Elburn Forest Preserve

Description

Elburn Forest Preserve, touching four (4) townships, is a morainal, gravel hill at the county watershed divide, which separates the Fox and Kishwaukee River Basins. It is a high quality savanna woodland dominated by White, Black and Bur Oak and Shagbark Hickory. The county's largest Shagbark is here. Here also are many classic, spring ephemeral plants, including Trillium, Buttercups and Violets.

One of our oldest preserves, it has become well known and well used by many county families and groups for picnics and gatherings. The picturesque old stone shelter was built of salvage from an Elburn Church during the Great Depression and testifying to the skill of yesterday's artisans; it remains in sturdy well-preserved condition.

This is also our squirrel preserve, where you can find both Fox and Gray squirrels living compatibly with each other, as well as Flying Squirrels. The house at Elburn is used by the Fox Valley Wildlife Center for wildlife rehabilitation.

Preserve Map  Reserve Shelter A  Reserve Shelter #1

Getting Here:
Elburn is located on Route 38, approximately 1/2 mile west of Route 47. There is an historical marker near the entrance designating the location of the Oregon Trail.