Lyman Woods & William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center — Attraction in Downers Grove

I was in town for a few days and was looking for a nice running trail to get around 4-5 miles in. This location showed up in my search. I arrived there Sunday evening not knowing anything about it. There is a small interpretive center there that was closed due to the time. The grounds are left natural which gives the impression that it is overgrown and closed. I did not see any signs for a hiking/nature trail. Due to this I almost left but decided to walk around to see if I could find the trail. I found the trail and decided to hit the loop. Unfortunately a portion of the loop was blocked off for repairs making it impossible to complete the loop. Not sure how long the trail has been blocked off. Once that an better markings are on place will make this a...

This place is amazing! I’ve been coming here since I was a young kid. It has been beautiful seeing the landscape change over the years from woodlands to wetlands and back again. They have improved upon some of the paths but sadly abandoned others that were quite beautiful to walk. If you look for them you can still follow them but be prepared to get a little dirty. The paths can sometimes be a little muddy but I have never walked around Lyman Woods and not seen at least one wild animal. Small Birds, deer, ducks, swans, geese, heron, fish, turtles, frogs, squirrels, beaver, muskrats... there is always some action going on there. Additionally, the classes and events that they organize there are very cool. Not just for...

Although the visitor's center is closed due to the pandemic, the outside trails are well groomed and marked, giving us an upfront encounter with the natural flora and fauna of the Illinois prairie long ago paved over and developed into the village of Downers Grove we know today. My wife, grandkids, and I spent a beautiful fall day leisurely walking the many trails and learning about the original and current plants and animals described on informational boards strategically placed along the way. I told the kids we would see and hear a variety of birds and deer; we weren't...