Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

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Lockport, IL
Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

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Messenger Woods Nature Preserve is located on Bruce Road, east of Cedar Road in Homer Glen. Open 8 a.m.-sunset.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County's Messenger Woods Nature Preserve provides parking areas, two shelters, primitive campsites, latrines, water pumps, and access to 1.98 miles of natural surface trail, ideal for hiking/running.

10/29/2026

Owls aren't exactly scary, but these magnificent and mysterious creatures have long been associated with Halloween. That means the time is right to swoop in and learn some more about these birds.

Forget Halloween; it's Owloween! In honor of Halloween, spend some time learning about these magnificent and mysterious creatures.

10/21/2026

Coyotes typically hunt alone, but they live as families. Unlike many other animals, coyotes mate for life, creating family dens where both parents take care of their litter of pups until they are old enough to go off on their own.

Coyotes try to remain unseen, hunting under the cover of darkness to protect themselves from being hunted.

10/15/2026

Messenger Woods is the Forest Preserve's oldest property, so it's no surprise that the fall color can be spectacular here, with stands of mature trees across much of the 441-acre property. You can surround yourself with the reds, oranges, yellows and browns while walking on the miles of natural surface trails that criss cross the forests.

If fall is your favorite color, it's time to seize the season and head outdoors. Looking for someplace new to explore? Plenty of the Will County preserves shine at this time of year.

10/08/2026

Raccoons are native to the United States and are found across much of the country, with a few exceptions. Raccoons do not live in parts of the Rocky Mountain region or southwestern states such as Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Within their range, raccoons live in virtually all kinds of habitat, from rural to urban. They are most common in urban and suburban areas near woodlands and farmland and are less often seen in grasslands or agricultural areas with few or no trees.

(Photos courtesy of Joe Viola)

10/05/2026

Get into the Halloween spirit with a night out at Messenger Woods! Trick-or-treat along the trail for mocktails while enjoying an evening in the woods. These drinks won't have booze, but there's sure to be plenty of "boos" at this Halloween-themed adults-only program. Top of the evening by relaxing around a campfire while enjoying light snacks.

Mocktober at Messenger Woods
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
Where: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

10/15/2026: Join us at Messenger Woods for a guided experience along our trails to trick-or-treat for some themed mocktails

10/01/2026

The good news is stink bugs don't pose any threat to you or your home.

With summerlike temperatures on the way out, it's the time of year when stink bugs start making their way into our homes. Resist the urge to stomp on or squish them or you'll quickly learn how these insects got their name.

09/25/2026

Gather around the fire for a fall afternoon the whole family can enjoy. Bring your lawn chairs and join us for s'mores, hot dogs, inflatable axe throwing, outdoor games, live music and more. It's free, and no registration is required.

Fireside Fest
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Where: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

10/3/2026: Celebrate the beauty of fall with us while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and enjoying outdoor games and activities at Messenger Woods.

09/24/2026

What’s fast on its feet, has a major vertical jump and can quickly pivot when in defense mode? No, it’s not a professional basketball player with superstar skills. It’s our national mammal, the American bison.

What you don’t know about these scraggly bearded giants might surprise you.

09/16/2026

They don't hibernate, so they need access to food throughout the entire year. And their preferred foods — nuts and seeds — can become scarce in winter. That means they have to stock up on it beforehand.

Squirrels stay busy in the fall collecting and burying nuts, but all for good reason.

09/14/2026

Grab your lawn chairs and bring the whole family to enjoy a cozy afternoon by the fire. Activities will include hot dog roasting, s’mores making, outdoor games, giant inflatable axe throwing and live music by Alex Hoffer.

Address

13800 W Bruce Road
Lockport, IL
60491

Telephone

(815) 727-8700

Website

https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/Preserves-Trails/Preserves/Messenger-Woods

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