Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Waterfall Glen is a forest preserve in Downers Grove Township, DuPage County, Illinois, between the towns of Darien and Lemont, covering 2,492 acres (1,008 ha).

Waterfall Glen is one of highest ranked conservation areas in the county; it contains 422 native plant species, including one state threatened and 36 of special concern.

Long before Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet paddled through the area, American Indians were living along the surrounding limestone bluffs, including today's Signal Hill, which served as a communications vantage point.

By the late 1800s, the Ward Brothers’ mill was turning out lumber on Sawmill Creek, and Edwin Walker's three quarries were yielding tons of quality limestone for projects like the landmark Chicago Avenue Water Tower and Pumping Station.

Hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy some of Waterfall Glen's scenic areas via four mapped trails, which contain almost 11 miles of limestone- and turf-covered routes.