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Evans-Judge temporarily closed due to downed tree

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.

 

View Teale Woods interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-sunset

Trails

Teale Woods Trail

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

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.

The road to 24,000 acres

The Forest Preserve District sprouted up in 1926 and has continued to save land from development.

Five facts about cedar waxwings

With the leaves off the trees is when it is a great time to easily spot these birds in large numbers.

Meet our Trailblazers: Adam Oestmann

The District's deputy director has spent decades on the maintenance and operations side and loves being outdoors.

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.

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.