Cook County forest preserves offer expanded vendor opportunities in 2025
Starting Jan. 14, the Forest Preserves of Cook County is offering businesses the opportunity to sell goods and services, including food and fitness classes, at play fields and other locations.
With around 62 million annual visits, the forest preserves is looking to enhance visitors’ convenience and enjoyment while supporting its mission to protect open spaces
“Concessionaires can purchase a permit to sell food from a truck or a small cart, offer bike fixing services or they can sell unique items such as bug spray or fans to our patrons in the forest preserves,” said Business Development Manager Lenora Dailey.
Solopreneurs, fitness instructors, food trucks and other businesses are welcome to apply.
“New in 2025, the forest preserves are looking for food truck or cart concessionaires to sell items at Camp Bullfrog Lake. We’re also excited to provide more opportunities to small culinary and business owners interested in the variety of contract opportunities including multiyear contracts, which are available as part of the new concessions program,” Dailey said.
Concessionaires can sell food, beverages, goods and services from traditional stationary concession stands, pushcarts and food trucks. A permit is required, and concessionaires must complete a new permit annually. Cost is $250 for a daily permit, $500 for an annual permit, plus a $25 application fee.
Key elements of the application include:
• Business license and proof of insurance
• Location(s) where you plan to sell
• Schedule of when you plan to be on site
• Items you plan to sell, with prices
• For food sales: health, food handler, food truck and all other relevant permits and licenses
• Permits will be good through Dec. 31, 2025
• Vending will not be allowed on trails, but vendors can use trails to get from one picnic grove to another inside a single forest preserve. More details and a downloadable application form are available on the Concessions Opportunities page of the forest preserves’ website, fpdcc.com/concessions-opportunities/.
For questions or more information, email lenora.dailey@cookcountyil.gov or call (312) 771-2703.