The preserve is home to a protected elk herd that has been on the site since 1925.
Busse Lake is a man-made reservoir created as part of a flood control project that was completed in the late 1970s.
The forest preserve contains rare remnants of pre-settlement oak-hickory savanna ecosystems.
The Salt Creek water control structure is designed to hold back millions of gallons of water during heavy rain events to prevent downstream flooding.
The preserve hosts a variety of migratory waterfowl, including great blue herons and egrets that nest in the wetlands.
Busse Woods, officially known as the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, encompasses 3,558 acres of forest, prairie, and wetland, serving as one of the largest forest preserves in Cook County. The focal point is the 590-acre Busse Lake, which provides managed fishing opportunities and canoeing access. The site features 11 miles of paved trails popular for cycling and inline skating, as well as several miles of unpaved hiking paths. A dedicated elk pasture houses a small herd of North American elk, a remnant of the preserve’s long-standing wildlife management program. The area includes significant stands of old-growth oak and hickory forests that are registered as an Illinois Nature Preserve. Boating is facilitated by multiple launches, with specific restrictions on motorized vessel horsepower to protect the ecosystem. The site is part of the Salt Creek watershed, playing a critical role in regional flood control through its system of dams and spillways. Visitors frequently utilize the designated picnic groves, which are dispersed throughout the wooded landscape.
The elevated boardwalks overlooking the wetlands during sunset provide the best light for nature photography.
Check the Forest Preserve District of Cook County website for current trail closure alerts caused by periodic flooding.
Bring binoculars if you plan to visit the elk pasture, as the animals are kept at a distance from public walkways.
Use insect repellent during summer months, as the dense woodlands and wetlands attract significant mosquito populations.
Do not attempt to feed the elk or wildlife, as this is strictly prohibited and dangerous to both animals and humans.
The forest preserve is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset, but specific picnic areas and boat launches may close seasonally for maintenance.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive plant species, keep dogs leashed at all times, and pack out all trash.
