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Picnic Shelters

Half Day Shelter B



PERMIT FEES

Per day, per shelter, weekends and holidays (Holidays as Observed: Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day).
Number of People Resident Nonresident
1-50 $90.00 $180.00
For each additional group of 10 people, add $20.00.

Per day, per shelter, weekdays and non-holidays (Holidays as Observed: Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day).
Number of People Resident Nonresident
1-50 $80.00 $160.00
For each additional group of 10 people, add $20.00.

Located within Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills, this shelter is adjacent to the countywide Des Plaines River Trail. Use it as your home base for a group hike or explore the scenic trails at connecting Wright Woods Forest Preserve.

The shelter area features a nearby playfield and horseshoe pit. A playground is located near Shelters A and B and is shared with all preserve visitors. Picnickers also have access to the preserve's fishing pond and trails. 

To access this shelter, park in the second lot on your right, which is shared with Shelter A or continue on to the third lot. Either way, your shelter is just a short walk down an accessible trail.

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Find Sunset Time

Preserves are open 6:30 am–sunset, daily. Find a sunset time for your desired date »


Rules and Regulations

For your safety and enjoyment, please...

  • Leave nature as you find it for others to enjoy.
  • Leash and pick up litter from pets.
  • Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of playgrounds.
  • Clean the shelter area before leaving your event.
  • Decorations and directional signs are permitted, but may not be attached to Forest Preserves signs. Use only twine or thumbtacks to attach decorations to the shelter. Do not use any forms of tape, staple guns, nails, screws or fishing line to attach decorations. All decorations, signs, twine and thumbtacks must be removed when event is finished.
  • Alcoholic beverages are permitted; must be 21 years or older. No alcohol consumption within 100 feet of parking lots. Host liquor liability insurance is available but not mandatory.
  • Park only in lots. Loitering in lots is prohibited. Vehicles left after closing will be towed at owner's expense.
  • Service roads may be used for unloading and loading only. Do not leave vehicles parked on service road. If you need use of the service road, place a request for the gate to be dropped at the time you reserve the shelter.

PHOTOS

  • HADA01
  • HADA02
  • HADA03
  • HADA04

Shelter Features:

Maximum Capacity

200: Shelter and surrounding area
  90: Under the shelter roof

Total Picnic Tables and Grills

26 Tables
  1 Grill

Restrictions

  • Water may not be available mid-October–May.
  • In order to have band/DJ, you must rent both shelters A and B to minimize disturbance to other preserve guests.
  • When booking two shelters, use A and B.
  • Open area permits are not available at this preserve.

Special Amenities

Picnic Tables
Service Road Access
Horseshoe Pit
Playfield
Playground
Drinking Water
Toilets
Trails
Electricity
Grills
Running Water

Special Activities:

Any vendors hired by the permit holder to provide special activities, including catering, must be licensed with the Lake County Forest Preserve District for the current year. Approved vendors for each special activity permitted at this shelter are listed in document below.

Special activities allowed at this shelter are:

Catering
Moonwalk
Band/DJ
Tent (Large)
Tent (Small)

Licensed Vendors:

Vendor List