Elmhurst Salt Creek County Forest Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elmhurst Salt Creek County Forest Preserve is a nature preserve located in DuPage County, Illinois.


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Summary

The preserve covers approximately 750 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.

One of the main reasons to visit the Elmhurst Salt Creek County Forest Preserve is its beautiful natural scenery. The preserve is home to vast stretches of forest, rolling hills, and several small lakes and ponds. Visitors can take advantage of the numerous trails and pathways that wind through the preserve, offering opportunities to explore the natural landscape up close.

Some specific points of interest within the preserve include the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, which runs along the Salt Creek river and offers scenic views of the water and surrounding woods. Other notable attractions include the Eldridge Adventure Playground, perfect for families with young children, and the Bemis Woods South Picnic Grove, which offers a peaceful spot for a picnic or barbecue.

There are also some interesting facts about the area. For example, the preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide array of bird species. Additionally, the preserve has a long history dating back to the 1800s, when it was first used for farming and cattle grazing.

The best time of year to visit the Elmhurst Salt Creek County Forest Preserve depends on personal preferences. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush greenery, while fall offers stunning autumn colors and cooler temperatures. Winter can be cold and snowy, but also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, the Elmhurst Salt Creek County Forest Preserve is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its beautiful scenery, diverse range of activities, and interesting history make it a must-see attraction in the state of Illinois.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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