Lyons Woods Forest Preserve — Attraction in Illinois

It doesn't seem like too much because it's off the side of Sheridan Rd. where people don't usually look for recreational activity. (Easy enough to mistake the area for another large undeveloped lot.) However the bathroom facilities are adequate, benches and tables, and likely one of the better spots to access McClory Trail for long distance bike rides. (Has a large parking lot for the amount of activity this place usually sees.) I don't think I'd drink the well pump water here, but might be ok for your dog. Also interesting change of scenery, because it has a pine glen area on the trails in addition to the usual oak or maple and prairie combos at most of the other locations. Also it can get buggy in a few areas during the summer, so prepare with the...

This may be the most overlooked nature trail I've ever seen. The habitat restoration project by the folks at Lake County Forest Preserves is incredible. If you walk the western most loop of the trail, just stop for a moment and listen to the silence of the old oak forest. It's magnificent and a terrific place to walk the dog, take the kids for an outing or ride your bicycle. The eastern most loop has more of a prairie look to it in places with low growing bushes and trees...fantastic for birders - there is also a designated bird watching deck so be sure to bring binoculars. Walk the entire system, just over two miles and you really get a feel for what it must've looked like centuries ago. A...

Nice little forest preserve, I think all the trails totals to about 5-6 miles, but it’s dog friendly as has a spot for bird watching in the spring and summer. As well as a bunch of dubious signs displaying “Deer Management.” I wonder what those Deer are managing after 6:30pm? Are they discussing how they are going to repopulate the forest? I hat to about these humans that are encroaching on their lands? How to cohabitate with humans? Ok we know they’re murdering deer after 6:30pm, they just try to word it nice for...