Fox River forest preserve and trail hub

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Trolley endpoint; about 1.5 road miles from the main museum

Explore Fox River shoreline, varied trails, picnic shelters, fishing, canoe access, historic sites, and Blackhawk trolley station at a 197-acre Kane County preserve.

The place

About Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve occupies a bend in the Fox River south of the trolley museum. The county describes woodland for hiking and birdwatching, shoreline for picnicking and fishing, a trail bridge, and a Riverbend Bike Trail route to an eight-foot natural waterfall.

The official preserve map lists 197 acres and 4.21 total trail miles, including a 0.43-mile mowed inner loop and 0.82-mile asphalt Old Quarry Road Trail, plus regional trail connections. Amenities include ADA-accessible trails, parking, restrooms, shelters, grills, fishing, historic sites, and a canoe/kayak launch.

Blackhawk Station at the preserve is the regular trolley line's south endpoint and the boarding site for Santa's Trolley Express. The preserve is independently operated by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, open daily from sunrise to sunset, and follows rules separate from the museum.

What stands out

Follow the Fox River

Use shoreline, fishing access, bridge views, and regional trail connections at the river bend.

Choose a short or long walk

Stay near Blackhawk for a brief stop or plan more time for the inner loop and waterfall route.

Picnic between trains

Use shelters and grills while keeping the regular trolley's approximately 45-minute cadence and final return in view.

Read the historic landscape

See the carved Black Hawk statue and the memorial site for unknown soldiers of General Scott's Army.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Fox River Trolley Museum trip

The trolley travels directly between the main museum and Blackhawk Station in the preserve. By road, the checked baseline is about 1.5 miles and four minutes. A regular all-day museum ticket can support a longer preserve stop, while holiday and evening trains may use different boarding instructions and timing.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursDaily, sunrise to sunset
  • Size197 acres and 4.21 mapped trail miles
  • TrailsAsphalt, limestone, mowed, and regional routes; ADA-accessible trails listed
  • River accessFishing and canoe/kayak launch; trailer boat launch currently closed during extension work
  • AmenitiesParking, restrooms, picnic shelters, grills, historic sites, and trail bridge
  • Trolley connectionBlackhawk is the regular line's south stop and Santa's boarding location
  • Drive from museumAbout 1.5 road miles and four minutes before traffic
  • Longer hikeThe natural waterfall is south on Riverbend Bike Trail; do not assume it fits a short trolley stop

Return to the trolley museum

Add Fox River Trolley Museum

Use the museum guide for 2026 ride dates, fares, accessibility, special-event boarding, and the final return train.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is the preserve open?

Forest Preserve District hours are daily from sunrise to sunset.

How large is it?

The official map lists 197 acres and 4.21 total trail miles.

What can I do there?

Hike, bike, birdwatch, picnic, fish, use canoe or kayak access, visit historic sites, and connect with regional trails.

Is the preserve accessible?

The county lists ADA-accessible trails. Confirm the particular route and current conditions before an access-dependent visit.

Is the boat launch open?

The county says the canoe/kayak launch is open when the river is open, but the boats-and-trailers launch is currently closed during extension work.

Can I arrive by trolley?

Yes. Blackhawk Station is the regular trolley line's south endpoint; confirm the museum schedule and final return.

Does preserve access include a trolley ticket?

No. The preserve and museum are independent. Buy regular trolley admission at Castlemuir unless a special-event ticket says otherwise.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-23. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.