Want a free workout that will kick your butt? Head over to the Swallow Cliff stairs. There are…read morepeople of all fitness levels that make the trek here. Stay to the right and keep your own pace. The forest preserve has done a nice job maintaining the area. There are tables to have a picnic, clean bathrooms, and seasonal café. There is a decent amount of parking too. It does get packed if weather is nice. People like to use rocks to track their loop numbers. Signs say no dogs allowed on the stairs.

Love swallow cliff stairs! This is definitely a workout!! My goodness this is nothing like regular…read morestairs or a stair climber. For those that even exercise regularly, this is a tough workout and you really have to build up to it. Nice location, great walking trail in addition to the stairs. Everyone that goes is very friendly. In the summer the smoothie shop is open. Police regularly patrol the area. Super big parking lots. The only issue is that you're really supposed to walk up one side and down the other - but often people are walking up and down the main flight of stairs which is annoying. Aside from that, it's a great experience.

It was a breath of fresh air the afternoon I decided to conduct a hike on the Salt Creek Trail…read moreSystem, starting at Brookfield Woods trailhead. What interested me about Brookfield Woods compared to the other trailheads nearby is that it is the mile marker starting point for the Salt Creek Trail System. As an outdoor fitness enthusiast who has been running for years, I would categorize the difficulty level as easy because the terrain is flat! I encountered mostly walkers, a few joggers, and many recreational bike riders along this path. While on it I felt that peaceful sense of being in nature as I heard birds chirping, the wind blowing, and the sound of the flowing salt creek which was off to my left while going out. I even got glimpses of chipmunk and squirrel running across my path; some even startling me at times when close by which also kept me in the moment during my hike. On my turnaround, I encountered a Canadian goose which I am absolutely terrified of! I am even known to alter my run routes just to avoid them out of fear of being attacked! It hissed at me as I went around it; it is like it instantly got its little goose panties in a bunch. I swear my heart rate increased as I eased by it because the last thing I wanted to experience was getting my ass kicked by a Canadian goose. That is a losing situation that I am unsure how I will bounce back from, but bye bye goose! I spent a little over forty-minutes during my hike on the path but could have easily gone longer if I were running instead. There are a variety of activities you can conduct on the Salt Creek Trail System path which extends 7.1 miles out; some of those activities I can certainly see are hiking, running, walking, biking, or even in-line skating. Other than my encounter with the Canadian goose, I had a pleasant experience on the Salt Creek Trail System as indicated in this review and would return. As a runner, I can see myself returning just to explore more of the Salt Creek Trail System. ~An adventure a day keeps the doctor away. ~ Thomas G

We entered at Brezina Woods, in LaGrange. If you are looking for a COVID-era place for a quiet…read morefamily walk, this is NOT the place. We only saw a few other people wearing masks. And it was so crowded, we left after only a mile. It was hard to maintain social distance on the paved path while avoiding the many bikers, roller bladers, and walkers. We found a few quiet side trials that each led 200-300 feet into the woods, but due to recent rains, those paths were very muddy, then flooded. We did find some moss. And some pretty trees and plants. So we hung out in the woods, then got out and went home. Pros: Free. Free parking. Clean trials. Plenty of parking. Paved trials. Not too many mosquitoes. Con: this trail goes through residential areas. We were literally passing inches from backyards of homes, yards filled with people. Fair enough. It is their home!! But it felt weird to just walk past their backyard while everyone is outside doing family stuff.

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.

