Laughton Preserve
Location
Laughton Preserve is located on Wallingford Road, north of Route 52/Joliet Road, in Wilton Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Phone
815-727-8700
The 430-acre Laughton Preserve offers a landscape where history and nature are closely intertwined, from early settlement sites to long-standing forest habitat along Forked Creek. The preserve’s legacy as part of a historic grove adds depth to its quiet, wooded setting.
Planning your visit
Laughton Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
While the preserve has one picnic shelter, it is currently unavailable for use until further notice due to a bat colony inhabiting the structure.
Exploring the preserve
Visitors can enjoy informal exploration and nature observation in the preserve.
Flora and fauna
Laughton Preserve protects forest habitat and a portion of Forked Creek. Wildlife includes species such as the rose-breasted grosbeak. Plant species found at the preserve include papaw and blue ash.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 1931 and 2006 and is part of the Forked Creek preservation system, which protects nearly 2,700 acres. Cultural resources at the preserve include a remnant of the historic Twelve Mile Grove, portions of the 1832 Ce-Na-Ge-Wine and Joseph Laughton reservations and the historic Wallingford Settlement. The preserve’s picnic shelter was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
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
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.
To check on the availability of a picnic area, visit or call Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet at 815-727-8700 or check availability online.
To check the availability of the Four Rivers Shelter or Riverside Shelter in McKinley Woods, contact Four Rivers Environmental Education Center at [email protected] or call 815-722-9470.
Alcohol is allowed in all forest preserves without any special permission unless there is signage posted prohibiting alcohol in a particular area. For example, alcohol is prohibited inside of the District's dog parks.
The sale of alcohol is prohibited.
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.
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.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.