Sugar Creek Preserve
Location
Sugar Creek Preserve is located on Laraway Road, east of Route 53 and west of Route 52/Manhattan Road, in Joliet Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Sugar Creek Nature Trail
Wauponsee Glacial Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
The 318-acre Sugar Creek Preserve features a mix of forest, prairie and wetland habitats along a portion of Sugar Creek, supporting a variety of plant and animal life.
Planning your visit
Sugar Creek Preserve is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
The Sugar Creek Administration Center serves as the Forest Preserve District’s headquarters and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The facility offers permits for picnicking, camping and dog park use.
Exploring the preserve
The preserve provides access to the 22.29-mile Wauponsee Glacial Trail, with both crushed limestone and paved segments suitable for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A 0.57-mile natural surface trail is also available for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Sugar Creek Preserve supports a variety of wildlife, including mink, dickcissel and northern harrier. Plant communities include species such as cream wild indigo and downy sunflower.
Ongoing management — including invasive species control and prescribed burning — helps maintain and enhance these ecosystems.
Preserve history
Sugar Creek Preserve was acquired between 1972 and 2011. The preserve is part of the Sugar Creek preservation system, which protects than 320 acres.
Upcoming events
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Volunteer Morning: Sugar Creek Preserve
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.
National Night Out
Celebrate National Night Out at Monee Reservoir with Forest Preserve District of Will County police officers and officers from other eastern Will County police agencies.
Lilo’s Turtle Trot
Help Lilo, our resident box turtle, on a simulated race around Plum Creek Nature Center.
Latest headlines
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Field day digs into soil health at Jackson Creek Preserve
Farm Bureau event showcases organic farming and regenerative agriculture practices.
Vendors sought for Festival of Arts Through Nature on Sept. 26
Artisans should apply by the Sept. 1 deadline to be considered for this event.
Shooting stars from Perseids meteor shower to light up night sky in August
Get ready to wish upon a shooting star! A new moon during the peak of the Perseids meteor shower will create optimal viewing conditions this year.
Frequently asked questions
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information 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.
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.