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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Trick or Treat in the Woods: Hickory Creek Preserve
Experience the woods like never before in a Halloween-themed evening for all ages at Hickory Creek Preserve.
Trick or Treat in the Woods: Goodenow Grove
Experience the woods like never before in trick-or-treat adventure through Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.
Meet a Beekeeper
Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of beekeeping from local beekeeper Dade Bradley.
Latest headlines
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Plum Creek hosts new birding program for people with visual impairments
Free Oct. 19 program teaches participants to identify birds by sound.
Explore nature this fall with Be a Trailblazer
The fall missions for this fun, interactive experience are now live.
Rustic and cozy Fireside Fest coming to Messenger Woods
Enjoy food, music, a campfire and more on Saturday, Oct. 3.
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.