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Picnic Shelters

Heron Creek 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.

Bring your family and friends for a picnic at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove and enjoy being outdoors in a country-like setting.

An innovative playground is nearby and is shared with all preserve visitors. It provides a colorful series of tunnels, slides, ladders, bridges, decks and swings for children to climb and explore. The playground has two separate areas, one for children ages 2–5, and one for children ages 5–12. Much of the playground is ramped for handicapped accessibility. There is also a sand pit for children to dig in and create sculptures, and lookout stations with views into the woods. Picnickers also have access to the preserve's trails, which feature interpretive signs that teach about the landscape.

Access the shelter from the preserve's entrance on the southwest corner of Route 22 and Old McHenry Road.

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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.

PHOTOS

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Shelter Features:

Maximum Capacity

50: Shelter and surrounding area
24: Under the shelter roof

Total Picnic Tables and Grills

7 Tables
1 Grill

Restrictions

  • Water may not be available mid-October–May.

Special Amenities

Picnic Tables
Service Road Access
Playground
Drinking Water
Public Parking
Toilets
Trails
Electricity
Grills

Special Activities:

Any vendors hired by the permit holder to provide special activities, including catering, must be licensed with the Lake County Forest Preserve District for the current year. Approved vendors for each special activity permitted at this shelter are listed in document below.

Special activities allowed at this shelter are:

Catering
Moonwalk
Tent (Small)

Licensed Vendors:

Vendor List