To ensure the health, safety and general welfare of all guests to the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA), the HQRA rules and regulations for public access will be strictly enforced as of Monday, June 8, 2020. The HQRA is open to the public from dawn until dusk. Vehicular access to the north and south HQRA entries will be closed and secured at dusk, and security will conduct safety sweeps including instructing any remaining visitors to exit the area. Parking is allowed in designated areas only as indicated on the map. A complete overview of the HQRA rules and regulations can be found here.

It takes a village to ensure the safety and security of the HQRA. We appreciate your cooperation in making this a safe and enjoyable destination for all.

OPENING SUMMER 2020!

The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park is working with the Village of Lemont and Lemont Township to spearhead the creation of a new adventure park, featuring the tallest aerial adventure course in North America! The Forge encompasses nearly 300 acres of natural areas adjacent to the I&M Canal and including abandoned historic quarry sites. A public-private partnership, The Forge will include land licensed from both the Village and Township. When complete, the park will be operated year-round, 7 days/week (except certain holidays), between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. The Forge is accessed through the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, with future access proposed near the intersection of Main Street and Walker Road. Head to Downtown Lemont and you’re a short trail ride or walk to The Forge!

The Forge has been featured in Crain’s Chicago Business: A Tech Giant’s Next Big Adventure (9-13-2019) and in Forbes: The Biggest Adventure Park In North America Is Coming To The Chicago Area This Summer (3-4-2020).

Outdoor Adventure Course 
An aerial adventure course - the tallest in North America, featuring 120 ft and 90 ft towers - will be constructed on a 10-acre site between the Icebox Quarry and The Forge Quarry on the south side of the I&M Canal. The aerial adventure courses will include activities such as zip-lines, climbing towers, rappelling, and other interconnecting ropes course activities.

Kid Zone 
A custom-designed kid zone will also be constructed to create an at-ground version of the aerial adventure course that is safe for children ages 5 through 12. The kid zone will also include a beginner’s mountain bike course and pump track.

Mountain Bike Course 
Mountain bike courses of varying skill levels will be installed as part of the project.  The primary course will be installed throughout the 10-acre adventure course area.

Water and Land Sports 
Other outdoor activities will include water sports, such as kayaking, stand up paddle (SUP) boarding, canoeing, and fishing.  Kayaks and SUP boards will be available for rental on-site.

Based on the 3 E’s - Exhilarate, Educate, and Entertain - The Forge is dedicated to education, conservation, and restoration. Adventurers looking to kick back and relax will find a host of unique opportunities at Lemont Quarries. You can experience live music programming, outdoor festivals, seasonal events, healthy food & beverage options, adventure dining, and more all year long.

Visit The Forge Lemont Quarries to learn more and follow their progress. All applications, reports, meetings, and approvals are available in the online case file. Visit the Development Projects story map page to see all pending development cases and an archive of past cases for 2019.

Contact the Planning & Economic Development Department with any questions about The Forge and its development.