The 3,558-acre Ned Brown Preserve—popularly known as Busse Woods—is one of the largest and most diverse locations in the Forest Preserves. The site includes ancient upland forests, one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County, nearly 13 miles of paved trail, an elk pasture and much more—making it one of the best-used natural areas in Illinois.
Busse Woods includes multiple locations:
Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset Boat Rental: 9 am to Sunset Boat rentals operate from April to October (weather permitting), on a first-come, first-served basis. Service starts mid-April, Fridays through Mondays (expanding to daily in May). Call 224-415-6554 to confirm availability before visiting.
Illinois Nature Preserve: This land is designated as one of the highest quality natural areas in the state by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This status includes increased levels of legal protection and management. Learn more on the Illinois Nature Preserves Page.
Large paved loop circling Busse Reservoir with shorter trail segments fanning out from the loop.
Access the Busse Forest Trails at any of these locations. Check out the trail maps listed above to find on-street or bikeway access points.
Busse Lake Boating Center E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53 Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Lake Boating Center ) (near Elk Grove Village) 224-415-6554 Busse Forest Elk Pasture N Arlington Heights Rd, north of E Higgins Rd Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Forest Elk Pasture ) (near Elk Grove Village) Ned Brown Meadow (part of Busse Woods) Golf Rd, east of I-290/Hwy 53 Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Ned Brown Meadow ) (near Elk Grove Village) Busse Forest Main Dam S Arlington Heights Rd, south of Landmeier Rd Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Forest Main Dam ) Busse Forest-South E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, west of N Arlington Heights Rd Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Forest-South ) (near Elk Grove Village) Busse Forest-Central E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, west of N Arlington Heights Rd Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Forest-Central ) (near Elk Grove Village) Busse Forest-West E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53 Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Forest-West ) (near Elk Grove Village) Busse Lake Beisner Road Access Beisner Rd, north of Biesterfield Rd Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Lake Beisner Road Access ) (near Elk Grove Village) Woodland Meadow (part of Busse Woods) Rohlwing Rd, north of Biesterfield Rd Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (view web map of Woodland Meadow )
Boat rentals operate from April to October (weather permitting), on a first-come, first-served basis. Service starts mid-April, Fridays through Mondays (expanding to daily in May). Call 224-415-6554 to confirm availability before visiting.
Busse Lake Boating Center E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53 Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Lake Boating Center ) (near Elk Grove Village) 224-415-6554| Watercraft | Rate |
|---|---|
| Row Boat (Includes Oars) | $30/hr |
| Single Kayak | $25/hr |
| Tandem Kayak | $35/hr |
| Canoe | $30/hr |
| Fishing Boat with Battery & Trolling Motor (2 hr minimum) | $30/hr |
| Paddle Boat | $25/hr |
Discounts: Monday Discount: Reduced per-hour rates (except holidays). Paddle Card: Fifth visit FREE after four paid visits (restrictions apply).
Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Guided tours and lessons may be available during certain times. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Regulations: Must be 18 or older with a government-issued ID to fill out a rental waiver. No more than three adults per row boat or fishing boat. Minimum age and weight: 3 years, 35 lbs. Dogs are welcome at the owner’s risk and the operator’s discretion. A properly fitted life vest must be worn by every paddler for the duration of the rental period. No alcohol or glass bottles.
Busse Lake Boating Center features two trailered boat launches for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
Busse Lake Boating Center E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53 Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Lake Boating Center ) (near Elk Grove Village) 224-415-6554
Busse Lake Boating Center features an accessible canoe landing for canoes and kayaks.
Busse Lake Boating Center E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53 Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Lake Boating Center ) (near Elk Grove Village) 224-415-6554
At 457 acres, Busse Reservoir is one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County. The chain of several connected pools was created in 1978 when natural waterways were dammed and the area was dug out.
Six fishing walls are available at portions of the over 20 miles of shoreline, including three accessible fishing areas. Ice fishing is allowed everywhere except the North Pool (north of Higgins Rd).
*Boat rentals, bait and other fishing supplies available. Features two trailered boat launches for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors. It also features an accessible canoe landing for canoes and kayaks.
Busse Lake Beisner Road Access Beisner Rd, north of Biesterfield Rd Cook County, IL 60007 (view web map of Busse Lake Beisner Road Access ) (near Elk Grove Village)*Features accessible fishing area. No ice fishing allowed at this location.
A wide variety of bird species live in or visit Busse Woods. Egrets, herons and terns can be spotted in trees and spits around the reservoir and Salt Creek, while grassland birds such as savannah and Henslow’s sparrows and bobolinks use the open meadows during the summer.
Busse Forest Nature Preserve is one of the richest and most diverse natural areas in the Cook County forest preserves. Flatwoods, slightly depressed areas with poorly draining soils, are a unique feature of this region. They support red maple, swamp white oak and black ash, as well as sensitive fern, hop sedge and blue flag iris.
Since 1925, a small elk herd has inhabited a 17-acre enclosed pasture in Busse Woods. Originally, nine cows and one bull were delivered by train from Yellowstone National Park. The size of the herd has fluctuated over time and every three to four years new males are introduced to maintain genetic diversity.
Each year, a veterinary team from the University of Illinois, in conjunction with Forest Preserves wildlife staff, conducts health work-ups on the herd.
Busse Woods is one of the richest and most diverse natural areas in the Forest Preserves. The Friends of Busse Woods volunteers have been working since 2008 to improve biodiversity and restore habitat. All year long, in all types of weather, this hearty and enthusiastic group meets twice monthly to give back to the environment and enjoy good company.
Page last updated: April 24, 2024Join our community of support. Introduce a friend to your favorite preserve, volunteer your time, or sign up for our newsletter. Want to do more? Get in touch.
When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful, there’s no better place to feel free.Hours
Forest preserves are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Check with Nature Centers, Campgrounds and other facilities for specific hours.
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River Forest, IL 60305 (view map)
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