Forest Preserve Shelter Rentals
06/24/2020 – IMPORTANT NEWS
The Forest Preserve District will now allow 1 enclosed shelter rental per day ( at forest preserve sites with enclosed shelters ) available for daytime public use.
The Natural Resource Education Center at Russell Woods remains closed until further notice.
Tent camping at MacQueen forest preserve now open.
Picnic areas, open air shelters, toilets, trails and conservation areas remain open.
Please continue to practice social distancing and hand washing.
Thank you.
Call Preserve Managers for Shelter Reservations
Shelter House Rental Time Schedule & Fees
(MacQueen, Russell, Chief Shabbona & Sannauk Preserves)
Your forest preserves provide natural areas for all to enjoy. Please respect this. Put your litter in the proper place and keep fires in designated areas. Leave plants, wildflowers and animals alone so others may also enjoy them. Your co-operation in keeping dogs leashed is important to preserve wildlife and reduce conflicts with other park users. Alcohol beverages are not allowed in the Forest Preserves.
ENCLOSED SHELTERS
MacQueen, Russell, Chief Shabbona, & Sannauk Preserves
Shelters include lights, electricity, picnic tables, firewood and wood stoves:
8 am – 5 pm $15-Resident / Non-Resident $20
5 pm – 10 pm $10 / Non-Resident $15
Overnight use of enclosed shelters by organized groups (primarily weekend use by scouts), the fees are:
Friday p.m. – Saturday. p.m. $25 / Resident Non-Resident $30
Friday p.m. – Sunday p.m. $35 / Resident Non-Resident $40
MACQUEEN PRESERVE LODGE
100 person capacity, picnic tables, indoor bathrooms, kitchen facilities fireplace and gas heat:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.$35-Resident / Non-Resident $40
5 p.m. 10 p.m.$15-/Resident / Non-Resident $20
AFTON PRESERVE OPEN AIR SHELTERS:
8 a.m. to sunset ( no electricity)
Large Shelters $20-Resident / Non-Resident $25
Small Shelters $15-Resident / Non-Resident $20
TENT CAMPING
Tent Camping is allowed only at MacQueen Forest Preserve at a cost of $4.00 per tent. Campfires must be in designated areas only. Call local Preserve Managers for camping and shelter house reservations.
School groups & other organized groups may schedule field trips by calling U of I Extension office at 815-758-8194 or Natural Resource Center at 815-784-2000.
The Natural Resource Education Center at Russell Woods
Peggy Doty
Connie Handel
815-758-8194 or 815-784-2000