Cook County Forest Preserves Cancels Events, Closes Several Spots

COOK COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserves of Cook County is cancelling all public events, volunteer activities and permitted events, and closing several locations and amenities through May 11, due to concerns associated with the coronavirus, the Forest Preserves of Cook County announced in a recent news release. The closures include all public restrooms, nature centers, campgrounds, nature play areas, permit offices and the Swallow Cliff Stairs.

"We urge you to follow recommended visitor precautions when in the forest preserves," the Forest Preserves of Cook County said, in the news release. "We are committed to the health and safety of our visitors and will continue to monitor the situation and add or extend closures and cancellations as necessary."

• All public restrooms (both indoor and portable) are closed.
• Buildings, grounds, trails and bathrooms at Nature Centers are closed to the public until May 11.
• All campgrounds are closed through May 11.
• Forest Preserves General Headquarters, Caldwell Woods Warming Shelter, the Volunteer Resource Center and Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center building and nature play area are closed to the public through May 11.
• Golf courses, boating centers and the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course will not be open until at least April 7, and their opening may be delayed further based on the latest information available on the spread of COVID-19.
• The Swallow Cliff Stairs and parking lots at Swallow Cliff Woods-North, Swallow Cliff Woods-South and Teason’s Woods are closed to visitors through May 11.
• Some winter land management closures have been extended until May 11. Before visiting, always check if a location is open on our web map or by visiting the location’s page on our website.
• The spring trout season opening day—originally scheduled for April 4—is postponed indefinitely. The parking lots and fishing lakes at Axehead Lake, Belleau Lake, Green Lake Woods, Horsetail Lake, and Sag Quarries are closed indefinitely, starting March 30. Parking lots at Chippewa Woods and Iroquois Woods are closed as well.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County added that they are working with the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security to follow the latest guidelines and best practices for prevention.

Related:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update April 3: 7,697 Cases, 167 Deaths
• Coronavirus In IL: Donate Protective Equipment In Palatine

For more detailed cancellation and closure information:

• Location Closures
• Recommended Visitor Precautions
• Public Event Cancellations
• Permitted Event, Picnic & Room Rental Cancellations
• Volunteer Cancellations
• Camping Closures
• Employee COVID-19 Cases
• Chicago Botanic Garden & Brookfield Zoo
• Resources
• Sign up for Cook County COVID-19 text alerts. Text AlertCook to 888-777
• General questions about COVID-19 in Cook County? Call (708) 633-3319 or email ccdph.COVID19@cookcountyhhs.org. The hotline and email address are staffed between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Stay Connected While Staying Home: Share your comments, concerns and questions with your neighbors on Palatine Patch through Neighbor Posts.