Conquer The Five Bridges Of Will County Challenge

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is inviting adventurers of all ages to take on a new kind of spring challenge – one that blends exploration and history.

The free Bridges of Will County program kicked off April 1, and runs through June 30, offering participants the chance to traverse five unique Forest Preserve bridges across the county.

Participants who check in at each bridge will be rewarded with a Forest Preserve tote bag that can be picked up at a visitor center.

To get started, download the free Goosechase smartphone app and search for the program by name or use join code CLF9CZ.

Each bridge has been carefully selected for its beauty, history and significance in connecting communities. The five bridges are:

• DuPage River Bridge at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, Hidden Oaks Preserve, Bolingbrook.
• Big Bridge at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township.
• Swing Bridge at Centennial Trail, Romeoville.
• I&M Canal Bridge at Lake Chaminwood Preserve, Channahon.
• Kankakee River Bridge along the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, Custer Park.

The timber Big Bridge stretches over a 40-foot ravine offering visitors opportunities to connect with the surrounding preserve and the serenity of the treetops.

The Swing Bridge and the Kankakee River Bridge both tout impressive histories participants can learn about on their adventures.

The new I&M Canal Bridge and the DuPage River Bridge are community connectors that enhance accessibility across the county.

The inspiration for this year’s event came from an article published by the Forest Preserve in 2017: "Harnessing the wilderness – forest preserve bridges people and nature. "

“Bridges are essential in connecting communities and creating access,” said Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve’s recreation coordinator. “As an avid trail user and recreation planner, it was a no-brainer to celebrate the engineering, planning and history of our bridges with this program.”