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

Brezina Woods is located in west suburban Cook County…read more There are so many ways to enjoy this beautiful piece of nature. There are paved paths that are accessible. They are great for biking, rollerblading, pushing a baby stroller or wheelchair, walking your dog, or simply taking a stroll. If you prefer a more rugged trail, there is a smaller foot path that runs along the creek. The rugged trail is not accessible and is best for walking. It can get muddy and sometimes small parts of the path can be a tad challenging to walk past. I mostly enjoy walking the rugged path with my dog. She absolutely loves walking along the creek and even wades in the water for little breaks. It's really nice to see that other patrons who enjoy these trails are mostly respectful and courteous. Keep in mind that these trails are shared by walkers, runners, bikers, babies in strollers, people in wheelchairs, and also dogs. Always stay to the right. Bikers will either ring a bike bell or call out "on your left" before passing you on the left side. This system is basic trail etiquette and it works well. Brezina Woods has free parking and limited port a potties. Hours: year-round: sunset to sunrise There are three picnic groves that you can reserve on fpdcc.com Grove #1 Capacity: 150 people Grove #2 (with shelter) Capacity: 350 people Grove #3 (with shelter) Accessible Capacity: 200 people Note: Please respect other patrons by not blaring your music loudly or talking loudly on your phone while walking near people on the trails. Dogs must be leashed and owners must always clean up after their pets. And please be a respectful human being and clean up your liter. My dog recently tried eating a McDonald's cheeseburger because someone left their bag of left overs disbursed near the creek. Most people do a great job of cleaning up after themselves, but unfortunately there are those who don't. I'm sharing lots of pics. (Most of them got posted separate from this review.) I hope it gives you an idea of what to expect when you visit the trails. Bonus: Along the trail, there is a little outdoor station to get water for you and your pup. You can also air up your bike tires! It's a cute little set up on the outside of a local resident's backyard fence. I just love this! Such a kind thing to do.

Lyman Woods is a natural center that is a partnership between the DuPage Forest Preserve District,…read moreVillage of Downers Grove and the Downers Grove Park District. Dogs are not allowed, there is an area with turtles and other animals. Great place to spend a day.

Great trails with a small nature center. You would never know it is so close to Yorktown Mall.read more

This picnic grounds is the site we went to in the late'50's & beyond! It was called the Lanigan…read morepicnic where my father & uncle grew up being good friends with the Lanigans & others in the Englewood area in the 1930's & 1940's. It's a beautiful spot for a picnic with room for some softball games,races for the kids.While we kids were having a blast playing,the grownups revilled in reminiscing of old times together amid boisterous laughter from funny stories.Cold beer flowed from the legs with some Irish songs being heartily belted out!

Wonderful trail, easy to socially distance, beautiful and well maintained. The parking lot is large…read moreand it's easy to get in and out of.

This is beautiful national historical land. It's located off the I-55 and Harlem Ave. Easy to…read moreaccess. It's for the education and enjoyment of the community and visitors. Very nice picnic area with tables. Many benches located throughout the area. Very nice Trails to enjoy for a healthy way to relax and enjoy nature. Beautiful statues and maps tell the history/timeline. Great place for the individual, couple, groups , children and animals as well. Wonderful spot to enjoy and soak up history.

We walked the outer path around the water. Some of it is paved but then it turns into a rock path…read morefor a while. There is a pavilion with some tables to sit & eat. We saw lots of different kinds of flowers. Several different butterfly species & few dragonflies. It took us about 25 minutes to walk around but we were stopping a lot so I could take pictures. If you're looking for a beautiful walk I definitely suggest going to Chicago Portage National Historic Site!

I am very fortunate to be living right on the edge of hundreds of acres of forest preserve land…read morewhich makes it VERY easy to get out and enjoy the great outdoors without going very far from home. going to travel all the hiking paths this year!

I could not believe there was a horse stable this close to my house. They have a LOT of horses and…read moreponies. There were 5 people in my group and Anna was our guide. She was amazing! The ride was leisurely and relaxing but still fun. They recommend dressing for the weather but wearing jeans and gym shoes, which was perfect. My horse was Sammy (ironic) and my husband's was Denny. I also had a connection with Sanchez (although that may be because I was feeding him tons of apples and mints). I wish we would have known about the carrots and apples but you can bring your own and make friends with all of the beautiful horses! I can't wait to go back.

My daughter did a trail ride. She has several years of riding experience so we have seen all sorts…read moreof barns. While the ride was fine and the trainer was friendly, I was SHOCKED at the condition of the barn. The smell of urine was overwhelming. The stalls looked like they had not been mucked out in weeks. Tons of poop in the stalls. Animals just looked sad and depressed. The barn and arena were dark and depressing. Absolutely no outdoor space for the animals. I'm shocked people board horses there. Conditions are terrible. There were about 30 farm animal just standing around in a dark arena. Reminded me of a nursing home. Very depressing. Everything just looked neglected.