Laughton Preserve
Location
Laughton Preserve is located on Wallingford Road, north of Route 52/Joliet Road, in Wilton Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Phone
815-727-8700
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.
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.
Upcoming events
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Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Phenology
September 3, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Sign your homeschool students up for a naturalist-led field trip focused on phenology.
Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Nature’s Calendar
September 3, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Elementary-age homeschool students invited to naturalist-led field trip at Four Rivers to learn about the four seasons.
WonderKids: Bats!
September 3, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Calling all families with preschoolers! September's WonderKids program will be all about bats.
Latest headlines
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Rare bird alert: Swallow-tailed kite lands in Will County
August 31, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Fall bird migration is in full swing, and that means we can get some rarely seen birds in the area. Most recently, a swallow-tailed kite has been spotted in Crete.
Chill out this fall with the self-paced Woods Walk challenge
August 28, 2026 | Programs and events
Explore seven of 10 trails to earn a hiking medallion.
Fall is just around the corner. Ready for the harvest moon?
August 27, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Like it or not, it's almost fall, and with it comes the harvest moon and more celestial happenings.
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.