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.
.jpg?language=en-US)
Upcoming events
View all events
All the Small Things Stroll
September 3, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 7:30 P.M
Stroll through O'Hara Woods taking time to focus on the small things we find along the way.
Fall on the Forest Floor
October 1, 2026 | 4:30 P.M TO 6:00 P.M
Fall is a busy time in the forest, so take a stroll through O'Hara Woods to explore the seasonal changes.
Volunteer Morning: Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
August 30, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 1:00 P.M
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Latest headlines
View all headlines
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.
Fall is just around the corner. Ready for the harvest moon?
August 27, 2026 | Nature and wildlife
Like it or not, it's almost fall, and with it comes the harvest moon and more celestial happenings.
No-mow plants, rougher asphalt help protect Theodore Marsh wildlife
August 25, 2026 | Conservation and restoration
New approach reduces mowing and gives reptiles better traction.
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.