Four main trails, the Fox River Trail, Great Western Trail, branches of the Prairie Path and the Virgil Gilman Trail, wind their way through Kane County for approximately 85 miles, from one end of the county to the other. Whether built over abandoned railroad right-of-ways or along the Fox River, the trails enable you to see the beauty of Kane County. Great Blue Heron, ducks, the Fabyan Windmill, restored old homes, old growth forests dominated by Red and White Oak and spring wildflowers are a few of the sites waiting to be discovered.
Trails are 8 feet wide and surfaced with either asphalt or packed limestone chips. The trails are marked with the universal safety signs every ½ mile to locate users in emergencies.
Camping is available at Paul
Wolff at the Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin. The campground has a dump station, electric service, pad and water.
The campground is open from May 1 - October 31. For more information about campsite availability and condition, please call
(630) 444-1200.
Tired of the same old walk in the neighborhood... Come and visit one of only two (offering off-leash dog activities) newly developed dog exercise areas of the Kane County Forest Preserve. The Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve, located at Route 31 and Red Gate Road in St. Charles totals 50 acres, and the Aurora West Forest Preserve, located on Hankes Road totals 496 acres. Both provide ideal settings for trained dogs running where indicated. Dog owners are asked to clean-up after their pooches to keep the area clean for all users.
The picnic/park area provides a venue for group gatherings such as corporate picnics, family reunions, receptions and other outdoor activities. There is a path that meanders through the park and a wooded area that is often visited by deer, fox and other small animals and a variety of birds. Numerous plants and flowers indigenous to Northern Illinois can also be found in the park.
The Campbell House is a cultural and conference center used for art exhibits, art classes, community activities, business meetings, seminars, workshops, lectures, banquets, private parties and weddings. Nestled in a very secluded and quiet area of the Events Center, the Campbell House is a source of pride for Kane County offering a common meeting ground of enjoyment for people of all ages and cultures. Call 630-208-9567 for information concerning the Events Center and the Campbell House. Call 630-232-8811 for Cougar tickets.
Reservations are available to county residents beginning January 2, and non-county residents February 1. Unless reserved, the shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Snowmobiling, on designated trails, cross country skiing and sledding are allowed. All state and local regulations relating to the operation of snowmobiles apply. There must be a minimum of 4 inches of snow and the ground must be frozen for snowmobiling, sledding and cross country skiing. No ice skating is allowed at or from any forest preserve. Call individual forest preserves for information.
