Hidden Oaks Preserve: A lot packed into a small space
Editor’s note: We want you to Be a Trailblazer this year, so we will be hiking at various preserves throughout the year and documenting it for you. Journey along with us as we blaze a trail through the preserves and hopefully encourage you to do the same.
Hidden Oaks Preserve may be the Forest Preserve District’s newest preserve, but it’s been a beloved space in the community for decades. Now the Forest Preserve District is honored to carry on that tradition for future generations.
The Forest Preserve District acquired Hidden Oaks Preserve, including Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, from the Bolingbrook Park District in 2022. The nature center and much of the preserve were closed from winter 2024 to spring 2025 for a major renovation. Since reopening, the response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, said Angie Opiola, the facility manager at the preserve’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
“Everyone loves the changes,” she said. “Everyone is so happy to see the progress and resources put back into the facility and preserve. It’s lovely to see the delight in people’s eyes.”
With the name Hidden Oaks, it’s no surprise that towering oak trees are one of the main attractions at the preserve — and not just outdoors. You certainly can walk among the oaks on the trails, but the most famous oak tree of all is the one inside the nature center.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
The large oak tree replica that greets visitors to the nature center is a holdover from when the Park District owned it, but it underwent some improvements as part of the renovation process.
Hidden Oaks is situated in a busy and bustling part of northern Will County, so the outdoor space can be a respite from what lies just beyond its borders. Its proximity to the suburbs and all that it entails make it all the easier to appreciate for what it is.
Opiola said she hopes people who visit both the preserve and nature center will leave with the intent to come back again and again.
“This place is not a one-time visit,” she said. “It’s way too much fun for a one and done. It will look different as the seasons change, both inside and out.”
Wildlife and habitats
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
At just 33 acres, Hidden Oaks won’t make it very high on the list of the largest Will County preserves, but there’s a lot of different habitat areas packed into such a small space.
“We have upland woodlands and lowland woodlands. We have ponds and wetlands and creeks and rivers and savanna and prairie,” Opiola said.
Collectively, the variety of habitats make Hidden Oaks a good place to watch the changing of the seasons, whatever the season may be. As winter transitions to spring, the woodlands and wetlands both come alive as green starts to creep back into the landscape. In the summer, the shady woods offer respite from the sun while the ponds and other wetlands are teeming
with life. After summer’s last gasp, fall will creep in just as spring did, allowing warm shades of red, yellow, orange and brown to replace the green.
(Photo by Suzy Lyttle)
Some of our most anticipated seasonal changes, like the fleeting moments when spring’s ephemeral wildflowers are in bloom, can be experienced in the woods at Hidden Oaks. Throughout the year, the woodlands and wetlands all show signs of life, because the diversity of habitats allows for a diversity of wildlife as well.
“It surprises many to know that we house such wildlife,” Opiola said. “From deer to eagles to hawks to owls to coyote to snakes and so much more — all seen with my own eyes.”
Birds, in particular, can be a draw throughout the year. The forest surrounding the nature center is full of songbirds, and the ponds at the trout farm are home to waterfowl in all seasons.
And the nature center itself can be a great spot for wildlife viewing. Opiola said there’s a cozy spot indoors where visitors can sit with binoculars and a guidebook while watching birds come and go. Plus nature center staff like to bring found objects from outside in the preserve into the nature center to allow visitors a closer look.
Recreation opportunities
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
There’s plenty to see and do at Hidden Oaks Preserve, but if you’re unsure where to start, stop by the nature center. Opiola said staff are always happy to talk with visitors about what they’ve been seeing lately and point out can’t-miss spots to check out.
“We greet people as they come in, strike up conversation about them and their experiences or get to know first-timers,” she said. “We orient them and then send them on their way to explore.”
Before heading back outdoors for exploration, make sure to poke around indoors for at least awhile. Visitors of all ages can check out interactive nature exhibits and say hello to the facility’s animal ambassadors, including several turtles and a tortoise, a snake and a salamander. The nature center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.
Outside, visitors can hike the trails surrounding the preserve, and young guests can burn off some energy at the outdoor play area behind the nature center.
From spring through fall, fishing is among the most popular activities. Hidden Lakes Trout Farm has its own parking area that is accessible from early April through October and is also accessible by trail from the nature center.
The trout farm has a concession stand that is open from early April through October, selling tackle, bait, snacks and beverages. Anglers can also buy Illinois fishing licenses there. Hours vary seasonally.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Hidden Oaks and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm host educational and engaging programs, and exhibits and activities for all ages throughout the year, with most free of charge. You can check out all upcoming programming at Hidden Oaks on our event calendar.
For those interested in using Hidden Oaks as a jumping-off point for a longer adventure, the trails at Hidden Oaks include the DuPage River Trail, which connects to nearby Whalon Lake and beyond. The DuPage River Trail also connects to segments owned and managed by the city of Naperville and Naperville Park District.
Hidden Oaks Preserve has one picnic shelter, called Burr Oaks Shelter, that can be reserved. It has a maximum capacity of 50 people.
(Lead image by Anthony Schalk)
