Keepataw Preserve
Location
Keepataw Preserve is located on Bluff Road, east of Joliet Road, in DuPage Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Keepataw Nature Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Keepataw Preserve in DuPage Township offers a striking landscape shaped by both natural processes and its quarrying past. A total of 215 acres, the preserve combines forest, prairie, wetland and river habitats with towering limestone features to create a unique place to explore.
Planning your visit
The preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Exploring the preserve
Keepataw Preserve features a 0.28-mile natural surface trail suitable for hiking and running.
Flora and fauna
Keepataw Preserve protects a variety of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland and a portion of the Des Plaines River. A defining feature of the preserve is a 60-foot limestone bluff formed from deposits mined around the turn of the 20th century.
Wildlife includes rare species such as the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly.
Plant species found at the preserve include robin’s plantain, Ohio horse mint and false pennyroyal. Ongoing management efforts such as invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration help maintain and protect these natural communities.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 1978 and 1992 and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres.
The preserve was previously the site of a limestone quarry. Cultural resources include the remains of a kiln used during quarrying operations.
Upcoming events
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Summer Send-off Paddle
September 11, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M
Say goodbye to summertime with a sunset paddle on Monee Reservoir.
Recycle Your Bicycle
September 12, 2026 | 8:00 A.M TO 7:00 P.M
Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle at one of five Forest Preserve visitor centers.
The Fungus Among Us
September 12, 2026 | 9:30 A.M TO 11:00 A.M
Step into the fascinating world of fungi on this guided early fall hike through Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.
Latest headlines
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Spider season has arrived in a big way
September 10, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Around this time, spiders seem to pop up everywhere, and so do their webs, including some impressive orb webs created by garden spiders.
Riverview Farmstead comes alive for Fall on the Farm
September 9, 2026 | Programs and events
The free, all-ages event mixes crafts, music, food and seasonal fun.
Joliet woman’s misty morning deer photo wins August contest
September 8, 2026 | Programs and events
Rock Run Preserve Winning image captures three deer on a foggy morning at Rock Run Preserve.
Frequently asked questions
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.
Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.