Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Cook County, Illinois, Brookfield Woods Forest Preserve encompasses a rich expanse of upland forest, wetlands, and creek corridors along the Des Plaines River. This preserve features a mix of mature hardwoods including oak, maple, and hickory, as well as native understory plants that provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, and more than a hundred bird species. Historically, the land served as part of the floodplain and traditional tribal lands before being acquired by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to protect the area's ecological integrity and offer recreational opportunities for urban residents. The preserve contains several marked and unpaved trails, suitable for hiking, running, and mountain biking, that wind through the forest and along water features. Brookfield Woods is particularly popular during spring and fall for birdwatching and seasonal color changes. Visitors also enjoy informal fishing along the Des Plaines River and educational programming related to conservation and local natural history provided by the Forest Preserve District. Its convenient proximity to Brookfield and other Chicago suburbs makes it an accessible natural destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quiet, restorative outdoor experience away from the city bustle. The preserve’s combination of floodplain habitat and upland woods represents an important natural resource in the heavily developed region of northeastern Illinois.
