Teale Woods Preserve
Location
Teale Woods Preserve is located on Center Street, south of Theodore Street, in Joliet. Street parking is available on Center Street.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Teale Woods Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Spanning 14 acres, Teale Woods Preserve protects forest habitat and reflects the legacy of naturalist Edwin Way Teale, a Joliet native who championed the importance of small “wild” spaces in everyday landscapes.
Exploring the preserve
Teale Woods features 0.3 mile of paved trail, ideal for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
The preserve protects forest habitat that supports local plant and animal life.
Preserve history
Teale Woods Preserve was acquired in 1994. It is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres.
Flora and fauna
The preserve protects forest habitat that supports local plant and animal life.
Preserve history
Teale Woods Preserve was acquired in 1994. It is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres.
.jpg?language=en-US)
.jpg?language=en-US)
.jpg?language=en-US)
.jpg?language=en-US)
.jpg?language=en-US)
Upcoming events
View all events
Volunteer Morning: Vermont Cemetery 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.
It’s Giving … Illinois
Visit Plum Creek Nature Center for an interactive hike to learn about our state icons.
WonderKids: Frogs!
Bring your little ones to Isle a la Cache Museum for WonderKids. This month's program will be all about frogs.
Latest headlines
View all headlines
Forest Preserve to begin Districtwide asphalt assessment
Some preserve closures or delayed openings will be required.
Meteor shower activity really heats up in July
Shooting star activity will be heating up in July, with three meteor showers kicking off. A comet will also be visible in the night sky.
Half-price 2026 dog park permits are available for purchase
The permits are good through Dec. 31.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.