Will County, IL — Visitors planning outdoor activities around Christmas should be aware of temporary closures across the Forest Preserve District of Will County this week.
According to the Forest Preserve District, all visitor centers, preserves, trails, and dog parks will be closed on Thursday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Officials say this is the only day of the year when the entire preserve system is closed, allowing staff to spend the holiday with their families.
All preserves, trails, and dog parks are scheduled to reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 26.
Visitor center closures will extend beyond Christmas Day. Forest Preserve visitor centers will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24, and remain closed all day Friday, December 26.
Several popular facilities across Will County will resume normal weekend hours on Saturday, December 27, operating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. These include:
- Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon
- Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook
- Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville
- Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township
The Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet will reopen for normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Monday, December 29.
Officials also noted that the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center is currently closed for the winter season and is scheduled to reopen in March.
Residents are encouraged to check for updates before visiting, as weather or maintenance issues can also affect access. The Forest Preserve District posts real-time updates on closures and conditions at reconnectwithnature.org/preserve-trail-closures/.
