Discover and do
Adventures await in your Will County forest preserves
Each season brings a fresh reason to get outside, and this is your guide to making the most of it. From scenic hikes to peaceful moments and from programs and events to recreational pursuits, you’ll find ideas and inspiration to reconnect with nature in every corner of Will County’s forest preserves. Check back each month for new ways to explore, unwind and experience the outdoors.
Enjoy nature's peace and serenity while fishing
The District has many premier fishing spots suitable for anglers of all ages.
Check out these stroller-friendly preserves
Our paved trails traverse just about every kind of habitat, from forests to wetlands to prairies.
These spots offer some prime leaf peeping
If fall is your favorite color, it's time to seize the season and head outdoors.
Wander at Will with us
Meghan has never considered herself adventurous. She's a self-proclaimed risk-averse adult who prefers solid ground and predictable routines. Playing it safe has always been her style, but lately, she’s started to wonder what she might be missing by staying firmly inside her comfort zone.
In 2026, Meghan is making a change. Through a new series called Wander at Will, she’ll step into a year of approachable outdoor adventures — from camping for the first time in decades to snowshoeing, kayaking, biking, and even challenging herself to walk 50 miles in the preserves in a month. These aren’t extreme feats. They’re simple, intentional steps toward trying something new and embracing nature in fresh ways.
Designed for anyone who feels hesitant or unsure about venturing outdoors, Wander at Will is an invitation to start small and explore at your own pace. Meghan will share stories and photos along the way to show that you don’t have to be a thrill seeker to experience adventure. If she can do it, she believes anyone can.
Featured preserve
Beyond the trailhead
The science behind colorful fall foliage
The weather is the most important factor in how colorful our trees and forests will be in the fall, and the weather right now is just one piece of the puzzle.
These apps enhance outdoor adventures
Your phone can be useful while out exploring, whether to help identify a bird you hear sweetly singing or to find a nearby place to go hiking or fishing.
There's more to fall than you might think
Take a little bit of time to look around outside and you'll see many signs of the changing season, as well as how wildlife is preparing.