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.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Veterans Woods Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
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.
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.
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Upcoming events
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Coffee at the Confluence
Experience the joys of seated birdwatching while drinking bird-friendly cold brew coffee.
Little Explorers: Snails and Slugs
Bring your preschoolers to Four Rivers to learn about snails and slugs.
Sunset Paddle
Enjoy a relaxing evening on the waters of Monee Reservoir as we watch the sun set while we paddle, then hang out by the fire and enjoy s’mores.
Latest headlines
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Nature Foundation donation directs $104,500 to preserve projects
Funding will support restoration work, Woods Walk supplies and a new water bottle filling station.
Five fast facts about fish-loving osprey
Discover fascinating facts about ospreys, from their fish-catching adaptations and long migrations to how to tell them apart from bald eagles.
Warbler wows judges for Preserve the Moment photo contest win
Channahon woman’s split-second warbler shot earns top honors in June’s Preserve the Moment photo contest.
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.