It's a hidden gem. I like the trails here, you can take the woodland loop, bluff trail or walk around the old fields. Some parts of the woodland loop and bluff trail are quite steep. There are spots where the trails will cross the creek, after a good rain there will be some water in the creek but it's usually dry.

Review Visit: September 30th, 2015 A hidden gem in the area where Washington/East Peoria/Germantown Hills come together. When it came to write this blog, I had this place listed as being located in East Peoria. When I went to Google for the links provided below, I was surprised to find out that this gem of a place is actually located in Washington. You grow up in an area all your life and you think you’ve got it all figured out and then BAM! The reason I thought this place was located in East Peoria is that when I drove here, I took one of the main road through the town until I had to turn right. Once you turn right, it is just up the road a bit on and also on the right. If anything, I would’ve assumed it was also in Germantown Hills. But here we are and here we shall discuss Spring Creek Preserve. With this being a hidden gem, I don’t even remember how I heard about it but I am sure glad I did. My friend Tegan and I made plans on a beautiful afternoon to hit the trails, hike the place, and see what it offered. As we got out of the car and ready to hike, I didn’t think the place looked that big or impressive at first. Where we parked, there was enough parking for a handful of cars. The view from the parking lot gave you the impression that you walked around this field and that was it. But we were in for a surprise. After we got a good ways in, we noticed that the preserve offered some branching paths. We took one and got to exploring. As we traversed the terrain, I couldn’t help but feel at ease here. It was remote enough from society that you felt immersed in the wilds but you knew that if you needed help, it was just a phone call away. Trail after trail, both of us could read the same thought on each others mind. This place was awesome. Not only did it offer a peace of mind but since it is a hidden gem, no one really knows about it, so you get the place to yourself… or it feels like that at least. I don’t think we encountered a single other person here during our afternoon hike. It was a nice break from civilization without having to go far. There is one spot we reached where I was kind of creeped out. Not in the way where I feel like there might be some banjos playing at any second. No, this was caused by a weird concrete hallway/door thing that was built in to the ground. I got adventurous enough to get close but since it was away from the trail, I dared not to venture too close. Maybe some banjo music would’ve started up if I got next to it. After that, we resumed hiking while speculating about what the doorway meant. It could’ve been a secret pathway to Narnia… to The Upside Down… to Dune. The possibilities were endless but the real reason was probably far more tame than what our imaginations could come up with. I should note that the hiking trails were really well done and the upkeep of keeping them free of debris was great. We walked anywhere and everywhere without anything obstructing the paths. Also, some of the trails were really wide, so if you encountered people, there is enough space to go around without having to trample anything. If you have the hankering for a peaceful hike or you want to start hiking but want an easy area to do so, Spring Creek Preserve is the place to do it. The trails (that we took) were all relatively easy so this place is great for anyone and everyone. You can’t spell nature without the letters NEAT.

Spring Creek Preserve is 262 acres of mostly woods, with four miles of dirt trails. It was added to the Fon du lac Park District about a year or two ago. The main trail is a loop up and down a 200 foot hill. There is a flat meadow loop and other trails that require walks across Spring Creek. The preserve has basic developments, a gravel parking lot, a portable potty, and two picnic tables at the entrance. Signs mark the trails. It is open dawn to dusk. It is a popular place for walking dogs. A second entrance has been added to new area uphill off Grosenbach Road. It has a half mile loop with branching trails. Mounds Trail goes past a protected burial mound and eventually goes down a steep hill to connect to the rest of the preserve.

Very nice place. We hiked for a couple hrs. Will go back

Hidden gem. Just opened in past year"ish. 2+ miles thru hills, across creek, thru flat areas. Dogs ok. Some parts can be "difficult " with grade and packed smooth trail creating slick underfoot. Beautiful fall colors. Can stay on bottom area if unableo to navigate the hills.

Beautiful hiking area. Very clean and well kept. If you are looking for a steep hill for more exercise, this is the place to go. You can avoid the hill completely if you want. Very peaceful. I can't wait to go back.

A nice new park and tails. Be aware that there are no bridges over the streams, so you might not be able to cruise without getting wet.

Beautiful park with well marked trails, plenty of parking, surprisingly diverse habitats and wildlife, including protected burial grounds. Gorgeous park!

Wonderful nature walk for all skill levels. All of the paths are well marked and they are well kept. Even though it is near the highway, you would never know since it is so peaceful and quiet. All of the paths intersect so if you start getting tired from one, you can bail early (nice feature). A must stop if you are in the neighborhood!

Very nice place the trails range from easy to difficult some of the trails are still a work in progress it's open year round there is wildlife,, deer, birds and so forth 😀