Overview
McDowell Grove has mature woodlands, open fields with eastern bluebirds and Cooper’s hawks, and a floodplain forest with towering butternuts and black maples. A restored 3-mile stretch of the West Branch DuPage River flows naturally and provides improved habitat for a variety of aquatic wildlife. The preserve also has nearly seven miles of trails and two reservable picnic shelters and areas. McDowell Grove’s maples put on a spectacular show of colors in the fall.
McDowell Grove has nearly 7 miles of looped turf and limestone trails for hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and horseback riders. The trails connect to the West Branch DuPage River Regional Trail, which links to four other preserves.