Pratts Wayne Woods County Forest Preserve near Bartlett is the largest forest preserve in the county. The 3,433 acres of the preserve feature great fishing and even a place to fly model planes. It also happens to be home to the Brewster Creek Marsh Nature Preserve. The land is made up of wetlands, large meadows and prairies.

This forest preserve is also home to over 1000 species of native plants and animals, so if you are a nature enthusiast, the Pratts Wayne Woods Country Forest Preserve is the place for you. For those that love botany, the widely spaced oaks growing dogbane, pale-leaved sunflowers, and smooth yellow violet wildflowers will leave them flabbergasted. Apart from the flora, the fauna is also thriving in the forest preserve; you will see the great blue herons and wood ducks, sandhill cranes, yellow-headed blackbirds and other rare species of birds and animals. The abundant number of rare birds in this area allowed the forest preserve to designate some areas as important bird areas in 2004.

Pratts Wayne Woods County Forest Preserve is a great visit, especially if you love hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. There are 12 miles of forest preserve for you to explore! However, according to the Illinois Natural preservation Act, dogs and bicycles are not allowed within the Brewster Creek Marsh Nature Preserve, a piece of land that has been granted extra protection to maintain and improve the ecological landscape.

Regarding horse riding, the Pratts Wayne Woods County Forest Preserve is a popular destination. The Wayne-DuPage Hunt Club has been riding in this expansive area for over 100 years and continues to host equestrian events. This popularity resulted in the park putting up horse jumps in certain areas for the more advanced riders. Horseback riders are also not allowed in developed recreational areas like picnic or campground areas. There are also designated areas to park horse trailers. To host equestrian events, a license agreement or permit is required.

If you enjoy model craft flying, you will find that the Pratts Wayne Woods County Forest Preserve has a designated area for this hobby. Enthusiasts can enjoy flying model planes or drones in the field on Stearns road, as long as they have a valid Forest Preserve District permit in their possession.

If you’re in Bartlett, the Pratts Wayne Woods County Forest Preserve is a must-visit with your family or even alone!

Bartlett Nature Center
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