Danada Forest Preserve Was Once A Historic Equestrian Farm In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published July 20, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Illinois certainly has its share of spectacular forest preserves showcasing not only natural beauty but the history of the state. A few preserves of note are the Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva with a house that was remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright, Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve in Darien with gorgeous forest and prairie, and Raceway Woods Forest Preserve which occupies the land of a former racetrack in Carpentersville. Located in Wheaton, if you have not yet been to Danada Forest Preserve which also preserves both natural and historical elements, you need to make plans to visit.
Located next to Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Danada Forest Preserve is a 797-acre property in Wheaton that features prairie, forest, and wetlands. Along with its natural attributes, there are many historical sites here as well.
The property of Danada Forest Preserve once belonged to the estate of Daniel and Ada Rice (hence the name "Danada"). Mr. Rice, a commodities trader out of Chicago, had purchased a 1,350-acre parcel of land on which he built a 19-room mansion and created a farm in 1928.
Today, this historic mansion, or Danada House, is used as a wedding and other special events venue.
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The Rices' farm had many animals including steer, pigs, and turkeys, but they were best known for their thoroughbreds, producing several winning racehorses over the course of 30+ years. A 26-stall barn was also built on the property.
Within the Danada Forest Preserve, you can locate the Danada Equestrian Center which offers horseback riding lessons, group tours, and camps throughout the year. Although the Rices' own equestrian farm no longer exists, the forest preserve has done a wonderful job of carrying on an equestrian program for all to enjoy.
As you walk around the property, you will encounter a four-position starting gate. This, along with a half-mile of practice track, was used as part of the Rice farm's thoroughbred training program.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County purchased 650 acres of the Rice property, including the 36-acre Rice Lake, in 1979. It's a wonderful place to see both the remnants of the Rices' legacy and protected natural habitats.
Wetlands, prairie, and woodland on the preserve attract a wide array of wildflowers, birds, and wildlife. If you love both history and nature, Danada Forest Preserve is the perfect place to explore.
Have you explored the property of Danada Forest Preserve? Let us know about your experience and share any photos you have in the comments or in our Illinois Nature Lovers Facebook Group.
Visit the Danada Forest Preserve webpage for more information and to plan your visit.
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