In pre-settlement times, Deer Grove West was one of several prairies in the area; islands of wooded land on a sea of rolling prairie. The variable topography left by glaciers provided a level of protection from prairie fires that enabled the trees to grow; it also discouraged settlers from tilling the soil. As a result, Deer Grove West was never cleared for farming, although wood was harvested for timber and the land was user for grazing.

Historic Deer Grove West became the first forest preserve in the United States in 1916.

Volunteer efforts began at this site in 1995 and it was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 2010.