Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
Location
Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve is located north of Route 113 and west of West River Road in Custer Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
A distinctive landscape of dunes and open savanna
Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve encompasses 1,099 acres and offers a rare natural setting defined by sand dunes, open savanna and wetland habitat. This expansive preserve provides a quiet place to explore a landscape unlike many others in Will County, with ongoing restoration helping sustain its unique character.
Planning your visit
Sand Ridge Savanna is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
The preserve entrance, Shenk Grove Access, is located off of Route 113, west of West River Road in Custer Township.
Amenities and activities
- Picnicking: A picnic shelter accommodating up to 100 people is available for rental.
- Trails: The preserve features 2.53 miles of crushed limestone trail suitable for biking, hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Sand Ridge Savanna protects a diversity of habitats including forest, prairie, savanna and wetland.
Wildlife found at the preserve includes a variety of butterfly species, such as the black dash skipper, two-spotted skipper, variegated fritillary and the ornate box turtle.
The preserve supports a variety of plant species, including globally significant oak barrens adapted to sandy soils and sedge meadows. The preserve is also home to the state-endangered tubercled orchid and shore St. John’s wort.
Ongoing management efforts such as invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration help maintain and enhance these natural communities.
Preserve history
Sand Ridge Savanna was acquired between 1990 and 2012 and is part of the Kankakee Sands preservation system, which protects more than 1,600 acres.
A 783-acre portion of the site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1993 and 2023. This dedication provides permanent protection for the natural resources at the preserve.
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Upcoming events
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Volunteer Morning: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
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.
Wilderness Wayfinders
Calling all adventurers! Learn how to use a compass and map before embarking on an adventure through the woods.
Wild Child
Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5.
Latest headlines
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Forest Preserve renames Custer Township preserves
The change links one with Sand Ridge Savanna and assigning the other the name Kankakee Sands.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Leashed dogs are welcome in the forest preserves, excluding natural surface trails in areas designated as state nature preserves. With a permit, dogs are allowed off-leash in designated dog parks only. Visit the dog park page for more information.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information 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.
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.