Prairie Bluff Preserve
Location
Prairie Bluff Preserve is located on Renwick Road, east of Weber Road, in Crest Hill.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Prairie Bluff Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Prairie Bluff Preserve in Crest Hill protects wetland habitat and offers a scenic setting for outdoor recreation. The 680-acre preserve plays an important role in a larger restored ecosystem, where improvements to underground waterflow help support nearby Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve and its rare plant and animal communities.
Planning your visit
Prairie Bluff is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Amenities and activities
- Picnicking: Prairie Bluff Shelter is available for rental, with a capacity of 150 people.
- Trail: The preserve features 3.21 miles of paved trail, ideal for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Prairie Bluff’s wetland habitat supports a variety of plant and animal life and continues to be enhanced through restoration efforts that improve water flow and ecological health across the surrounding landscape.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 2006 and 2008 and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres. Prior to the District owning the land, it was part of the Illinois Department of Corrections' Stateville Correctional Center.
Upcoming events
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Golden Hour Hike at Prairie Bluff
Experience day turning into night on a stroll amidst golden prairie grasses at the perfect time of light.
Trick or Treat in the Woods: Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Experience the woods like never before in this Halloween-themed evening at Hidden Oaks.
Trout Season Celebration!
It’s fall trout season at Hidden Lakes, and we're opening the gates for some early-morning fishing.
Latest headlines
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Woods Walk fulfills Walking Club goals for group from Trinity Services
Group aiming to complete Woods Walk for first time as part of program that encourages making healthy choices.
Forest Preserve adds controlled burn alerts through Smart911
Residents can opt in to receive notifications when burns are planned nearby.
‘Absolute gem’: Rotary Club honored for role in Forest Preserve’s creation
Rotary Club's vision helped shape 100 years of preservation.
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.
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information 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.