Runyon Preserve

Location

Runyon Preserve is located on Morgan Street, east of Hamilton Street, in Lockport.

View Runyon Preserve interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-Sunset

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

Geocaching

Runyon Preserve in Lockport offers a quiet natural area centered around woodland and creek habitat, with a history rooted in early recreation and community use. At 21 acres, its small size makes it a simple place to enjoy a short visit close to home.

Planning your visit

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

Exploring the preserve

Runyon Preserve has a parking lot and small non-rentable shelter. Visitors can enjoy informal exploration and nature observation.

Prescribed burns: Why and how we do them

Putting fire to the landscape is an important tool in land management and keeps invasive species at bay.

Breakfast with some bald eagles

You never know what is going to drop into the picture when out in the preserves. In this case, it was a very hungry bald eagle. Bon appétit!

Monitoring grassland birds

Learn how staff track nesting and migrating birds to help protect healthy prairie habitats.

Flora and fauna

The preserve protects forest habitat and a portion of Fiddyment Creek. Wildlife found at the preserve includes species such as the western chorus frog.

Preserve history

Runyon Preserve was acquired between 1934 and 2004 and is part of the Fiddyment Creek preservation system, which protects nearly 300 acres.

Before acquisition, the site was known as Legion Park and was owned by the American Legion. The preserve is named for Armstead Runyon, a local settler and early advocate of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

A group of people in a line bent at the waist in a yoga pose while standing in the grass. Trees are visible in the background.

Yoga and Hike

August 16, 2026 | 9:00 A.M TO 10:30 A.M

Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection.

A group of people sitting in chairs with arms outstretched in a yoga pose.

Seated Yoga and Seasonal Sights

August 16, 2026 | 11:00 A.M TO 12:00 P.M

Take some time for yourself to enjoy a morning of seated yoga and discovering the wonders of the natural world.

An adult walking backward leading a line of kids through the grass with taller grasses to their left.

Nature Play Day After Hours: Migration

August 18, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 7:30 P.M

Young kids can learn all about migration in our after-hours Nature Play Day program designed just for them.

Wild Relatives: The diminutive elf owl

August 13, 2026 | Nature and wildlife

The tiny elf owl is the world's smallest raptor, and it thrives hunting insects and more in the desert climate where it lives.

Close-up of a bumblebee covered in pollen collecting nectar from pale lavender mint flowers, with a soft green background blurred behind it.

Kindergarten teacher gets A+ for contest-winning bumblebee photo

August 5, 2026 | Programs and events

Nancy "Gaby" Valladolid snapped July's winning shot at Isle a la Cache preserve. The contest continues through Dec. 31.

People sit around tables in a farm field.

Field day digs into soil health at Jackson Creek Preserve

July 31, 2026 | Conservation and restoration

Farm Bureau event showcases organic farming and regenerative agriculture practices.

Frequently asked questions

There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information 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.

Runyon Preserve

Location

Hours

Phone