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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Trail Club: October at Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
October 21, 2026 | 8:00 A.M TO 9:00 A.M
Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.
Trick or Treat in the Woods: Riverview Farmstead
October 23, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 8:30 P.M
Experience the prairies and woods and Riverview Farmstead like never before while trick-or-treating.
Fall Into Mindfulness
October 24, 2026 | 9:00 A.M TO 10:30 A.M
Start your Saturday by slowing down and reconnecting with nature with a guided mindfulness session followed by a peaceful hike.
Latest headlines
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Boat launches, bait shops to close Nov. 1
October 20, 2026 | Preserves and trails
Winter preparations include closing boat launches and bait shops as well as turning off water fountains and closing lower parking lots.
Woods Walk fulfills Walking Club goals for group from Trinity Services
October 14, 2026 | Programs and events
Group aiming to complete Woods Walk for first time as part of program that encourages making healthy choices.
Forest Preserve adds controlled burn alerts through Smart911
October 12, 2026 | Conservation and restoration
Residents can opt in to receive notifications when burns are planned nearby.
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.