Norris Woods Nature Preserve

Johnor Avenue and 3rd Avenue

Fast Facts

Park Type: Natural Area

Acreage: 75.9

Park/Facility Code: NWNP

Trails: 0.66 miles

Designated as an Illinois State Nature Preserve

An outstanding red oak forest with a wide diversity of wildflowers, interpretive signage, a gravel biking trail and a model restored stream channel.

History

For more than 100 years, from 1840 to the 1970s, Norris Woods was known as Jones Woods. Stephen S. Jones, one of St. Charles’ earliest settlers and its first lawyer, purchased the grove. In 1930, it was purchased by Lester Norris. In 1970, the Nature Conservancy purchased this land and deeded it to the Park District and City. In 1973, the name was changed to Norris Woods and the area was dedicated as an Illinois State Nature Preserve, which assures its preservation for all time. In 1992, the City granted all the property to the care of the Park District.