McDowell Grove Forest Preserve
- Nature reserve
- Regional draw
- Naperville Township
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve offers woodland, open fields and river scenery in the Naperville area.
Its trails connect with the West Branch DuPage River Regional Trail, while Mud Lake adds a separate waterside setting. The photograph shows the actual preserve’s entrance landscape and information shelter.
Check current Forest Preserve District maps and opening times before traveling. Leashed dogs are permitted under district rules, and fishing requires the applicable Illinois license. Paddling access, reserved shelters and group activities need separate planning. Stay on authorized trails, share routes with other users and respect closures around sensitive habitat or high-water areas.
Visitor details reviewed October 27, 2026. Consult primary place information for background, and confirm current access and operating arrangements before visiting. View on OpenStreetMap.
Image credit: Bohao Zhao / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY 3.0. Resized and converted to WebP and AVIF; may be cropped for display.
Nearby
More places nearby
DuPage Children's MuseumDuPage Children's Museum offers hands-on learning through play in downtown Naperville.
Centennial BeachCentennial Beach transforms a former quarry setting into a distinctive public swimming destination beside Naperville's Riverwalk.
Naper SettlementNaper Settlement explores Naperville's history through preserved buildings, exhibitions, and an outdoor museum landscape.
Benedetti-Wehrli StadiumBenedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville is a North Central College sports venue used by several Cardinals teams.
Cantigny ParkCantigny Park combines designed gardens, historic estate buildings and the First Division Museum near Wheaton.
Morton ArboretumThe Morton Arboretum presents tree collections and varied landscapes in Lisle.