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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Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Phenology
September 3, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Sign your homeschool students up for a naturalist-led field trip focused on phenology.
Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Nature’s Calendar
September 3, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Elementary-age homeschool students invited to naturalist-led field trip at Four Rivers to learn about the four seasons.
WonderKids: Bats!
September 3, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Calling all families with preschoolers! September's WonderKids program will be all about bats.
Latest headlines
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Nature Foundation announces Centennial Celebration sponsorship opportunities
September 2, 2026 | Programs and events
Sponsors can support a century of conservation while gaining visibility throughout 2027.
Rare bird alert: Swallow-tailed kite lands in Will County
August 31, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Fall bird migration is in full swing, and that means we can get some rarely seen birds in the area. Most recently, a swallow-tailed kite has been spotted in Crete.
Chill out this fall with the self-paced Woods Walk challenge
August 28, 2026 | Programs and events
Explore seven of 10 trails to earn a hiking medallion.
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.