Sugar Creek Administration Center
Location
Sugar Creek Administration Center is located at 17540 W. Laraway Road, west of Route 52, in Joliet.
Hours
Visitor center
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Preserve
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Sugar Creek Nature Trail
Wauponsee Glacial Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Sugar Creek Administration Center serves as the main office for the Forest Preserve District and provides visitors with access to permits, publications and nearby outdoor recreational opportunities.
Located within Sugar Creek Preserve and adjacent to the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, the administration center has been recognized as a model of environmentally conscious design. The facility earned Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) recognition for its sustainable features, including photovoltaic cells and recycled building materials.
The administration center offers:
- Camping, dog park and picnic permit sales
- Free District publications and trail maps
- Convenient access to the surrounding preserve and trail system
- The facility is accessible, dog friendly and open to the public free of charge.
Explore the preserve
The surrounding preserve and trail system provide opportunities for year-round recreation.
Horse trailer parking is available for equestrian visitors using the Wauponsee Glacial Trail.
Upcoming events
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Triple Trail Challenge
Visit some of the hidden gems of Will County on a progressive hike where we will hike three locations in one afternoon.
Full Moon: Hunt the Moon at Hadley Valley
Join us on a moonlight hike as we hunt for sights and sounds of wildlife while learning about hunting practices of the past.
Volunteer Morning: Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve
Get some fresh air and exercise while helping to make a difference in your community by attending one or more of the Forest Preserve’s volunteer mornings.
Latest headlines
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New audio tour brings Joliet Iron Works history to life
Visitors can download the app for a narrated tour through the once-bustling industrial site.
Wild about Will County? Order 2027 calendar full of stunning nature photography
Proceeds from calendar sales benefit The Nature Foundation of Will County, the Forest Preserve District's nonprofit partner.
Boat launches, bait shops to close Nov. 1
Winter preparations include closing boat launches and bait shops as well as turning off water fountains and closing lower parking lots.
Frequently asked questions
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.
Yes, but a permit is required along with a $25-per-hour fee. To obtain a permit, an application should be completed and sent to [email protected].
The Forest Preserve District of Will County does not provide rehabilitation services or support for animals found on District or private property.
The state of Illinois provides guidance on its Wildlife Illinois website, including a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
In addition, there are regional wildlife rehabilitation centers in other counties that may be of assistance including the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn and Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation in Barrington.
If you find an injured bird, you can call Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at 773-988-1867 (you cannot text). The agency is staffed by volunteers who might be available to transport the injured bird to a rehabilitation facility.
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.