Lake County Forest Preserves

About Us

Unique to Illinois, Forest Preserve Districts are designed to protect large natural areas and provide passive recreation.

Your Lake County Forest Preserve District was created in 1958 under Illinois law as a special purpose unit of government. Since then, we have blossomed into a system of vibrant natural areas and have been recognized as a national leader in conservation, while offering fun ways for you to recreate, relax and learn in forest preserves throughout Lake County.

Today we protect nearly 31,000 acres and are the second largest Forest Preserve District in Illinois.

Centrally located in Libertyville, our General Offices is where you'll find our administration, planning, natural resources, land acquisition, public affairs, education and registration divisions. Our General Offices is the home of the Dunn Museum.

The Dunn Museum is among only five percent of museums nationally to have earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, an industry mark of distinction. Operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves and located in Libertyville, Illinois, the Dunn Museum is named for Bess Bower Dunn (1877–1959), Lake County’s first official historian. Her determination to preserve the early history of Lake County demonstrates the potential of each individual to make a significant and lasting contribution to a better world—and inspires us to do the same.