NRT Database

Location: Unincorporated DuPage County near Naperville
State(s): Illinois
Counties: DuPage
Longitude: -88.16812
Latitude: 41.73918

Driving Directions

The main trailhead is on the north side of 83rd Street between Route 59 and Book Road. Additional parking is near the model-aircraft field on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road south of 75th Street.

Description

Springbrook Prairie Trail is a 5.5-mile loop within the 1,840-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville, which is in southwest DuPage County in Illinois. Walking, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding are all permitted, but some segments of the trail are closed seasonally to protect critical bird-nesting areas.

The trail links to other trails, adjacent neighborhoods and Will County to the south. Within the preserve, it connects with picnic areas, two shelters, restrooms, a fenced 35-acre off-leash dog area and a model-aircraft field. (Visitors must call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 in advance to purchase permits for the off-leash area and model-aircraft field or to reserve the 50-person picnic shelter.)

Springbrook Prairie Trail follows the perimeter of the forest preserve and serves as a model for providing access to recreational amenities near ecologically sensitive habitats. Springbrook Prairie contains one of three regionally significant grassland bird communities in the state and is home to species like meadowlarks, dickcissels, grasshopper sparrows, woodcocks and bobolinks as well as state-endangered northern harriers, short-eared owls and Henslow's sparrows. In addition, a restored stretch of the namesake Spring Brook features 2 miles of meandering stream with riparian wetlands. The project received the 2009 Chicago Wilderness “Conservation and Native Landscaping Award” and the 2009 American Society of Civil Engineers – Illinois Section “Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Under $5 Million.”

A committee consisting of local agencies and a citizen advisory group consulted with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and developed the plan for Springbrook Prairie Trail.

Additional Details

Width: 120 inches.
Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted
Secondary Surface: Asphalt
Crushed Rock

Average Grade: 2%
Maximum Grade: 10%
Elevation Low Point: 654
Elevation High Point: 707
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available

Year Designated: 2004

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Information Contact:
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
PO Box 5000
Wheaton, IL 60189 -5000
(630) 933-7200
[email protected]
http://www.dupageforest.org