Keepataw Preserve
Location
Keepataw Preserve is located on Bluff Road, east of Joliet Road, in DuPage Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Keepataw Nature Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Keepataw Preserve in DuPage Township offers a striking landscape shaped by both natural processes and its quarrying past. A total of 215 acres, the preserve combines forest, prairie, wetland and river habitats with towering limestone features to create a unique place to explore.
Planning your visit
The preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Exploring the preserve
Keepataw Preserve features a 0.28-mile natural surface trail suitable for hiking and running.
Flora and fauna
Keepataw Preserve protects a variety of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland and a portion of the Des Plaines River. A defining feature of the preserve is a 60-foot limestone bluff formed from deposits mined around the turn of the 20th century.
Wildlife includes rare species such as the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly.
Plant species found at the preserve include robin’s plantain, Ohio horse mint and false pennyroyal. Ongoing management efforts such as invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration help maintain and protect these natural communities.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 1978 and 1992 and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres.
The preserve was previously the site of a limestone quarry. Cultural resources include the remains of a kiln used during quarrying operations.
Upcoming events
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Trail Club: October at Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
October 14, 2026 | 8:00 A.M TO 9:00 A.M
Trail Club is back this fall. October's sessions will be at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Sand Ridge Savanna.
Volunteer Morning: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
October 15, 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.
Mocktober at Messenger Woods
October 15, 2026 | 6:30 P.M TO 8:30 P.M
Join us at Messenger Woods for a guided experience along our trails to trick-or-treat for some themed mocktails
Latest headlines
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Forest Preserve adds controlled burn alerts through Smart911
October 12, 2026 | Conservation and restoration
Residents can opt in to receive notifications when burns are planned nearby.
‘Absolute gem’: Rotary Club honored for role in Forest Preserve’s creation
October 9, 2026 | Board of commissioners
Rotary Club's vision helped shape 100 years of preservation.
Rainy day gull shot wins September photo contest
October 6, 2026 | Programs and events
Shorewood photographer captures moody moment at Whalon Lake Preserve.
Frequently asked questions
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.
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.