Veterans Woods

Location

 

Veterans Woods has two access points:

  • Roy F. Hassert Grove is located on Joliet Road, east of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive, in Romeoville.
  • Traders Corner is located on Joliet Road, east of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive, in Romeoville.

View Veterans Woods interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-sunset

Trails

Veterans Woods Trail

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

The 77-acre Veterans Woods in Romeoville offers a shaded natural setting with easy access to trails and picnic areas. Its forested landscape makes it a welcoming spot for a walk, a gathering or a simple day outdoors.

Planning your visit

Veterans Woods is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

The preserve has two access areas in Romeoville: Roy F. Hassert Grove and Traders Corners, both located on Joliet Road east of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive.

Amenities and activities

  • Trails: Veterans Woods features a 0.33-mile paved trail suitable for biking, hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  • Picnic Shelters: Two shelters are available for rental: Roy F. Hassert Grove Shelter and Traders Corner Shelter, each accommodating up to 100 people.

Put your junk the trunk

This fun music video wants you to hide your valuables so you're not an easy target for crooks.

Know your backyard birds: Blue jays

These striking birds love to visit peanut feeders and can be found in Will County year-round.

Buzz bit: Wild turkeys

Six different species of wild turkey live in the United States, but only one, the eastern wild turkey, is found in Illinois.

Flora and fauna

Veterans Woods protects forest habitat. Plant species found at the preserve include yellow trout lily and oak trees.

Preserve history

The preserve was acquired in 1966 and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects 2,600 acres. 

(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

Paved trail lined with grasses and trees.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Paved trail lined with grasses.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Paved trail lined with grasses.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Bridge along a paved trail.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Field with trees in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Trees with leaves displaying fall colors.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Viceroy butterfly sitting on a flower bloom.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Musk thistle flower bloom with insects.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Upcoming events

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Frequently asked questions

A picnic permit can be obtained in person at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook,  Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Monee Reservoir in Monee Township or Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township, Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. A reservation can also be made online. Please note, Monee Reservoir only issues permits for the shelters and grove at Monee Reservoir. Reservations must be made at least two business days in advance of the reservation date.

To reserve the shelter at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, call 815-722-9470.

Visit the picnicking page for more information. 

Alcohol is allowed in all forest preserves without any special permission unless there is signage posted prohibiting alcohol in a particular area. For example, alcohol is prohibited inside of the District's dog parks.

The sale of alcohol is prohibited.

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.