O'Hara Woods Preserve
Location
O'Hara Woods Preserve is located north of Romeo Road and east of Weber Road in Romeoville.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
O'Hara Woods Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville protects a 54-acre parcel composed of forest and wetland along a portion of Lily Cache Slough, offering a peaceful setting for nature exploration.
The preserve is located adjacent to the Village of Romeoville’s O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve, creating a larger connected landscape for wildlife and visitors alike.
Planning your visit
O’Hara Woods is open 8 a.m.to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Exploring the preserve
The preserve features 0.67 mile of paved, boardwalk and natural surface trail, ideal for hiking, running and snowshoeing. The trail system connects to trails owned by the Village of Romeoville, with access available from the Village’s Conservation Park or Village Park.
Flora and fauna
O’Hara Woods protects a mix of forest and wetland habitat that supports local wildlife and plant communities. Its location along Lily Cache Slough adds to the ecological diversity of the site.
Preserve history
O’Hara Woods Preserve was acquired between 2006 and 2008. The preserve is part of the Lily Cache Creek preservation system, which protects approximately 1,000 acres.
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Upcoming events
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Whoose Bones? for Homeschool and Remote Learners
November 3, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 11:30 A.M
Homeschool learners invited to become wildlife detectives in field trip program at Isle a la Cache.
Stalk, Track, Hunt for Homeschool and Remote Learners
November 3, 2026 | 12:30 P.M TO 2:00 P.M
Homeschool students can take a trip to the past to discover the skills used by Americans Indians to hunt for food in the wilderness.
Day & Night Exhibition
November 4, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 4:00 P.M
Visit Four Rivers for an interactive exhibit to discover how the bustling habitat of the daytime forest is mirrored in the mysterious night.
Latest headlines
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Blast from the past: See 18th-century weaponry demonstrations at Isle a la Cache
November 2, 2026 | Programs and events
Program aims to be an immersive look at 18th-century life.
Day & Night: New exhibit explores a forest around the clock
October 29, 2026 | Programs and events
Large replica oak trees are focal point of exhibit built by staff at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.
New trail segment links 'two jewels' in eastern Will County
October 27, 2026 | Preserves and trails
New section of trail connects Plum Valley Preserve to Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.
Frequently asked questions
Prescribed fire is a carefully planned activity, and controlled burns are conducted under specific weather conditions by trained professionals. Many Illinois ecosystems — including prairie, oak savanna and woodland — evolved with periodic fire. Prescribed burning helps:
- Control invasive species
- Encourage native plant growth
- Recycle nutrients
- Maintain healthy ecosystem structure
Burns are conducted with public safety as the top priority.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.
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.