Oakhurst Forest Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Farnsworth Playground Rollins Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oakhurst Forest Preserve is a 430-acre natural area located in Aurora, Illinois.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat from city life. Here are some reasons to visit:
1. Hiking and Biking Trails: Oakhurst Forest Preserve has several hiking and biking trails that wind through the woods, prairies, and wetlands of the preserve. These trails offer visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area and to observe the wildlife that calls it home.
2. Fishing: The preserve has several ponds that are stocked with fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts.
3. Picnicking: There are several picnic areas throughout the preserve where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views.
4. Nature Center: The Oakhurst Forest Preserve Nature Center is a great place to learn about the natural history of the area. It features interactive exhibits, live animals, and educational programs.
5. Interesting Facts: Oakhurst Forest Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, beavers, muskrats, and several species of birds. The preserve also contains several historic structures, including a log cabin and an old schoolhouse.
The best time to visit Oakhurst Forest Preserve is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature in every season.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Farnsworth Playground
Rollins Park
Waubonsee Lake Park
Waubonsie Lake Park
Aurora Central Athletic Field