Welcome to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
The Forest Preserve maintains more than 68,000 acres of land for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public. Find the Forest Preserve nearest you!
More than 40 million visit the Forest Preserves each year to bike, fish, hike, canoe, cross-country ski or simply enjoy nature.
Picnic permits are available via the internet and in person at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem Avenue, River Forest.
Interested in learning more about what’s happening at the Forest Preserves? Check out our blog for all the latest news.
The Forest Preserve Enabling Act of 1913, charged the district to restore, restock, protect and preserve lands together with their flora and fauna for the education, pleasure, and recreation of the public.
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County operates six nature centers highlighting the natural diversity of the Cook County region.
We offer the oldest and largest forest preserve system in the nation and we believe that as you continue to enjoy our environmental programming, preservation efforts and recreational opportunities, you will find it to be the best as well.
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