Hammel Woods
Location
Hammel Woods has three access points:
- Crumby Recreation Area is located on Black Road, east of Route 59, in Shorewood.
- DuPage River Access is located on Black Road, west of Interstate 55, in Shorewood.
- Route 59 Access is located on Route 59, north of Route 52/Jefferson Street, in Shorewood.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
DuPage River Trail
Hammel Woods Nature Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Covering 454 acres, Hammel Woods offers a mix of forest and wetland habitats along the DuPage River, providing opportunities for both quiet nature exploration and active outdoor recreation.
With three access areas all located in Shorewood — Crumby Recreation Area, DuPage River Access and Route 59 Access — the preserve serves as a versatile destination for trails, paddling, camping and dog-friendly outings.
Planning your visit
Hammel Woods is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Exploring the preserve
Hammel Woods features forest and wetland landscapes along the DuPage River, offering a setting for both recreation and quiet exploration. A network of trails connects visitors to the landscape and the river corridor.
Amenities and activities
- Camping: Six primitive campsites at DuPage River Access are available for family or group rental, accommodating six to eight people per site. Campsites are located on natural surface terrain in partial to full shade and include fire pits and nearby latrines.
- Canoeing and kayaking: Canoe and kayak launches are available at DuPage River Access and Route 59 Access, providing access to the DuPage River. No launch pass is required.
- Dog park: DuPage River Access features a 10.8-acre off-leash dog park, including a 2.3-acre enclosure for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required for use.
- Fishing: Shoreline fishing is available along the DuPage River at DuPage River Access and Route 59 Access in accordance with state and District regulations.
- Picnicking: Three picnic shelters are available for rental across the preserve. Crumby Recreation Area Shelter (capacity 120) and the Hidden Shelter at Route 59 Access (capacity 100) are available for rental. Shorewood Grove Shelter is unavailable due to a bat colony occupying the structure.
- Trails: The DuPage River Trail is a 3.77-mile paved segment that runs through the preserve and connects all three access areas. It is ideal for biking, hiking, in-line skating and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Each access area also features 1.6 miles of natural surface trail suited for hiking, running and seasonal use including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Hammel Woods supports a diverse range of native species within its forest and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife includes long-tailed weasels and least weasels, while plant communities feature species such as swamp thistle, bitternut hickory and white baneberry. The preserve’s river corridor and varied habitats provide important resources for a wide range of plants and animals.
Preserve history
Hammel Woods was acquired between 1930 and 2011, with the first 147 acres representing the District’s second and third land acquisitions. The preserve is located near the site of the historic Grinton Mill and was named in honor of American soldiers who fought in the World War I battle in Hamel, France.
It is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which protects nearly 1,800 acres.
Upcoming events
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Bat Night for Families
Enjoy a family-friendly evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species.
Volunteer Morning: Hammel Woods — DuPage River Access
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.
Creek Creatures
Join a naturalist in a hands-on exploration of the creek at Hammel Woods.
Latest headlines
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Wander at Will: A rare sight at Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
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
Replacement of the deteriorating entrance road at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve has been completed, and the preserve has reopened.
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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
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
Camping permits may be obtained online or in-person at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township or Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Reservations also can be made online; reservations for campsites must be made two business days in advance of the reservation date.
Youth group camping can only be booked over the phone by calling any of the above visitor centers. A 50 percent discount is offered to youth group organizations.
Visit the camping page for more information.
A dog park permit may be purchased online or in-person at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township or Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. You also can mail in an application.
Visit the dog park page for more information.
Yes, an annual permit is required to use our dog parks. The permit comes on a lanyard and must be displayed while you are in the park. Visit the dog park 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.
Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.