Laughton Preserve

Location

Laughton Preserve is located on Wallingford Road, north of Route 52/Joliet Road, in Wilton Township.

View Laughton Preserve interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-sunset

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

The 430-acre Laughton Preserve offers a landscape where history and nature are closely intertwined, from early settlement sites to long-standing forest habitat along Forked Creek. The preserve’s legacy as part of a historic grove adds depth to its quiet, wooded setting.

Planning your visit

Laughton Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

While the preserve has one picnic shelter, it is currently unavailable for use until further notice due to a bat colony inhabiting the structure.

Exploring the preserve

Visitors can enjoy informal exploration and nature observation in the preserve.

Get to know your backyard birds: Red-bellied woodpecker edition

The red-bellied woodpecker can be seen in Will County year-round, and can be a frequent visitor of backyard feeders.

Put your junk the trunk

This fun music video wants you to hide your valuables so you're not an easy target for crooks.

The road to 24,000 acres

The Forest Preserve District sprouted up in 1926 and has continued to save land from development.

Flora and fauna

Laughton Preserve protects forest habitat and a portion of Forked Creek. Wildlife includes species such as the rose-breasted grosbeak. Plant species found at the preserve include papaw and blue ash.

Preserve history

The preserve was acquired between 1931 and 2006 and is part of the Forked Creek preservation system, which protects nearly 2,700 acres. Cultural resources at the preserve include a remnant of the historic Twelve Mile Grove, portions of the 1832 Ce-Na-Ge-Wine and Joseph Laughton reservations and the historic Wallingford Settlement. The preserve’s picnic shelter was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Three people sitting in colorful kayaks on the water. One of the people is holding an oar above the water.

Fun in the Sun Paddle and Play

July 22, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M

Head out onto the water for an evening of fun paddle games guaranteed to get you laughing in the sunshine.

Five people sitting in kayaks of various colors. The people are holding their paddles out of the water.

Kayak Kollege

July 23, 2026 | 5:30 P.M TO 7:30 P.M

Learn basic paddling skills from certified instructors then try your new skills out on the lake.

Yellow glows from lightning bugs seen in grass with the silhouette of two lightning bugs visible in the dark.

Fireflies: Nature’s Light Show

July 23, 2026 | 7:30 P.M TO 9:00 P.M

Learn how a firefly glows and how you can tell the difference between species on an interactive night hike.

Art showcase puts employee creativity in the spotlight

July 21, 2026 | Programs and events

'The Arts of the Preserves' opens Saturday, Aug. 1, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 30.

Going with the grain: First organic crop harvested on Forest Preserve land

July 20, 2026 | Conservation and restoration

The milestone harvest is part of a broader effort to improve soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.

A person wearing a life jacket in a kayak on the water.

Wander at Will: Kayaking at Monee Reservoir

July 17, 2026 | Recreation

Meghan headed out on the water for the first time this summer for a kayaking adventure at Monee Reservoir.

Frequently asked questions

Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.

To check on the availability of a picnic area, visit or call Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet at 815-727-8700 or check availability online.

To check the availability of the Four Rivers Shelter or Riverside Shelter in McKinley Woods, contact Four Rivers Environmental Education Center at [email protected] or call 815-722-9470. 

Alcohol is allowed in all forest preserves without any special permission unless there is signage posted prohibiting alcohol in a particular area. For example, alcohol is prohibited inside of the District's dog parks.

The sale of alcohol is prohibited.

Leashed dogs are welcome in the forest preserves, excluding natural surface trails in areas designated as state nature preserves. With a permit, dogs are allowed off-leash in designated dog parks only. Visit the dog park page for more information.

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.

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.

Laughton Preserve

Location

Hours

Phone