Explore this beautiful forest preserve, perfect for picnics, capturing stunning fall photos, enjoying outdoor casual sports with family & friends & leisurely strolls. The park offers expansive vistas, rolling hills & scenic trails for walking, running & cycling. Don't miss the breathtaking sunset views! It's an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature, esp during the colorful autumn season! Parking is never a problem here, but there are no porta-johns. A few picnic tables are spread around the area, but most bring their picnic blankets and enjoy the grass & scenery! read more

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When it's a lovely day for a picnic and boating with family, Blackwell Forest Preserve is a really good destination. There's even a campground for overnight camping (with reservation). This Summer, when we drove over to the boat launch area to set up a picnic for our kids & grandkids after their boating, I noticed a volleyball net and families playing. Such a delightful place that is well maintained and equipped to help friends and families make happy memories. The property is vast for a "way-out-there" feel, as opposed to nearby Herrick Lake which has the outdoor party ambiance. read more

Beautiful, easy trail, to Makee Marsh and back; shade, open spaces, lakes, creek, and seating benches if you get tired. Dog friendly and great for biking read more

Blackwell Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me

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This was a great spot for a walk on a cool, but sunny spring morning. We walked a crushed gravel, multipurpose path that wound around a number of ponds and through some fields and marsh areas. There were people on bicycles too on the path, and this would definitely be a great trail for a relaxing bike ride or run. There were a lot of sunny stretches that were delightful in late April, but would be blazing hot in summer; in other words this is likely a trail to do early or late in the day during hot weather. We saw a lot of birds here including an eastern bluebird. We also rescued a baby turtle that was in the middle of the gravel path; usually we don't mess with wildlife of course, but this little guy was going to get stepped on or run over, so we just moved it off the trail to a safer spot. It looks like there are a lot of other things to do here too; we saw an archery range, and some signs indicating there are also bigger lakes with fishing and canoeing. read more

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My absolute favorite place to be for a walk, meditation and relaxation. It is HUGE... I repeat, HUGE! If you walked the whole trail, you'll be out for hours. There's fishing, picnic areas, canoeing, public restrooms. In the summer, it gets very busy so if you enjoy quiet time (like I do) then try to come early or right before sunset. TIP: Go to the big hill across from the canoeing area when the sunsets. The hill is pretty steep so be careful however, the view is amazing. You can see the sears tower if you look close enough :) read more

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We came here for the purpose of hopefully seeing some deer at sunset but they were all hiding. It's a nice drive around the park with scenic lakes and a multitude of wildflowers! Nature! read more

Blackwell Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me

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We had a blast today at beautiful Blackwell Forest Preserve participating in the annual Hustle Up the Hill for the Homeless fundraiser! We hiked up and down Mount Hoy and enjoyed the gorgeous view of the park. The whole park looks amazing and we'd love to come back for a whole day. We saw boat docks, an archery range, gorgeous trails, and of course Mount Hoy which is a great hike. So fun. Plenty of parking. Very tidy. Easy access from Butterfield Road. Free entry. read more

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One of the best preserves in Chicagoland. Tons of hiking trails, hills to hike up and down, several lakes with decent fishing, ample parking, and friendly rangers. The only downside is it gets crowded on weekends, and often times groups get loud, playing that crappy polka/salsa/circus music. Some people want to just come and relax and enjoy nature, and not have to hear your loud music. read more

Let me start by saying it was way to hot today with the scorching sun. We lasted less than a hour. It's a beautiful preserve and the lakes are really nice. Going to go back on a day it's not so hot and rent canoes and spend more time there. So many areas to explore and there were quite a few parties going on. Seen some people walking their dogs also which is great as I know mine would love it there. read more

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I really really wanted to like Blackwell Forest Preserve, but I can honestly say, it was okay. The main issue is signage. I tramped around with a friend there for over 2 hours and could not find a decent trail map. They have some sun-faded maps in a kiosk by a lake that show trails, but they were more or less impossible to decipher. Even putting on my glasses to read did not help - the print was so tiny. Another group was there doing the same thing and asking the same question we had - where are the trails?! We went up a big hill. We walked around a lake. We ended up in a campground. I looked online before the visit and know they have trails there!! They just choose to keep them well hidden. We even reparked the car thinking we could move to another lot and the trails would be easier to access. But no luck. We did hike up this big hill. Did I mention that? Sorry Blackwell, I don't think I'll be back. Get some good signs and maybe I'll give it another shot. read more

