Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve — Attraction in Buffalo Grove

Great hiking place. Most of our trail was exposed to sun, so during hot day, it might be challenging for small kids or seniors. Bickers were passing us frequently, so stay on the right side and keep eye on children. We took shortest trail, about one hour, which had few bridges and great scenery along the way. Other trails were available for longer adventures. Quite a few cars on the parking lot suggest it is a popular spot to unwind. It was not overcrowded though. I would suggest late afternoon visit, to avoid heat on summer days. Picnic tables next to the parking lot were available for quick bite. Visitors site seeing spots were available along the way. It is a good calm place to unwind and relax, or workout. It is not designed for entertainment and parties for what we have seen. Police car was parked when we arrived and it made me feel safe. I will go there again,...

Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve offers a nice place for a relaxing 1.9 mile hike. There is an option to go farther by following the various offshoot paths. Parking is very limited off of Old Hicks Road but there are not many people going onto the path so you should be fine.

There is a varied turf combination of paved and gravel. The path is pretty even, smooth, well kept and good for all ages

We saw what seemed to be a grasshopper migration (9/21/25). We stopped counting after 25! However we did count 7 furry caterpillars crossing the path.

There were many species of prairie willow, berry trees, cat tails and a few wild mushrooms too.

Lake County is offering a hiking challenge over the next couple months and it’s a fun way to see all that Lake County Forest Preserves...

The place itself is 5 stars. It's a beautiful park that's a nice short commute away, but I have to give 3 stars due to the inconsiderate behavior of people here. Every time I visit and try to unwind and enjoy as much nature as I can, I get even more stressed out from people not treating this place with respect. From that man who just dropped his cigarette on the ground, to that woman who casually dropped her tissue on the ground with a trash can right there, to those women disturbing habitats from picking the plants, to people fully wandering into habitats for their Instagram likes (hope the ticks were worth it.), to people blasting music like headphones don't exist, y'all need to do better. Whatever happened to "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but...