Cook County picnic permit sales open 8 a.m. Monday
The Forest Preserves of Cook County will begin selling 2016 picnic permits online and in-person Monday, Jan. 4. In-person sales are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest. Online permit sales begin at the same time at
A picnic permit must be obtained by groups of 25 or more. This year, reservations for camping April 1 through Dec. 31 open on Jan. 4 as well.
The various permit prices and a list locations are posted on the website.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County sold more than 8,600 permits in 2015, with nearly 10 percent sold on opening day. The most popular groves last year were Dan Ryan in Chicago, Schiller Woods in Schiller Park and Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village.
Cash, check, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in person. The electronic system allows residents to create an online account in order to purchase a variety of permits, including family and corporate picnics, walkathons and special use permits. Customers that created profiles in past years are advised to use the same login information.