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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Paddle Skills Refresher
July 24, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M
Give your paddling skills a refresh and refine your techniques to make paddling a breeze and keep you going strong all day.
First Time Fishing
July 24, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M
Learn how to bait a hook, put tackle on a pole and cast plus gain hands-on experience while fishing along the shoreline under the guidance of an instructor
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
July 25, 2026 | 8:00 A.M TO 12:00 P.M
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Latest headlines
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Wander at Will: A case of the summer doldrums
July 24, 2026 | Recreation
Not everyone loves summer, and that's OK. If you need a break from this relentless season, cater your time outside to what you like best.
Wild Relatives: The coati, which might remind you of a mammal in Illinois
July 23, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Get to the know the coati — a highly adaptable and can live in many different types of habitat.
National Night Out brings police, community together at Monee Reservoir
July 22, 2026 | Programs and events
The event is set for 5-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
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.