James Pate Philip State Park 2050 West Stearns Road, Bartlett, IL 60103

"Crushed limestone paths favored by a few small snakes for sunning (nothing to fear; they're likely to go off into the grass when you approach). Very easy hiking, and the distances are reasonable)."

"Our family loves this Park. Nice clean gravel trails. Nice picnic area in the back. A little nature treasure in Bartlett. Our kids take Homeschooling classes here a couple times a month with Mr. Dave. Each class is on different nature/science topics. Mr. Dave makes the classes fun for the kids and does many hands on experiments which the kids enjoy . Many of the classes we go on nature walks and the kids learn while being in nature. Interesting fact about this State Park. While putting in the side parking lot (by the picnic tables) they found Mastodon bones."

"Another great birder site. Also the Nature Center is worth a visit inside for kids activities and free maps. Also a small exhibit with local animals (mounted no alive)"

"This park is enjoyable and very interesting. The park consists of many trails that allow biking or hiking. On the trails you will see a collection of unique marshlands not found anywhere else in the country. Also found are unique plants and animals(we saw coyotes, beavers, and muskrats). To find the animals I recommend going in the evening hours when things are quiet. There is also a visitor center that has limited hours, and I read they offer some services there. Overall, the park was worth the visit, but maybe a couple hours of visiting tops."