Van Patten Woods Shelter A



PERMIT FEES

Per day, per shelter, weekends and holidays (Holidays as Observed: Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day).
Number of People Resident Nonresident
1-50 $90.00 $180.00
For each additional group of 10 people, add $20.00.

Per day, per shelter, weekdays and non-holidays (Holidays as Observed: Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day).
Number of People Resident Nonresident
1-50 $80.00 $160.00
For each additional group of 10 people, add $20.00.

This is the largest of the four picnic shelters available at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth.

The shelter area features an adjacent playfield and horseshoe pit. A playground is located between Shelters A and B and is shared with all preserve visitors.

Several miles of trails are accessible from this shelter, as is the countywide Des Plaines River Trail. Picnickers also have access to the preserve's 86-acre Sterling Lake, stocked and managed for fishing. A public boat launch for cartop boats is located on the southwestern shore of the lake.

To access this shelter, enter Van Patten Woods from the main entrance on Route 173 in Wadsworth. Turn right just past the Ranger Station and then left into the first parking lot.

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Find Sunset Time

Preserves are open 6:30 am–sunset, daily. Find a sunset time for your desired date »


Rules and Regulations

For your safety and enjoyment, please...

  • Leave nature as you find it for others to enjoy.
  • Leash and pick up litter from pets.
  • Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of playgrounds.
  • Clean the shelter area before leaving your event.
  • Decorations and directional signs are permitted, but may not be attached to Forest Preserves signs. Use only twine or thumbtacks to attach decorations to the shelter. Do not use any forms of tape, staple guns, nails, screws or fishing line to attach decorations. All decorations, signs, twine and thumbtacks must be removed when event is finished.
  • Alcoholic beverages are permitted; must be 21 years or older. No alcohol consumption within 100 feet of parking lots. Host liquor liability insurance is available but not mandatory.
  • Park only in lots. Loitering in lots is prohibited. Vehicles left after closing will be towed at owner's expense.
  • Service roads may be used for unloading and loading only. Do not leave vehicles parked on service road. If you need use of the service road, place a request for the gate to be dropped at the time you reserve the shelter.