The Forest Preserve District of Will County has over 30 picnic shelters found in various preserves throughout the county.
A permit is required for all groups of 25 or more to use a shelter. The largest shelter, Bluegill Hill Shelter at Monee Reservoir, can accommodate up to 200 people. Shelter amenities vary by shelter, but all include wheelchair accessible picnic tables, grills and latrines.
If you are looking for the perfect venue for your next family picnic or celebration, search below for a picnic shelter near you.
CLICK HERE TO FIND A SHELTER
If you are interested in hosting a public event in a Forest Preserve, download the 2018 Event Application.
How to Get a Picnic Permit
Shelters and groves are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits for rentals in a calendar year become available on the first business day of the new year. No tentative reservations are issued.
Renters must be 18 years or older to obtain a permit. A permit must be obtained no less than two business days prior to the reservation date.
All reservations must be made in person. Reservations are not taken over the phone. A permit can be purchased at any of the following visitor centers:
- Sugar Creek Administration Center, Joliet
- Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville
- Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township
- Monee Reservoir, Monee Township (This visitor center only permits the shelters and grove at its location.)
For the Four Rivers Shelter in Channahon, check availability and arrange for rental by calling 815.722.9470.
Certain activities and equipment are subject to approval and may require extra fees or a certificate of insurance. Be sure to mention any extra equipment (for example, an inflatable, tent or generator) you plan on having at your function at the time of booking.
A permit grants exclusive use of a shelter for the entire day. You may access the shelter beginning at 8 a.m. You must clean up and exit the preserve by sunset.
Picnic Permit Fees
Picnic Shelters
Will County Resident: $60
Nonresident: $120
Picnic Shelters with Electricity
The District offers three picnic shelters with electricity at McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon, Riverview Farmstead in Naperville and Joliet Iron Works Historic Site in Joliet.
- Will County Resident: $70
- Nonresident: $140
Large Capacity Shelter
The Bluegill Hill Shelter at Monee Reservoir in Monee can accomodate up to 200 people. Call 708.534.8499 to check availability.
- Will County Resident: $100
- Nonresident: $200
Picnic Grove
The Monee Grove at Monee Reservoir in Monee has a capacity of 100 people. Call 708.534.8499 to check availability.
- Will County Resident: $35
- Nonresident: $70
Picnic Permit Rules and Regulations
The following rules and regulations must be agreed to prior to obtaining a picnic permit. Please read if you are interested in obtaining a picnic permit. All preserve rules must also be followed while visiting a District preserve.
- The permit holder is subject to all rules and regulations contained in the Forest Preserve District of Will County's General Use Ordinance No. 124, the Illinois Criminal Code, the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Illinois Game and Fish Codes.
- Falsification of information and/or violation of rules, regulations, or District ordinances will result in the denial and/or revocation of the permit, forfeiture of the fees, fines, and/or the cancellation/termination of the permitted event.
- Permits are issued to adults (18 years or older) only. The permit holder must be present at the permitted event.
- The permit is valid for the permitted event of the person/organization named on the permit.
- Attendance must not exceed the amount listed on the permit.
- Any additional amenities or equipment being brought to the shelter must be approved and may require an additional fee and certificate of insurance. This includes, but is not limited to, bounce houses, generators, DJs, food/beverage trucks, large commercial grills and smokers.
- No other use of the facilities shall take place other than for which the permit is granted.
- Changes to the date or location of this permit must be made in person, no less than 2 business days prior to the reservation.
- Refunds will not be given for canceled reservations by the permittee. The District is not responsible for permitted events canceled due to inclement weather.
- The District reserves the right to close and/or limit access within the preserves during regular hours when safety and/or weather conditions warrant such actions.
- The District assumes no liability for injuries that occur as a result of the permitted event.
- No driving or parking on the grass is allowed at any time. Do not drive on access routes and/or sidewalks to unload supplies at shelters. Park and drive in designated parking areas and roadways.
- Gathering firewood is prohibited. The District does not provide firewood. In order to reduce the risk of spreading Emerald Ash Borer, please obtain firewood within a 50-mile radius of the preserve. Do not transport firewood across state lines in accordance with mandates from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
- Use designated fire rings and/or grills only to build fires. Building fires on grass or shelter floor is prohibited. Extinguish all fires before leaving. Do not dispose of hot coals in garbage or recycling receptacles. Place remaining hot coals in District grills for Forest Preserve staff to remove and dispose.
- Cutting trees, limbs, or shrubs is prohibited.
- Pick up all decorations and trash in picnic area upon departure. Place trash in cans and recyclable materials in recycling bins only. 10/25/17
- Music should not be audible beyond the immediate vicinity nor should it disturb other visitors or permitted groups.
- Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited.
- Do not mark on or affix anything (tents, signs, banners, balloons, piñatas, etc.) to trees, District signs, shelters, structures, or buildings. Strapping, pinning, gluing, or stapling to any shelter post, table, or other District structure is prohibited.
- Pets must be leashed. Leashes in excess of 10 feet are not allowed. Owners must clean up after pets.
- The sale of alcoholic beverages, in any form, is prohibited.
- Posting solicitation signs in the preserve is prohibited.
- Use of devices capable of discharging a projectile is prohibited.
- Do not use glitter, rice, silly string, confetti, birdseed, or water balloons during the event.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
- In a non-emergency, call the Will County Sheriff's dispatch at 815.727.6191 to reach a Forest Preserve officer.