My buddy lost his ball here! He will never be the same. Besides that it's a great park.read more

One of my favorite parks in the area! There is a wonderful walk/run path that encircles the park…read more Also a skate park area, huge soccer field, picnic tables and a large playground. Centrally located and lots of parking , this is one of my favorite halfway points to meet a friend from the city (and I'm in the western burbs). Well maintained and seems like there's always a few people about, but never too crowded. Would def recommend for those looking for a playground, walking path or skate/sports fields.

Cool spot that I didn't realize was in the area. Looking for a good meeting spot to meet friends…read morefor a walk, found Sagawau. On the day of my visit, we saw this black netting/screen. Curious, we stopped to ask staff. It turns out on Sundays they do bird banding. This was very interesting how they catch birds, take data, and release back into the wild. I recommend! The nature center was well kept and had clean bathrooms. They close the area at 4 pm daily. Check it out for a nice walking and educational opportunity.

Sagawau is waaaaaay out in Lemont, so pretty far from me, and it's also bit confusing to find when…read moreyou get there. But I really enjoyed it so I'd say it's worth it, and now I'll know where I'm going in future! Word to the wise: There's the large parking lot, and what looks like a driveway is not. Park in the lot and use the wide paved path to get to the nature center. The purpose of the first preserve system was to both preserve and conserve, but also to provide natural areas in which people could recreate. They also have a nature center here with exhibits, as well as a variety of programming. I came for a program. A land acknowledgement was provided to connect the land to its history, and the people who once called this land home. I came for a hummingbird program, which took place in the hummingbird garden. The garden had quite a few bees and some wasps, but those insects are actually invasive in this area so you may see traps out for them so they don't take over the hummingbird garden. There are hummingbird feeders around to bring the hummers out. But nectar isn't their only source of food; they'll eat insects and invertebrates. Most importantly, they need pesticide-free habitats to survive. It was interesting to learn that hummingbirds live only in North, Central, and South America. When colonizers came into contact with hummingbirds, they thought they had no feet and that is where their scientific name is derived. Hummingbirds are surprisingly loud! The ruby-throated hummingbird is only ruby throated for the males. Juveniles and females have a white throat. But the color only comes out with the light, as it's iridescent, so the males may look black. Ruby throated is the only native one in Illinois. The juveniles are about the weight of a penny. In migratory season, they try to double their weight in order to sustain their migratory most fly over the Gulf of Mexico, which is a single flight of about 600 miles. They can do that flight in 16-24 hours. Hummingbirds fly with a figure eight pattern, which allows them to be one of the few birds that can fly backwards. It also allows them to hover! Migration is hard, so why do they do it? At least in part, it's because there's less competition. Apparently day length is a trigger to let birds know when to begin migrating, and the plants and flower on which they rely for food usually coincides to their migratory season. The nesting behavior of hummingbirds draws a direct line between environmental stewardship and habitat protection. They line the nest's outside with lichen and plant scale, and line them inside with soft things like dandelion fronds. Air pollution won't affect the hummingbird directly, but it will affect lichen and thus the integrity of their nest and subsequently their success in breeding. They will use spider webbing to bind their nest, which makes spider conservation important too. How fascinating how these things all connect! Whilst visiting Sagawau, I learned that this preserve is a licensed bird banding station--not just for hummingbirds. Banding allows us to gather much of the information that we have about birds in general. The information gleaned from banded birds can tell us about their migratory patterns, lifespan, and so on. I believe they have some events during the year where you can observe this process. In addition to their great programs, they have a nature center with exhibits related to the natural history of Sagawau and the region. One of the things that makes Sagawau so unique is it is a dolomite prairie, of which only about 500 acres exist in the world--over 100 of those acres being here. There are several trails to walk, and they have maps showing these to help guide your way. And this site turns into a cross-country ski location in the winter! In that season, walking is not permitted on the trails because they're used for skiers. They have lessons and equipment rental, but you can also bring your own gear--you just need to call first to make sure it's open for skiing, dependent upon the snowfall. I saw more open acknowledgment of snakes here than at some of the other preserves, which may make me nervous to visit very soon--snakes in just about any capacity (cartoon, real, image, etc.) creep me out more than anything. But, Negin is the employee that led the hummingbird chat, and she was really great. Welcoming, inclusive, knowledgeable, and friendly. I'd love to attend more of her programs.

Explore this beautiful forest preserve, perfect for picnics, capturing stunning fall photos,…read moreenjoying 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!

When it's a lovely day for a picnic and boating with family, Blackwell Forest Preserve is a really…read moregood 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.

Trails have been repaved in the last several years they're all black topped. I've been away for…read moreseveral years so that's why I'm stating this. There's also some marked interior trails that are gravel or limestone that seem to go closer to the river. I do not travel those, I would imagine that would produce a lot more bugs. Apparently I have desirable blood, if you're a bug. So, Im not looking to get bit up by insects, so I stay on the main paths. Still have multiple shelters, and plenty of parking at each shelter, & there's grills, there's picnic tables. The dog park is still at Black Road, & and appears to be utilized regularly. Sometimes I'll walk all the way down from Black Road and the trail goes downhill as you get closer to 52/Jefferson and if you continue on it, the path goes underneath 52 and dumps out right behind the bar called Crowd Around Me. Multiple bathrooms along the way, there's semi kept up. I wouldn't say they're super clean but it's an outdoor bathroom. I'll give them this much credit, they are cleaned often enough that they aren't disgusting, and there's usually paper in there. Nice place to walk/bike/E bike/run. Or even gather some folks and have a picnic. Its usually pretty quiet in there. Little more crowded on the weekend, but that's understandable. Worth traveling through. And like I say a good place for exercise.