We're talking about the youth campground here. An area mostly used by Scouts and youth groups. While the area is fantastic, with lakes for fishing, awesome hiking trails, and a welcome respite from the world, the campgrounds are woefully under served with 1 outhouse ( yes the super expensive to maintain, plastic horrorshow green rocket style pooper) per approximately 60 to 70 kids. They don't get cleaned over a weekend, so they are absolutely overflowing. Boys and Girls are using the same crappwr so not only is it immodest, the thing is overflowing g and trash ends up everywhere for the troop or group where the plastic horror is located. The other campgrounds just leave their waste behind. Please do better. Put a few kaibos up and save money in the long run. read more

I'm a photographer and this is my favorite forest preserve to come to, that's close to home. I love taking pictures here! Beautiful lakes and trails. It has it all. Trails, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, archery range and wildlife to be seen. I love that you can drive throughout the entire area. They have many spots to park where you can picnic or just drive around to take in the whole forest preserve. They have done tons of clean up, landscaping, and upgrades, recently. I didn't think it was possible for it to be even more beautiful, but it is! I come here to escape, by myself, and just chill out. Ommmmmmmmmmmm read more

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This is a small park. We probably spent only about 15 minutes driving through the park. There seemed to be some picnic areas and small walking paths. There is also a boat ramp. At least, there were no mosquitoes. It was really hard to find anything worth photographing. There is a large pond bordered by trees. Some folks were rowing a boat. The folks rowing the boat made a great picture with their clear reflection on the surface of the water. The view of the forest and its reflection on the pond was also a nice photograph. I suspect that the park is much more beautiful during the fall and spring. read more

I've been coming to Blackwell since I was a kid. Back in the early 80's the pond area to the left when you first drive in was a very popular beach that would lure in the masses. Over the years I've come here to climb the hill, sled, picnic, fish, bike and most recently, to kayak. Other items of interest in Blackwell include an archery range, walking/running the trail, and I've seen many people 'birding'. Blackwell is a fairly large expanse of land with many possibilities. Above all else, it's free. Make your way over and find something you enjoy doing. Cheers read more

Love this person place. great views, so much nature . Great way to explore, I love running up and down the huge hills. for an amazing workout, with great views all the way at the top of the hill. read more

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If you are looking for a great spot to enjoy the outdoors in a multitude of ways... Blackwell is perfect for you. They host all sorts of activities like camping, archery, canoeing and much more. I have taken my dog there quite often throughout the years to enjoy a long walk. My husband and I took our two dogs there yesterday and walked about 5 miles of trails and had a great time until the end. My husband said his ankle itched, looked down and found a tick. We then noticed a few more that were just on the gravel path. Since there was nothing to do at that point we just finished our walk. When we got back to our car we did a thorough check of both dogs and each other. It looked super awkward to people walking by - two people bent over their dogs rubbing their dogs down :-) but we are so glad we did. Between my husband, our two dogs and myself we ended up finding a total of 9 ticks. We treat both dogs with tick prevention monthly however there is still a bit of a concern since some ticks were attached. This is not meant to be a review to say don't go to Blackwell, it is just meant to inform you that when you do go be sure to check for ticks. read more

This is definitely my happy place. I love to take my dog here and let him run around (on a leash of course). He loves it too and squeals with joy when we pull up to the entrance. I've been to other forest preserves were you feel like you're on top of people, not the case here. It's a huge area so even on the most crowded days, you still can find some solitude. If you take the trails, you can see some great wildlife. Even walking along the lake you are bound to see little minnows swimming by. It's just a nice relaxing place to go on the weekends and escape from it all. My only complaint is the camping area. It looks like the camping spaces are really close together which if I'm camping, I want to far away from other people. read more

Lots of great things to do. Trails, camping, archery, boating (including rentals), orienteering, camping, and even sledding (in season).

4th of July weekend and perfect weather, a rare treat in Midwest so you'll want to take advantage. We headed out for fishing with kids. Such a beautiful park with lots to do. Next time we'll bring the dogs or maybe rent a boat. Saw lots of big groups grilling out and enjoying; good way to keep your house clean and let the kids run wild! read more

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I love this place. It's a perfect all season loving place. They have fishing tournaments, kayaking, canoeing, sledding, bike trails, and more. I came here recently with a 4, 3, and 2 year old to run up and down the big hill. I grew up in this area and never thought about having kids run up and down the big hill to burn some energy and a nice work out for myself as well. The top of the hill is extremely pretty when the trees are changing colors... Let me add its break taking actually. You can see most the town from the top and if you love nature (like myself) you will be in heaven at this place. They have walking/bike trails all over the place. It's an overall amazing place. I'll be coming back here very soon. read more

