See a huge Wolly Mammoth skeleton at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center before heading out on the River Bend and North Island Loop Trail. Finish a day of adventure with the Graue Mill & Museum accessible by either a car or The Night Heron Trail (2.3 miles.)
Overall Thoughts on the River Bend & North Island Loop Trail:
Difficulty (Lower is Easier)
Amenities
Transportation & Accessibility:
Crowding:
Views & Wildlife:
Overall Rating:
Difficulty
Difficulty-wise the combined trail is a fairly easy hike. Both the River Bend (1.2 miles) and North Island Loop Trail (0.3 miles) are gravel flat paths. On top of that, throughout the park, there were options to take connecting routes. There were also several clear signs at junctions, keeping you on the right track! Picnic benches and sheltered areas were found along the trail, along with outhouses providing access to any sort of break you may need.
Transportation to Fullersburg Woods
Via car
This Dupage County Forest Preserve area has 3 parking locations, the main parking lot (north side of Spring Road), the second Parking lot (west side of Spring Road), and the Graue Mill Museum Parking Lot (east side of York Road.)
If you are looking to travel on the River Bend and North Island Loop Trail, you should park at either the Main or Second Parking lot.
Via Public Transportation
There is access from the Hinsdale BNSF Metra station to the Graue Mill Museum 1.3 miles one way. This route does have sidewalks all the way through but also crosses major streets with pedestrian cross lights.
Once again, this walk (or bike ride) takes you to the Graue Mill Museum which does connect to these trails, by a third trail, the Night Heron which is 2.3 miles long. On the bright side, the Night Heron is a loop, and the connection to River Bend and North Island Loop Trail comes before the full route, which might save you some miles there.
However, by accessing this park via the Metra, you add at least 2.6 miles and then some to the trek. As always, check the train schedule before you go.
Beauty & Wildlife of Fullersburg Woods
Dupage County’s Fullersburg Woods was a great place to catch the colors of fall. We caught this trail towards the end of peak season, and saw yellow, orange, red, and green both on the trees and beginning to cover the trails!
This park although close to major urban/car access points, was quiet and well away from traffic.
Also, as a bonus, these two paths did not cross any roads busy roads. The only cross-over point went through the parking lot.
Salt Creek flows along parts of this trail adding serenity to the wooded and prairie areas.
If you are looking for another trail that runs past the Salt Creek check out the Salt Creek Trail.
During our fall hike, we saw bluejays and ducks. However, this area did have turtle crossing signs, and has potential for other Illinois wildlife spottings!
Know before you go
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center
From the Main Parking lot, the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center invites everybody to learn a bit about the nature surrounding them. The building houses a huge Wolly Mammoth skeleton!
The Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center is open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is important to note that the building is closed on Sundays.
Beyond the Education Center, the main parking lot has both an information kiosk and full bathroom facilities. The Woods also have several reservable pavilions for events or parties.
The Graue Mill and Museum
The Graue Mill and Museum has a parking lot, making it accessible via car! It is a great add-on to these smaller hikes or a fun stand-alone activity.
After hiking these two trails, I took the car over to this location to check it out. However, the Night Heron Trail leads you to Graue Mill and Museum if you are looking for an extra hike.
The Graue Mill Museum, however, is visible from York Road and does receive crowds. The old wheel was cool to see up close, and the dam was fun to take photos of, however, this part of the park does have some road noise.
The Mill is free and open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Mill has museum displays, a mini-shop, and demonstrations on the weekends.