Great place for you to bring dogs. Hammel Woods is one of the natural wonders around here. It has…read morelots of hiking and jogging trails. A lot of good ways to get some exercise. There's quite a lot of dog poop on the trails so watch. A lot of dog owners come here. It isn't strictly a dog park but it's very friendly for them. There's lots of features including drinking fountains and poop bags if there's any left, which often there aren't so it's advised to bring some bags with you. Also there's trash cans for these bags. The bad thing about this park is you need a permit. Grills are available for cooking. It also has a pavilion. The DuPage River is good for kayaking and wading.

Well maintained and alot of attention lately to overgrowth and making sure corners and curves have…read morefull view of oncoming bikers. Unfortunately, this years (2026) leveling of some pathways has large stone instead of crushed gravel. Dangerous for narrow tired bikes. Was this an oversight, cost savings, or what?

Recently came here to embark on a casual walk. Came to the west entrance to go on the smaller loop…read moreto walk around. Solid shoes are reccomended because it is a muddy, gravel trail. Fair amount of parked vehicles too and various other trails in the area. Clean restrooms on site as well as a scenic overlook area nearby.

Burr Ridge has some parks, including this small one in a residential area. It supposedly is open to…read morethe public but it feels exclusive to the houses around it. Lake Carriage Way Park is in a subdivision. Good quiet atmosphere in spite of not much to do. The main thing is a big pond. Coming here is a little confusing. It's on a residential street of the same name so it's pretty easy to find it. The trouble about it though is what to do when you're here and trying to get into this. It's like, where do you park? There's no parking spaces. It's that which makes it seem like it's only for the residents around here. There's only a street. Apparently you can park on it. The park itself is small but nice. It has a big pond that takes up the majority of space that's easy to walk around. There's also a playground so kid can have fun. Have fun for a few minutes at most then go somewhere else. It doesn't have bathrooms or any amenities like that so it's not intended as somewhere you go for long. The only parking option is on the street, but look out for Karen residents who think they own this.

Lake Carriage Way Park is a tiny Pleasant Dale (Burr Ridge) Park District park located in the…read moreCarriage Way subdivision, near 55 and County Line. Though it is in the subdivision it is of course open to the public and is frequented by those looking to fish or just relax. There is no actual parking lot but you can park on the side streets of the subdivision, which is very quiet and never crowded. The main feature of the park is the large central lake with fountains. Throughout the summer there are many birds present (mainly ducks and geese) and there are various benches set up all along the pond for viewing. Many come to fish in the pond, so it is stocked. There is a large gazebo with the best view of the park. To the right of the gazebo is a small playground where children from the subdivision often play. There is a paved trail all along the pond, which meanders back into the woods at the northern most portion of the pond. This trail continues back into the subdivision a little way. Though it offers few amenities, it is a wonderful place to walk if you are in the area. It is very tiny and you can walk the duration of the pond in about 5 minutes. The park is dog and child friendly. Unless you're looking to fish, I'm not sure that it is someplace that you'd drive to specifically to spend time at, but if you're looking for a quiet location to go on a lunch break and work in the area, it is a great place to check out!

I discovered the Dorothy and Sam Dean Nature Sanctuary earlier this year…read more What a hidden gem! (I didn't put this comment on the first line so that it can continue to be somewhat hidden. lol) I happened to be looking at local launches for my kayak and discovered a beautiful little park. Dean nature sanctuary is right on salt Creek and therefore also runs along salt Creek Trail. It has a beautiful pond and an old barn among many other things Here are some of the other highlights: Kayak/canoe launch Accessible fishing pier Gravel, dirt and paved trails Dog friendly. Bag/garbage station Separate recycling bins Gazebo and picnic tables I've been here several times this year, but of my photos are from April 2024. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how it looks during the winter months. My dog loves walking here and it's such a peaceful place to enjoy nature.

Beautiful park with a large variety of birds. If bringing a small dog there beware of coyotes. We…read moresaw one lady's small dog being chased by two good size adult coyotes. She was able to pick up the dog and after several shouts the coyotes finally left. We did call the oak brook police that showed up immediately with animal control. This happened on Mother's Day 2025

Such a relaxing spot to hike around. It's very peaceful and scenic, and I love being able to step…read moreaway for a bit and hang out there during the day. Highly recommend if you want a change of scenery while staying in the neighborhood.

Large forest preserve with a bit of everything, including hills, picnic areas, wildlife viewing…read moreareas, trails, and marsh. After heavy rains, the trails can get a bit flooded, otherwise it's a fun place to walk around and enjoy nature. It's important to note that the trails are each around 1 to 1.5 miles, with some that run around Lake Patterson, so plan accordingly and bring enough sunscreen and water. This lake is also one that has motorboat access with a ramp, which is not common for the area. When the trees are filled with leaves, it's quite pleasant to sit around and enjoy nature with some shade as well.