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    Prairie Bluff Preserve

    4.0 (1 review)

    Prairie Bluff Preserve Hiking Photos

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    4 years ago

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    Joliet Iron Works

    Joliet Iron Works

    3.8(4 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    Here's a great historical site to explore in Joliet. It's free, and it's all outdoors. Back in the…read moreday, Joliet was one of the leading iron/steel manufacturers in the United States, as it provided several locals with jobs. Many of those people were immigrants who had trouble speaking English. You'll learn about the history of Joliet Iron and Steel Works by walking the nearly one mile trail. I didn't spend more than 45 minutes here, but I felt like I learned a lot. I also didn't walk that far on the trail, but I was more than impressed with what I saw. There are lots of ghost structures of the old remains. Obviously, it is not recommended for anyone to go near them (or behind the fenced area). But they're great for photography either way. And of course, you can get your exercise on the trail, which connects to others. Make this a must-see if you're in the area.

    First time coming here the other day. This place is amazing for urban explorers, people fascinated…read moreby history or something for the average walker to do to get their daily 10,000 steps. Parking is a bit tricky if your not familiar with the area. It's got a picnic table, restrooms and water. The path heads straight to the I&M trail as well but you'll see remants of a former Joliet in its prime. It's one of the few things that are actually fun to do in this boring city. (no offense) definitely check it out. The path is great and unique. Definitely check out the brick path. I only wish they described more of what the buildings and paths were originally used for with pictures provided.

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    Joliet Iron Works
    Joliet Iron Works
    Joliet Iron Works

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    Dellwood Park

    Dellwood Park

    4.6(23 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    I've been heading to Dellwood for close to 6 years now, and I always look forward to digging…read morethrough the crazy big disc selection and seeing everyone working that day. I still bag molds that Sean (the owner) recommended back when I showed up to the shop for my first time back when I was learning. Early on I used to order discs online, but stopped years ago because being able to pick out a stamp and weight you like is a much better experience overall. It's also nice to support a local business. The shop also puts on a ton of really awesome events throughout the year that bring out a great community. If you get a chance, I highly recommend showing up to at least one of them. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be able to regularly hit the shop and get a round in at The Canyons. Forever my favorite shop, and I'll forever plaster by bag and truck with stickers and patches.

    A pretty big park is in Lockport and has lots of room for various activities and fun. Dellwood Park…read morehas athletic fields for baseball and more. It also has areas for recreation. Has a disc golf course. There's fun here for any season. First looking at this park it doesn't seem as big. It actually is pretty deceiving as it goes back a long ways from the road. The entrance road twists around various athletic fields and parking lots taking you through. Best thing here apparently is the disc golf. It's often the reason people come here. The Canyons is what it's called, and people are always here tossing frisbees and having a good time. It seems difficult. This isn't for beginner or casual players. A lot of opportunities to have fun. It's best known for disc golf. There's facilities for other types of sports too.

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    Dellwood Park
    Dellwood Park
    Dellwood Park - Frisbee golf course is excellent.

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    Frisbee golf course is excellent.

    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center - The lodge. It is accessible by elevator from the second floor.

    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

    4.6(15 reviews)
    11.3 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
    Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

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    Hammel Woods

    Hammel Woods

    4.6(12 reviews)
    5.6 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Hammel Woods - Outer path is a good hike

    Outer path is a good hike

    Hammel Woods - Ready for the sun

    Ready for the sun

    Hammel Woods - 1/11/25 Eagle Watch

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    1/11/25 Eagle Watch

    Centennial Trail - I&M Canal Trail

    Centennial Trail - I&M Canal Trail

    4.7(9 reviews)
    4.2 mi

    I've had this trail on my to-do list for a few years and finally made my way down on an upper…read more70's-degree, bright sunny Saturday. I started at the west end, biked to the east end at Willow Springs, and did the full loop for about 25 miles. This trail rides like a straight road that offers little resistance. Yes, there are bends and turns along the length of the trail, but there's not a single spot on this path that really slows you down. The trail is entirely asphalt, and in some places, pure road. All bikers will find this trail user friendly. The asphalt itself is in great shape. Most of it appears to be newer, and the trail is very well taken care of. About the only drawback I saw: the trail becomes a road that shares space with semi's and other large trucks for about a mile. I didn't have any troubles back here, but when a truck drives by, you're going to get some dirt kicked up into the air. Didn't care for that. I parked at the west end which had a bathroom, signage and some seating. I didn't notice many benches on the trail but a 3ft cement wall that resides in many places along it would make for a good stopping point for those who need a rest. All in all this is a nice trail, especially if you're looking to go fast. In terms of site-seeing, I was a little surprised that you're siloed on this path and really don't see much of the surroundings while on the trail. Only a couple spots offer a view. Happy trails.

    Very interesting trail and sights! Lots of bugs in April. Can't imagine how bad it would be in full…read moresummer so bring bug spray.

    Photos
    Centennial Trail - I&M Canal Trail
    Centennial Trail - I&M Canal Trail - I found a nice place to sit and enjoy the evening.

    I found a nice place to sit and enjoy the evening.

    Centennial Trail - I&M Canal Trail - View from the bench.

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    View from the bench.

    Prairie Bluff Preserve - hiking - Updated June 2026

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