Deer Grove Forest Preserve — Attraction in Palatine Township

This review is for Deer Grove West! Entrance off Quentin road, just north of Dundee and south of Lake Cook Road. I've posted other season photos on Google reviews previously.

Deer Grove West is beautiful any time of the year. Lovely wooded trails that aren't too crowded and plenty of off-the-trail adventures waiting. There aren't any playgrounds here but the hikes will tire out your kids just fine. They've closed off one the parking lots and in the winter both southern path lots are closed which is a bummer because these lead to some of the better hiking trails we enjoy. The old stone dam creates a fun waterfall which is fantastic in spring and summer when you get to see a lot of turtles, frogs, etc. In fall it makes a lovely photo spot and in winter the icy waterfall is really amazing. Deer Grove West is not as good for biking as the east side unless you're doing fat tire or mountain biking. To me that makes it preferable because I don't have to fear for my kids getting run over while they might be watching caterpillars and wandering side to side on the paths. There are several park pavilions for rent. In the wintertime there are 2 sledding hills, be careful however because oftentimes when snow is lite they are closed due to wear or ice that makes them pretty treacherous (albeit fun and fast they end in hay bales to prevent you from sliding onto the frozen lake and those turn into essentially frozen hay ice blocks that HURT when you impact). Note winter 2022 - Restoration work is currently underway near the farthest back parking lot (north central) but there are ways to get around that section easily on...

Deer Grove West is the gold standard for forest preserves across the Chicago area. What sets Deer Grove West apart from many Lake County Forest Preserves is that almost all of Deer Grove West is healthy and mature woodland or forest habitat. Because Deer Grove West was the first Chicagoland forest preserve, many of its trees are the oldest and most majestic you can find. Additionally, years of hardwork and investment by volunteers and the staff at the Forest Preserves of Cook County have removed much of the invasive brush that plagues all forest preserves in our area. The result is that visitors to this preserve can observe what many original woodland habitats may have looked like in early Illinois. There are beautiful wildflowers and grasses that are lit from the sun even at the forest floor and views of tall oaks hundreds of feet out in all directions in the woodland. If you are a dog walker, hiker, or biker Deer Grove West has a main yellow unpaved loop and orange paved trail, both of decent quality. The yellow unpaved trail can get muddy. The central orange trail is paved, but not in the greatest condition. If you love exploring preserves more intimately on small rugged unpaved paths, there are also many small unpaved trails that are not mapped that you can use to explore the preserve further, but you can't bike on those paths. For those interested in more varied landscapes such as prairie or savanna ecosystems, Deer Grove East is your better option. Overall, Deer Grove Preserves are some of my favorite preserves. I highly recommend...

Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine is an absolute gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This sprawling natural oasis offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with its lush woodlands, serene meadows, and well-maintained trails. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual biker, or simply in search of a tranquil spot for a picnic, Deer Grove has something for everyone. The preserve's trails are perfect for exploring the diverse local wildlife and plant species, while the clearings provide stunning views and ideal spots for family gatherings or solitary contemplation. With its combination of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and accessibility, Deer Grove Forest Preserve stands out as a must-visit location in Palatine, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in a beautifully...