Nature Walks to Add Your Color-Coded Schedule

Maple Grove

Maple Grove is the largest remaining remnant of the vast maple forest that became present-day Downers Grove and is both a rare historic forest and a valuable natural area. Categorized as a globally endangered ecosystem, this preserve has multipurpose and interpretative trails where hikers can appreciate wildflowers and hundreds of plant species, some of which are threatened or endangered. The variety of birds and the great-horned owl will definitely maintain the attention of little hikers. Visitors are welcome to bring their own grills to expand the hike into a fun family picnic.

Lee Ave. & Gilbert Ave., Downers Grove
dupageforest.com

Fullersburg Woods

What was once a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp is now an urban wildlife haven that plays host to a variety of animals with the original visitor center and several of the shelters still standing. Fullersburg maintains two trails manageable for families to hike or bike. A 1.3-mile interpretive trail follows Salt Creek through lowland woods and restored prairies and includes information on DuPage’s natural history. 

3609 Spring Rd., Oak Brook
dupageforest.com

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Hikers, bikers and stroller jockeys can take advantage of this 2,492-acre forest preserve created long ago by meltaways from the Wisconsin Glacier. Adventure seekers can trek as many as 11 miles of limestone and turf-covered routes via four mapped trails through Waterfall Glen’s most scenic areas which include overlooks and a man-made waterfall. 

Cass Ave. & Northgate Rd., Darien
Online: dupageforest.com

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Thanks to the Wisconsin Glacier over 10,000 years ago, this beautiful playground for outdoor adventurers exists. Kettle Moraine consists of 6 units that display a variety of ecosystems with everything from lakes to bogs and rivers to swamps and activities that range from bird watching (that can be done from the comfort of a stroller) to mountain biking. While the number of trails is expansive, there are quite a few half-mile trails that are home to bullfrogs and cattails which are perfect for little ones just lacing up their first pair of hiking boots.

S91W39091 State Rd. 59, Eagle, Wi
Online: dnr.wi.gov

North Park Nature Village 

North Park Nature Village, a 46-acre nature preserve, offers a big breath of fresh air in the middle of the city. The Nature Center is closed at at this time, but hiking trail is available to visitors. At a slow pace, it takes about an hour to hike the entire loop, making this a great hike for little legs.

The best part of this trail is that it provides a beautiful snapshot of Illinois' diverse flora and fauna, carrying hikers through wetlands, tallgrass prairie land, forests and even oak savanna. Wood ducks, geese, garden snakes, painted turtles, deer, raccoons, foxes, bullfrogs, kingfishers, crayfish, and great blue herons all call this corner of the city home. Step atop the observational area, raised up from the Main Loop trail about halfway along the wetlands, where you'll have a better view of the stunning native landscape.

5801 North Pulaski Rd., Chicago
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com