Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Spanning 315 acres, Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve in Reed Township near Braidwood offers a glimpse into a landscape shaped thousands of years ago. This ecologically significant site protects a diverse mix of prairie, savanna and wetland habitats that support a wide variety of plant and animal life.
One of the preserve’s most distinctive features is its crescent-shaped sand dunes, formed when this area marked the shoreline of ancient glacial Lake Wauponsee. These unique formations create specialized habitat conditions rarely found elsewhere in the region.
Planning your visit
Braidwood Dunes and Savanna is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
To protect the preserve’s sensitive habitats and wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the Nature Trail Loop.
Exploring the preserve
Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve features a 0.5-mile natural surface trail that provides a quiet, immersive hiking experience through this rare landscape. The trail is ideal for those looking to observe native plants and wildlife up close.
Flora and fauna
Braidwood Dunes is home to more than 30 bird species as well as amphibians and reptiles, including the tiger salamander and six-lined racerunner. Its plant communities are equally notable, featuring species such as huckleberry, prickly pear cactus and tubercled orchid.
Ongoing management efforts — including prescribed burns, invasive species control and habitat restoration — help maintain and enhance these sensitive ecosystems.
Preserve history
Land for Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve was acquired between 1980 and 1997. A 310-acre portion of the site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in phases in 1981, 1983 and 2001, ensuring permanent protection of its rare natural communities.
The preserve is part of the larger Kankakee Sands preservation system, which protects more than 1,600 acres of high-quality habitat in southern Will County.
Upcoming events
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BYOB Dusk at the Dunes
July 23, 2026 | 7:30 P.M TO 9:00 P.M
Explore unique plants and animals on a short hike then set up your favorite camping chair and relax while listening to the sounds of night approaching.
Volunteer Morning: Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
August 30, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 1:00 P.M
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Volunteer Morning: Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
September 29, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 1:00 P.M
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Latest headlines
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Wander at Will: A rare sight at Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
June 18, 2026 | Recreation
With a goal of becoming a better birder, Meghan headed to a Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing on a Saturday morning in June to learn more about some of our feathered friends.
Project Update: Messenger Woods reopens with completion of new entrance road
June 17, 2026 | Preserves and trails
Replacement of the deteriorating entrance road at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve has been completed, and the preserve has reopened.
What you need to know about the lone star tick
June 12, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Lone star ticks are grabbing headlines because they can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. Learn how to identify them and how to prevent tick bites.
Frequently asked questions
Any for-profit photographer must obtain a permit before taking photos or videos in a District preserve. The fee for a photography permit is $25 per hour. Commercial filming permits are $125 for a half day, $250 for a full day, and $1,000 for a week. Permit applications are available on the Photography and Videography permit page. We do not offer annual permits at this time.
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.
Hunting is not permitted in Will County forest preserves.
The Forest Preserve District of Will County does not provide rehabilitation services or support for animals found on District or private property.
The state of Illinois provides guidance on its Wildlife Illinois website, including a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
In addition, there are regional wildlife rehabilitation centers in other counties that may be of assistance including the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn and Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation in Barrington.
If you find an injured bird, you can call Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at 773-988-1867 (you cannot text). The agency is staffed by volunteers who might be available to transport the injured bird to a rehabilitation facility.