Alert
Evans-Judge temporarily closed due to downed tree

Evans-Judge Preserve

Location

Evans-Judge Preserve is located on Route 113, south of the Kankakee River and west of Kankakee River State Park, in Custer Township.

 

VIEW EVANS-JUDGE INTERACTIVE MAP

Hours

8 a.m.-Sunset

Trails

Evans-Judge Nature Trail Loop

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

The 182-acre Evans-Judge Preserve in Custer Township helps protect a diverse natural corridor along the Kankakee River. This preserve also offers recreational opportunities for trail enthusiasts and anglers.

Planning your visit

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

Amenities and activities

  • Fishing: The preserve offers shoreline fishing along the Kankakee River. State and District regulations apply.
  • Trail: Evans-Judge Preserve features 1.59 miles of natural surface trail. Because the preserve was originally an island,thetrail may become muddy due to flooding and may be periodically closed for safety.

Flora and fauna

Evans-Judge Preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, savanna, wetland and a portion of the Kankakee River.

Preserve history 

Evans-Judge Preserve was acquired between 2002 and 2003. The preserve is part of the Kankakee River preservation system, which protects nearly 200 acres.

Frequently asked questions

Fishing is allowed in any forest preserve unless otherwise posted. Visit the fishing page for more information.

There is no special permit required to fish in Will County forest preserves. However, in accordance with State law, anyone over the age of 16 who fishes a public Illinois waterway is required to have a fishing license, which may be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or at the District's Hidden Lakes Trout Farm bait shop, The Tackle Box, and Monee Reservoir Visitor Center. Visit the fishing 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.