Dam No. 4 Woods-East

About

Forested area with 2 picnic sites & several trails for hiking, biking & cross-country skiing.

Visitors rate it highly — 4.6 out of 5 across 256 Google reviews.

The gates never close, so an early run and a late walk are both on the table. Parking is the easy part: a free lot. And if it does not suit, 17 more picnic areas in Chicago are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other picnic areas in Chicago.

What works

Consistently well reviewed
4.6 stars held across 256 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
Open 24 hours
No gate times to work around — useful for sunrise starts and after-dark walks alike.
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly — bring the leash and waste bags anyway.
Works with kids
Flagged as family-friendly, which usually means room to run and somewhere for the adults to sit.
Free parking
A free lot — one less thing to pay for.

Planning a visit

General guidance for picnic areas, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Tables, grills and shade set aside for exactly one purpose: eating outside.

A good fit for groups, birthdays and anyone tired of eating indoors.

When to go

Unless sites are reservable, they go first-come on good-weather weekends. Arrive before noon. With 24-hour access, the quiet end of the day is genuinely available to you.

What to bring

Charcoal and a lighter if you plan to grill
Trash bags
A cloth for the table
Leash and waste bags
A light if you are going after dark

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Amenities

Dogs Allowed

Family Friendly

Parking Available

Featured in

#6 in Best Picnic Areas in Chicago, IL

Common questions about Dam No. 4 Woods-East

What is Dam No. 4 Woods-East?

Forested area with 2 picnic sites & several trails for hiking, biking & cross-country skiing. It is a picnic area in Chicago, IL, at Des Plaines River Trl.

What are the opening hours at Dam No. 4 Woods-East?

Dam No. 4 Woods-East is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Are dogs allowed at Dam No. 4 Woods-East?

Yes — Dam No. 4 Woods-East is listed as dog-friendly. Leash rules still vary from area to area, so watch for posted signs.

Is there parking at Dam No. 4 Woods-East?

Parking options here include a free lot.

Is Dam No. 4 Woods-East good for kids?

Yes — Dam No. 4 Woods-East is flagged as family-friendly.

How is Dam No. 4 Woods-East rated?

Dam No. 4 Woods-East holds 4.6 out of 5 stars from 256 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

Chicago has 17 other picnic areas listed on AllParx, including Caldwell Woods Picnic Grove #1, Grove 10 and Bunker Hill Grove #1.