Isle a la Cache
Hours
Preserve
8 a.m.-sunset
Visitor center
Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Trails
Isle a la Cache Nature Trail
Centennial Trail/Veterans Memorial Trail
Phone
815-722-9301
815-727-8700
Isle a la Cache in Romeoville blends natural landscapes with a rich cultural past along the Des Plaines River. The 107-acre preserve includes forest, prairie and wetland habitats to create a scenic setting for exploration, while the site’s history adds another layer of discovery.
The preserve’s visitor center, Isle a la Cache Museum, invites visitors to explore the area’s cultural heritage through exhibits and programs. The museum offers educational experiences for families, school groups and youth groups and is open to the public free of charge.
Planning your visit
Isle a la Cache is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Isle a la Cache Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Amenities and activities
- Canoeing/kayaking: A canoe and kayak launch provides access to the Des Plaines River. No launch pass is required.
- Fishing: Shoreline fishing is available along the Des Plaines River. State and District regulations apply.
- Picnicking: The Island Shelter accommodates up to 150 people and is available for rental.
- Trails: Isle a la Cache features a 0.12-mile natural surface trail for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The preserve also connects via 135th Street to the 3.26-mile paved Centennial Trail/Veterans Memorial Trail and the 7.57-mile crushed limestone I&M Canal Trail, offering opportunities for biking, hiking, in-line skating, cross-countryskiingand snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Isle a la Cache protects a range of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland and river corridor.
Wildlife includes bird species such as belted kingfishers and hooded mergansers.
Plant species found in the preserve include black ash and chinquapin oak.
Preserve history
Isle a la Cache was acquired between 1982 and 2014 and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres. Before the land was acquired, the area may have been used by French voyageurs in the 1700s as a place to cache supplies and goods traded with Native Americans.
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Upcoming events
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Native Plant Sale
Visit beautiful Isle a la Cache Preserve during the Pollinator Party celebration and shop a wide selection of native plants perfect for the pollinators in your life!
Pollinator Party
Get a head start on celebrating Pollinator Week 2026 at this family-friendly event where you can learn about the insects and animals that perform the important task of pollinating plants.
Paddle Through History at Isle a la Cache
Discover the stories of voyageurs and early Isle a la Cache residents as you paddle along the Des Plaines River.
Latest headlines
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Pollinator Party returns to Isle a la Cache with live bats, native plants and family fun
The free all-ages event will feature live bats, hands-on activities, native plants and family-friendly fun while learning about the important role pollinators play.
What you need to know about the lone star tick
Lone star ticks are grabbing headlines because they can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. Learn how to identify them and how to prevent tick bites.
Vehicle access to be restricted at Lockport Prairie to protect at-risk wildlife
The move comes as a result of data showing increased turtle deaths on Division Street during nesting season.
Frequently asked questions
Trailered boats cannot be launched at Isle a la Cache. However, the preserve does offer a public canoe and kayak launch on the Des Plaines River. No launch pass is required.
Leashed dogs are allowed in the preserve but must stay on the trails. However, they are prohibited from entering the museum to prevent potential damage to artwork, exhibits and artifacts, including both historic and contemporary objects. Cleaning up dog waste is required by Forest Preserve ordinance.
Yes, field trips are offered during the school year and remain free for Will County schools.
The longhouse and Traders Cabin are mostly used for school field trips. However, they are also open to the public on Museum Campus Days and during Living History Encounter programs. In addition, some public programs are hosted in these spaces. Please check the event calendar for upcoming programs.
There are no costs associated with visiting any of our preserves, and admission to the museum is free.
Yes, whether you rent a shelter or not, you are always welcome to visit the museum during the building’s open hours as well as fish from the shoreline, kayak and walk the trails anytime the preserve is open. Fishing does require a current Illinois fishing license for anyone 16 years of age or older.
Amateur photographers are welcome to take photos in the preserve, but photographers who are taking or will use the photos for profit are required to apply for and receive a photography permit.