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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Fun & Food Trucks
June 12, 2026 | 5:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M
Join us for an evening of live music, good eats and great company at Whalon Lake.
Water Play at Whalon Lake
June 12, 2026 | 5:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M
Immerse yourself in a mini play wetland and splash and explore with toy frogs and fish while learning about wetlands.
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
June 13, 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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What you need to know about the lone star tick
June 12, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
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.
Vehicle access to be restricted at Lockport Prairie to protect at-risk wildlife
June 12, 2026 | Preserves and trails
The move comes as a result of data showing increased turtle deaths on Division Street during nesting season.
One small gosling's rescue highlights a big problem in the preserves
June 12, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
A gosling tangled in fishing line got a second chance thanks to wildlife rescue volunteers. The rescue highlights the dangers discarded fishing line poses to wildlife.
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.