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Thorn Creek Woods

Nature Preserve

Location

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve is located on Monee Road, north of Stuenkel Road, in Park Forest.

 

View Thorn Creek Woods interactive map

Hours

Preserve

Sunrise-Sunset

Visitor center

Friday-Sunday: Noon-4 p.m.
Monday-Thursday: Closed

Trails

Thorn Creek Nature Trail

Phone

708-747-6320

Activities

Covering 1,023 acres, Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in Park Forest protects a rich landscape of forest, prairie, savanna and wetland habitats, offering a serene setting for exploration and nature study.

The preserve is known for its high-quality natural areas and long-standing conservation efforts, with much of the site permanently protected as an Illinois Nature Preserve.

Planning your visit

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

Due to the sensitive habitat within the nature preserve, dogs are not allowed on site.

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Center is open noon to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

Exploring the preserve

Thorn Creek Woods includes 2.59 miles of natural surface trail, ideal for hiking and running through wooded areas and open habitats.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, housed in a historic 1862 church, provides nature education opportunities for families and visitors interested in learning more about the preserve. 

Exploring the past and present at Thorn Creek Woods

Explore how Thorn Creek Woods blends natural beauty, local history and changing landscapes from past to present.

Sights and sounds of nature with a rose-breasted grosbeak

The feeders at Plum Creek Nature Center are busy these days, so there are many opportunities to take a moment for a little bit of stress relief.

Meet our Trailblazers: Tracy Chapman

The District's executive director has a long history with the District in a variety of capacities.

Flora and fauna

Thorn Creek Woods supports a wide range of plant and animal life across its varied habitats. Wildlife includes southern flying squirrels, warblers, woodpeckers and several species of hawks. The preserve’s plant communities feature species such as oak, hickory, basswood and sugar maple, reflecting the diversity of its forested landscape.

Preserve history

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve was acquired between 1974 and 2006 and is jointly owned and managed by the Forest Preserve District and the villages of Park Forest and University Park. The site is managed by the Thorn Creek Woods Management Commission, which includes landowners and the Friends of Thorn Creek Woods.

An 884-acre portion of the preserve was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1978, 1993 and 2001, providing permanent protection for its natural resources.

The preserve is part of the Thorn Creek preservation system, which protects more than 1,600 acres.

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

Wooden bridge over creek with trees in the background.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Water filled with fallen fall colored leaves.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
Squirrel resting on a branch with a tree in the background.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Male white-tailed deer standing in front of trees and vegetation.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Jelly fungus growing on the side of a fallen tree.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
Blue-spotted salamander walking on ground.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
Oyster mushrooms growing on the side of a tree.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Boardwalk winding through forest surrounded by fall colored trees.
(Photo courtesy of Michelle Wendling)
Palm warbler perched on a branch with fall colored leaves in the background.
(Photo courtesy of Byron Morgan)
Turkey tail fungus growing on a fallen tree.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Upcoming events

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Frequently asked questions

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.

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.