Downers Grove offers natural areas with different highlights: Lyman Woods centers on oak forest, prairie and wetland habitats; Hidden Lake features trails, lakes, a river, fishing and boating opportunities, and picnic areas. The Downers Grove Museum also offers educational and recreational programs. When planning your stay, you can focus on nature observation, water activities or a museum program.
Lyman Woods: Habitats and Programs
Lyman Woods Nature Preserve covers 150 acres of oak forests, prairie and wetland habitats; more than 300 native plant species are found in the area. The different habitat types and plant life offer several specific themes for a visit to nature. If you are interested in plants and varied landscapes, you can take in both.
The outdoor areas and trails at Lyman Woods Nature Preserve are open daily from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Holiday closures apply to the Interpretive Center.
Lyman Woods offers seasonal nature programs, private group outings, homeschool adventure programs and team-building workshops for all ages. Activities listed include archery, beekeeping, astronomy and wilderness skills. Nature programs and group formats have different focuses: alongside seasonal offerings, there are private outings and workshops for all ages.
Hidden Lake: Trails and Water
Hidden Lake in Downers Grove covers 390 acres and includes two lakes, a river and trails. It also offers fishing and boating opportunities, as well as picnic areas with a picnic shelter. The area is suited to fishing, paddling, picnicking or relaxing. This gives you a choice of different options, from water activities to a picnic or a break outdoors.
More than two miles of trails wind through Hidden Lake. They are suitable for hikers, joggers, birdwatchers and other nature observers. The trails offer opportunities for exercise as well as for observing birds and other aspects of nature.
There is a specific requirement for water activities on Round Lake at Hidden Lake: visitors can explore the lake by canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or certain other non-gas-powered watercraft, but they need a permit from the Forest Preserve District. If you are planning one of these activities, obtaining a permit is one of the practical preparations.
Educational Offerings and Program Highlights
The Downers Grove Museum offers educational workshops, craft activities and holiday events year-round. It also holds free annual celebrations for all ages. In addition to nature and water activities, the program includes educational and craft offerings.
The locations have different highlights: Lyman Woods combines habitats with seasonal nature programs, while Hidden Lake offers trails, water activities and picnic areas. The museum rounds out the selection with workshops, craft activities and holiday events. The offerings also vary in timing: nature programs at Lyman Woods are seasonal, while museum offerings include year-round workshops and annual free celebrations. When choosing between the options, you can base your decision on your interest in nature observation, water activities or an educational or craft offering.
Discover more destinations: Oak Brook, Lisle, Wood Dale, Glen Ellyn, Darien, Warrenville, Wheaton, Elmhurst.
For the overview of the wider area: Dupage.
