Entrance to the Heron Rookery is located on Renwick Road, east of Route 30 in Plainfield, Illinois. Additional entrances are located at Copley Nature Park on Route 30/Lincoln Highway north of Renwick Road in Plainfield and at Turtle Lake Access on Lockport Street, east of Division Street in Plainfield. A detailed pdf map may be found here.

Forest Preserve District of Will County

www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/preserves/lake-renwick/lake-renwick-heron-rookery

43 miles from the center of town

There are accessible parking spaces. The trails at Turtle Lake Access and Copley Nature Park are accessible. Turtle Lake Access also provides accessible fishing.

Biking, Birdwatching (cormorants, egrets, herons), Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Inline Skating, Jogging, Picnicking, Running, Visitor Center (Heron Rookery), Watchable Wildlife and Wildflowers.

The area was once the site of a quarry. Excavations for a gravel pit struck an underground spring which led to the formation of Lake Renwick.

Consult the map for restroom locations. From March 1 through August 15 the Heron Rookery trail is closed to visitors except on Saturdays from 8 am to noon when visitors may take a short trail to a gazebo to view the rookery. Experienced naturalists are on duty to answer questions and help spot birds.

Nearby Blueberry Hill Breakfast Café, 15521 South Route 59, Plainfield, Illinois provides tasty breakfasts.

Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail which is described on this website

During the nesting season (March-August 15) the heron rookery is closed off to visitors but there are opportunities for viewing the nesting birds from afar (see above under Other Information). For other activities visit all year round.