Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve: Nature's Retreat
Explore nature's beauty at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve: hiking, biking, fishing, and more in a diverse landscape.
Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve, Lake County's first forest preserve, offers a diverse landscape with woodlands, Sterling Lake, and the Des Plaines River. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and more in this scenic natural area.
A brief summary to Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve
- Route West Route 173, Wadsworth, IL, 60083, US
- +1847-367-6640
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring your own boat or rent one nearby to enjoy Sterling Lake's calm waters.
- Hike or bike the Des Plaines River Trail for scenic views and connections to other preserves.
- Visit during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends can be crowded.
- Check the Lake County Forest Preserves website for trail conditions and closures.
Getting There
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Driving
The main entrance to Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve is located on Route 173, east of Route 41 in Wadsworth, IL. From I-94, exit onto Route 173 East. Follow Route 173 East to the preserve entrance. Parking is free. Limited parking for horse trailers is available at the Russell Road entrance.
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Public Transport
Pace bus route 571 has limited stops near the preserve. Check the Pace bus website for the most up-to-date schedule and route information. From the nearest stop, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk to the preserve entrance. A single-ride fare on Pace is $1.75. Exact change is required.
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Biking
The Des Plaines River Trail provides access to Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve. The northernmost access point to the trail is located at the Russell Road entrance to Van Patten Woods. Follow the trail to the preserve. Biking is permitted on all trails within the preserve.
Discover more about Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve
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