Preserve History

Originally named Dragon Lake Forest Preserve, Springbrook Prairie was slated to be the home of a 200-acre dragon-shaped lake, complete with a swim beach and campgrounds. However, the emergence of a significant grassland bird population eventually led the District to abandon the idea of a lake and to look at ways to restore the preserve to a native prairie landscape.

Recently, the District has secured over $1 million in grants to fund a stream re-meandering project to return the western part of Spring Brook to a more natural state. By returning the twists and turns and by making a wider, shallower bank, the District will improve water quality by slowing the flow and will also allow the stream to easily pour over its banks and into the preserve during heavy rains, improving floodwater-control features.

Activities & Facilities

At Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville, visitors will find 1,849 acres of swaying grasslands, restored prairies and wetlands. Over 90 species of birds, 18 different mammals, and nearly a dozen species of reptiles and amphibians call Springbrook Prairie home. With a little diligence, bird watchers may spot several native grassland species including meadowlarks, dickcissels, grasshopper sparrows, woodcocks, and bobolinks and state-endangered birds like northern harriers, short-eared owls and Henslow's sparrows. Springbrook Prairie is one of three places in northern Illinois to house such a regionally significant grassland bird community.

Outdoor Recreation

Trails

The preserve's 13 miles of trails stay to the perimeter, giving visitors wonderful views and wildlife extra privacy. Over 8 miles are open to hikers, bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers, and over 2 miles of narrow, mowed trails allow people on foot a closer view of the preserve's natural features. Sections of the trail may be closed during key bird breeding seasons to protect critical nesting habitats.

Picnicking

Springbrook Prairie features a non-reservable picnic shelter at the trailhead off of 83rd Street. A second non-reservable picnic area is located off of Plainfield-Naperville Road.

Model-Aircraft Field

Hobbyists are welcome to enjoy the model-aircraft field located on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road but must have District permits in their possession when using the area. For permit information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248