A Landscape of Many Faces
Visitors can explore 70,000 acres of natural landscapes in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The areas encompass a range of ecosystems: forests, woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands. More than 25 areas are designated as Illinois Nature Preserves. This diversity defines the focus on nature: different landscapes take center stage in different areas, from forests to open wetlands.
The trails also offer different ways to get outdoors. The Forest Preserves provide more than 400 miles of paved and unpaved trails for year-round recreation. Portage Woods has walking and hiking trails with natural surfaces. The Salt Creek Trail System runs along the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek. Views of a glacial valley and a gravelly moraine are part of the landscape there, as is the distinctive sequence of pools and shallow riffles along Salt Creek.
Nature Trails, Centers, and Camping
Several types of camping are available for a stay in the Forest Preserves: tents, cabins, bunkhouses, and RVs. The options range from tent camping to fixed accommodations. If you prefer to combine nature experiences with exhibits or guided activities, the Forest Preserves also have six free nature centers. Check access information for the individual center before your visit.
Sand Ridge Nature Center covers 235 acres and has four self-guided nature trails. The center also offers interactive exhibits, programs, and expert assistance. There, you can explore the natural and cultural history of the Calumet Region. The trails and the center’s offerings provide different ways to experience the area: explore on your own, or learn more about the region through exhibits and programs.
Cultural History and Animal Encounters
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is ecologically, culturally, and historically significant. An archaeological investigation in the 1950s uncovered the first Native American village found in northeastern Illinois. The site brings together natural and cultural history, aspects that cannot be separated from one another. The preserved former Cook County Hospital also points to a long history: its roots in Chicago date back to 1857.
Another place to discover is Brookfield Zoo Chicago, which covers 235 acres. More than 3,500 animals from over 500 species live there. At Hamill Family Wild Encounters, visitors can feed giraffes and pet goats. From downtown Chicago, the zoo is accessible via the Metra BNSF Line to the Zoo station or via Pace bus route 331. Check the current schedule when planning your trip.
By the River and on the Trail
You can fish on the Des Plaines River from the riverbank, a canoe, or a kayak. Cycling and horseback riding are recommended along the Des Plaines River Trail. In addition to nature trails and nature center activities, you can also choose activities on the water and along a designated trail. When planning, it’s worth focusing on the kind of nature experience you want: landscapes and trails, natural and cultural history, animal encounters, or time by the river each offer their own way to enjoy the experiences described here.
Discover more destinations: Morton Grove, Alsip, Matteson, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Arlington Heights, Willowbrook, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Franklin Park, Mt Prospect, Niles, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Schiller Park, Skokie, Westchester, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Northbrook, Tinley Park, La Grange, Burbank, Lansing, Hillside, Wheeling, Orland Park, Northlake, Inverness, Rolling Meadows, Lyons, Bridgeview, Prospect Heights, Oak Forest, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Park Ridge, Hazel Crest, South Holland, Berwyn, Barrington, Homewood, Markham, Calumet City, Bellwood, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Crestwood, Maywood, Glencoe, Bartlett, Lincolnwood, Broadview, Winnetka.
For the broader travel overview: Illinois.
