Rock Run Rookery Preserve

Location

Rock Run Rookery Preserve is located on Youngs Road, south of Route 6/Eames Street, in Joliet.

Phone

815-727-8700

Hours

6 a.m.-Sunset (April-October)
8 a.m.-Sunset (November-March)

On social media

Like the Rock Run Rookery Facebook page to get news updates, photos, videos and information about upcoming programs at this preserve.

Preserve history

The 224-acre Rock Run Rookery Preserve was acquired between 2002 and 2011.

The preserve is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which conserves more than 1,450 acres.

Prior to the District's acquisition of the land, its two lakes were created and used for quarrying.

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE ON THIS PRESERVE'S INTERACTIVE MAP

Natural resources

Rock Run Rookery protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, wetland, an 84-acre lake and a 13-acre lake.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes a variety of bird species, including the great blue heron and great egret. Islands within the west lake provide nesting opportunities for the birds.


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The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including marbleseed, pale beardtongue and sedges. 

Amenities and activities

Trails

Rock Run Rookery features 0.41 mile of paved trail, ideal for the following activities: 

  • Biking
  • Hiking/running
  • In-line skating
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoeing

Picnicking

The preserve offers one picnic shelter for rental, Rock Run Rookery Shelter, which has a permit capacity of 100 people.

Fishing

The preserve offers access to shoreline fishing on its two lakes. Catch and release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:

Canoeing/kayaking

The preserve features a canoe/kayak launch on the large east lake. No launch pass is required. 

Boating

The preserve provides trailer parking and a boat launch on the large east lake for small fishing boats, and there is no launch fee or District permit required. Boats are not allowed in the small west lake, or in the portion of the large east lake, marked by buoys, which protects an established rookery. Additional State and District regulations apply.