HOURS & Holiday Closings 
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William F. Sherman Interpretive Center Monday to Saturday: 9AM - 4PM Sundays: 10AM - 2PM
Outdoor Space/Trails The outdoor spaces and trails at Lyman Woods Nature Preserve are open 1 hour before sunrise until 1 hour after sunset, every day
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2023 Interpretive Center Closings 5/27 - 29; 7/1-7/4; 9/2-9/4; 11/22-26; 12/22-12/25; 12/29-1/1/24 |
about lyman woods
Lyman Woods is 150 acres of oak woods, prairie, and marsh habitats that supports over 300 species of native plants. Discover an amazing diversity of plant life, including six species classified as rare in the Chicago region. Catch a glimpse of animals including deer, coyote, fox, Cooper's Hawks, Great Horned Owls, a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, insects, and numerous songbirds.
During your visit, you'll find three rare kames, glacially deposited hills of gravel, which support native prairie and oak woods. The most outstanding feature is a 19-acre oak woods that has remained undisturbed since it was purchased by the Lyman family in 1839. Today it serves as one of the few examples of the pre-settlement landscape that dominated the Downers Grove area.
The Interpretive Center is your starting off point for your exploration of Lyman Woods. Discover native landscaping, a butterfly garden, and rain gardens outside the building. Don't forget to look up and spot native prairie plants growing on the roof! Inside the William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center you will find changing exhibits and activities including an active observation beehive, programs, restrooms, drinking fountains and first aid. Bring a lunch or snack to enjoy at our outdoor picnic area. Feel free to ask questions of our talented naturalist staff about any plants or animals that you see.
The preservation of Lyman Woods in 1987 represents the cooperative effort of the Village of Downers Grove, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Downers Grove Park District and many dedicated individuals.
Please note: In accordance with the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission there are no dogs (excluding service dogs), bikes, or cross-country skis allowed in Lyman Woods. Thank you for your cooperation.
Build Your Own Adventure Pack
Check out an Adventure Pack filled with gear to help you explore Lyman Woods! Choose from identification guides, bug boxes, magnifiers, and other tools and activities for your family or group to use free of charge. Check out your pack during Interpretive Center hours with a valid driver's license.
Snowshoe at Lyman Woods
Don't let the snow slow you down! Rent a pair of snowshoes at Lyman Woods and get out there to enjoy the winter woods! When there are at least four inches of snow on the trails, both adult and children's snowshoes will be available for use at Lyman Woods. Snowshoes are available during regular Interpretive Center hours on a first-come, first-served basis. The rental fee for each pair is $10 for a 3-hour rental. Credit cards, checks, and cash are accepted. Click here for snowshoeing status.
R.E.A.P. and Volunteering
Join our REAP (Restore, Educate and Preserve) volunteer group at Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie. Activities may include collecting and sowing native seed, restoring trails, planting native plants and removing invasive plants. Please contact Lyman Woods at lymanwoods@dgparks.org or 630.963.9388 for more information.
CLICK HERE for volunteer opportunities
Scarecrow contest
Take part in a festive Scarecrow Contest at Lyman Woods! This contest is open to all organizations, civic groups, families and businesses, so rally up your Scout Troop, local club or office-mates. Groups can choose to construct either a traditional scarecrow, or a sharecrow - a scarecrow made with wildlife-friendly edible ingredients. Prizes will be available in different categories. Scarecrows will be displayed along the trails at Lyman Woods in October and November for all to see! To enter, please register online and pay the entry fee. Once you register, you will be emailed an application to complete. For questions, please email lymanwoods@dgparks.org.
