Dam on the DuPage River Trail

The Fawell Dam, often referred to as the Dam on the DuPage River Trail, is located on the West Branch of the DuPage River within the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve. The preserve's main entrance is on the east side of Raymond Drive, south of Diehl Road, upstream of the City of Naperville in DuPage County, Illinois.

Yes, parking is available within the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve. While there isn't direct parking at the dam itself, visitors can park in the preserve's designated lots and access the dam via the extensive trail system. For paddlers, put-in and take-out sites are accessible via a gravel road off Raymond Drive, though parking is not available directly at this specific river access point.

The McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, where the dam is located, offers nearly 7 miles of looped turf and limestone trails suitable for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. These trails connect directly to the larger West Branch DuPage River Regional Trail, allowing for extended exploration. Many visitors enjoy routes that incorporate the dam as a point of interest within a longer loop through the preserve's diverse woodlands and open fields.

Absolutely! The McDowell Grove Forest Preserve is very family-friendly. Its well-maintained turf and limestone trails are suitable for walks with children, and the diverse natural environment offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Picnic areas are also available within the preserve, making it a great spot for a family outing.

Dogs are generally welcome on the DuPage River Trail and within the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, provided they are kept on a leash. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help maintain the natural beauty and cleanliness of the preserve for all visitors.

While the trails within McDowell Grove Forest Preserve are generally well-maintained limestone and turf, specific information on fully paved or ADA-compliant wheelchair accessible sections directly to the dam is limited. It's advisable to check the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's official website for the most current accessibility details before your visit.

The trails within McDowell Grove Forest Preserve are popular for cross-country skiing in winter, indicating they are generally traversable. However, conditions can vary significantly with snow and ice. Hikers should be prepared for potentially slippery surfaces and dress in layers. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out for a winter hike.

The Fawell Dam is located within the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, which is a natural area. There are no cafes or restaurants directly within the preserve. However, the preserve is situated upstream of Naperville, where you can find a wide variety of dining options and cafes just a short drive away.

The McDowell Grove Forest Preserve offers diverse habitats for wildlife. Visitors often spot eastern bluebirds, Cooper's hawks, egrets, and great blue herons. The West Branch DuPage River and Mud Lake also provide opportunities for observing aquatic life. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife viewing.

The Fawell Dam was constructed between 1969 and 1971 primarily for flood control in downtown Naperville. The McDowell Grove Forest Preserve itself has a rich history, having served as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the 1930s and later as a secret installation for radar development during World War II. Remnants of this history can still be explored within the preserve.

Yes, historically, a dam was located in the Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve on the West Branch of the DuPage River, built in 1847 to power a gristmill. This dam was removed in 2012 for habitat restoration, but visitors can still see the remnants of its limestone abutments and walk across the historic millrace, offering another glimpse into the river's past industrial use.