Blackwell Forest Preserve - Big hill - Parks Near Me

Nice area. We camped here last month and it was a pretty nice area for being so close to home. We rented canoes in the little area they had for it. They close the front gate at 9 pm so you can't get out and you can't come in. That can be bad and good. The camp site was pretty clean , the showering area was clean too the only thing was there were so many mosquitos out. It was kind of boring since there wasn't an area you can swim at the only thing we really did was rent a canoe for an hour and stay at the camp site. The kids were a little disappointed. read more

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Paddleboards are not allowed on the lake. That doesn't ruin everything else but such idiotic rules demand a one star rating. I was told for safety. I have a life jacket so I can only imagine the logic behind it. The officer said if people saw me out there they would complain. So there it is, one star for the idiots that will surround you there. read more

My first visit here, and cannot wait to return! It is a breath of fresh air and makes you feel like you have left the city. There is a huge lake where one is able to rent kayaks, fish, or picnic around. In the winter, they have a huge hill where you can slide down, as well as camping areas that are open in the summer. The children enjoy going there, and we will return. However, try to avoid attempting to step on rocks near the edge of the water as it may move and you fall into the sludgy edge when you are wearing flip flops and then your feet are covered in black and stink like no other. Just a side note, ha ha! read more

Awesome spot! Beautiful trails, lake and trees. Easy spot to walk around for a few hours.

A great to spend a weekend on a row boat with some great fiends. The forest preserve is beautiful and has great trail to walk around. read more

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I was impressed. We came here for boating and to climb Mt. Hoy (I think that's the name). The process to rent the boat was quick and the staff was very kind. We had a boat with a motor for an hour for $15. The scenery was pretty. There were people fishing and hanging out around the lake. We climbed Mt Hoy and were able to see 3 cities from the top. I saw that there was also archery and camping. The port-a-potty next to the archery section was friggin disgusting. That's my only complaint because I really had to go but I decided to hold it for the 45 minute drive home. All in all it was a pleasant place to be. Also there were lots of foreigners. read more

Came here today for a nice walk with the dog (it's 80 degrees in April so had to make sure we enjoyed it!). We decided to come to Blackwell simply because it was the closest forest preserve to us with parking. It ended up being way more than we expected! The entire area is beautiful with ample parking, bench and picnic areas. There is so much to do there! They have an off leash dog area (however you will need a permit), canoe, kayak and boat rentals and an archery area. In the winter they also have tubing, snow shoeing and cross country skiing! We'll definitely be coming back to enjoy this beautiful area! read more

I like this place. Park your car and walk the grounds both in good and bad weather. Walk up to Mt. Hoy and see the view and get some exercise at the same time. I'm a photographer as a hobby and this place is great for photos. Silver Lake is quite beautiful. read more

I am one of the lucky people that get to hike here every week as it is so close to home!! I love the scenary here as the lake is so beautifuL especially from the North Pavillion...My dog and I love the shoreline for our hikes and she gets her wading in the water and swim in...with crystal clear water to the sand bottom with very large fish!! then hike up and enjoy the wonderful shaded walking paths all thru out this amazing park...they have awesome campsites and a wonderful huge firepit overlooking the lake. Kayaking here is a blast and so convenient for rentals. A big must for a fantastic weekend with your friends, dogs and family...Id even pitch my tent here and stay the weekend..even if its down the street as its that awesome.!!! read more

I wish this was closer to home but what a great place to take the family! They have fishing and archery a and picnic tables vailable and the nature trails seem endless. A great getaway for a day. read more

Probably the best park/camping within an hour of downtown. Compared to better parks further away, it's not as good, but it's a great little secret relatively close to the city. They offer decent hiking, fishing, and even camping. When I say decent, I mean solid for beginners, boring for experienced people. It's a great place to bring people who have never really done these things before. They also offer awesome sledding on mount hoy in the winder (tube rentals too!) You can also go boating from the north end of the park through the dupage river. I doubt they'd want you to know this, because it's definitely not as safe as a flat pond, but it's probably the most fun thing to do there. Bring your own boat though. read more

I've only been to Blackwell for the archery range, which is pretty nice. There is a wide range of distances for the targets, and plenty of lanes. The one thing I avoid are the large round foam targets in the middle. I shoot a compound bow with a 55 lb draw, and It's nearly impossible to pull my arrows out of those foam targets. Perhaps you'd have better luck with a recurve. The range is usually pretty empty when I'm there (afternoons). read more