Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve: A Natural Oasis

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a sprawling 2,503-acre natural area in DuPage County, Illinois, offering a diverse landscape and a rich history. Situated between the towns of Darien and Lemont, the preserve is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers seeking an escape from the urban environment.The preserve's most famous feature is the Rocky Glen waterfall, a tiered cascade on Sawmill Creek that was enhanced by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. While not a towering waterfall, it provides a tranquil focal point within the preserve. The name “Waterfall Glen” actually honors Seymour “Bud” Waterfall, an early president of the District's Board of Commissioners.Waterfall Glen boasts a varied terrain, including prairies, savannas, and oak-maple woodlands. The preserve is home to an impressive array of plant and animal life, with over 740 native plant species and a diverse population of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. The 773-acre Bluff Savanna, in the southern part of the preserve, is a particularly important conservation area.Historically, the area was inhabited by American Indians, who used Signal Hill as a communication vantage point. Later, the area was used for logging and quarrying, with its limestone contributing to landmarks like the Chicago Avenue Water Tower. In the early 1900s, part of the land was used as a nursery by the Lincoln Park Commission to gather soil for the expansion of Lincoln Park along Lake Michigan.Today, Waterfall Glen offers nearly 11 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the old quarries, explore a compass course, or visit the model aircraft field.