Oak Lawn Park Dist Wolfe Wildlife Refuge
708-857-2201
The wildest place in Oak Lawn, Wolfe Wildlife Refuge is a wetland preserve that is home to many to threatened or endangered animals and birds. The refuge features a 2-mile-long path that starts behind Richards High School at 106th Street east of the athletic field and tennis courts and winds around the Eagle Ridge and Acorn Glen subdivisions, ending at 109th Street and Lavergne Avenue. Enjoy the beautiful views of the wetland preserve from a wooden deck and look for turtles, fish, frogs, fox, birds and Monarch butterflies.
The preserve is abloom with flora and fauna from early spring to late fall, and just as beautiful in the winter with a coating of fresh fallen snow. A park naturalist is available for field trips at the Oak View Center. The paved path is perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists, and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. There are benches for sitting and enjoying this peaceful refuge. There is no restroom, but there are port-o-potties for "convenience" stops. Leashed pets are welcome.
The Wolfe Wildlife Refuge is also the site of the park district's annual Labor Day Call of the Wild celebration.
- Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
- Handicap Accessible: The walking path is paved for wheelchair accessibility; access behind Richards High School or at 109th and Laramie
- Founding Date: Aug 01 1983
- Parking: Free lot
- Are there any interesting facts about this location?: "Bird-watchers have spotted more than 100 species of birds, including black-crowned night heron, double-crested cormorant, peregrine falcon and the great white egret." (Source: Oak Lawn Park District.)
- Features: Benches
- Services: Tours
- Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No smoking
- Number of trails: 2
- Average trail length: 1
- Trail types: Hiking, Paved
- Scenic views: Yes
