancements to the preserve's amenities, including pavement repairs, accessible pathways, accessible camping areas, and latrine replacement. View more information about this project.

From 2011 to 2013, the District is performing selective tree and brush control at the preserve. View more information about this project.

From 2009 to 2014, the District is performing a large-scale habitat restoration project at the preserve. View more information about this project.

In addition, a tree mitigation project is underway at the preserve. View more information about this project.

Photographs Courtesy of Jeff Tolley and Erik Richter