TOP 30 Best Forest preserve activities in Illinois

Forest Glen Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 20301 900 North Road in Westville, Illinois, United States. This beautiful natural retreat offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush forests, tranquil lakes, and scenic hiking trails. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful picnic, go bird watching, or simply soak in the beauty of nature, Forest Glen Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Come and experience the serenity and splendor of this hidden gem in the heart of Illinois.

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, located at 27064 Dutton Road in Beecher, Illinois, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction covering 891 acres of diverse habitats such as forest, prairie, wetland, and Plum Creek. Acquired between 1938 and 2007, this preserve was previously a Boy Scout camp and now offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on its 2.27 miles of natural surface trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping at the primitive campsites, sledding on the 40-foot hill in winter, and geocaching with permits. The Plum Creek Nature Center on site provides nature education opportunities for all ages, with a natural playscape for outdoor learning experiences. With state-threatened or endangered plant and animal species, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve is a protected Illinois Nature Preserve dedicated to conserving its natural resources for future generations.

Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Oak Forest, Illinois, United States. This serene preserve offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and scenic views. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of the area through interpretive signs and historical landmarks scattered throughout the park. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and unwind in nature, Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Forest Preserve located at 3302 Waldron Road in Kankakee, Illinois, is a beautiful park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With acres of lush forest, winding trails, and serene lakes, this park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature. Whether you're interested in hiking, bird watching, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting, the Forest Preserve has something for everyone. Come experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of Illinois.

Plum Valley Preserve, located in Crete, Illinois, is a 491-acre park that is part of the Plum Creek preservation system. This preserve protects forest and wetland habitats, as well as a portion of Plum Creek. Visitors can enjoy a variety of plant and wildlife species, including reptiles, birds, and unique plant species like lobed violet and fire pink. The preserve features a 1-mile crushed limestone segment of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, perfect for hiking and exploring. Additionally, Plum Valley Preserve has a 9-acre off-leash dog park with three enclosures, one of which is exclusively for small dogs. The Burville Road access area offers a picnic shelter for rental, ideal for gatherings of up to 60 people. Stay updated on news and upcoming programs at the preserve by following their Facebook page. Make a donation to support the Nature Foundation of Will County and help enhance the education, conservation, and recreation programs at Plum Valley Preserve.

Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a stunning natural park located in Eddyville, Illinois, United States. This picturesque destination is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The preserve features a variety of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. With its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views, Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

The Brunner Family Forest Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 18N681 State Route 31 in Carpentersville, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush forests, serene meadows, and scenic trails. With its diverse wildlife, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty, the Brunner Family Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to hike, picnic, birdwatch, or simply relax in the great outdoors, this preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

Nippersink Forest Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 900 West Belvidere Road in Round Lake, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature with its lush forests, winding trails, and serene lakes. Whether you're looking to hike, birdwatch, picnic, or simply relax in the great outdoors, Nippersink Forest Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Illinois.

Half Day Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 24255 Illinois 21 in Vernon Hills, Illinois, United States. This serene and scenic preserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, with lush forests, tranquil lakes, and picturesque hiking trails. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life or a fun day out with family and friends, Half Day Forest Preserve has something for everyone. Come and explore the beauty of this natural oasis and enjoy a half day of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Hastings Lake Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 21155 West Gelden Road in Lake Villa, Illinois, United States. This serene preserve offers visitors a chance to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. With its lush forests, tranquil lake, and picturesque surroundings, Hastings Lake Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for a relaxing day in the great outdoors.

Oakdale Nature Preserve, located at 4433 South Cranes Grove Road in Freeport, Illinois, is a beautiful 133-acre park that offers a variety of natural attractions. Just three miles south of Freeport on Baileyville Road, this park features forests, streams, and restored prairies for visitors to explore. New amenities at Oakdale Nature Preserve include a spacious picnic shelter, a nature-based playground, trail enhancements, and wayfinding signage. With over four miles of trails that wind through forests, tall grass prairies, and streams, there is plenty to do at Oakdale year-round. Visitors can hike, bike, jog, cross-country ski, snowshoe, picnic, photograph, bird watch, track animals, and identify plants.

Byron Forest Preserve District is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 7993 North River Road in Byron, Illinois, United States. This picturesque destination offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with lush greenery, scenic trails, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy. Whether you're looking to go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the serene surroundings, Byron Forest Preserve District is the perfect place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 5757 Blackhawk Road in Rockford, Illinois, United States. This scenic preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. With its lush forests, winding river, and diverse wildlife, Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Deer Run Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 5691 River Road in Cherry Valley, Illinois, United States. This serene preserve offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and explore the lush forests, tranquil meadows, and scenic trails that wind through the landscape. With opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking, Deer Run Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Come and experience the peace and tranquility of this stunning natural oasis.

Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve is a stunning natural park and tourist attraction located at 4643 Blackhawk Road in Rockford, Illinois, United States. This picturesque preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush forests, winding trails, and the breathtaking Kishwaukee River Gorge. With its diverse wildlife, tranquil atmosphere, and scenic views, Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem in the heart of Illinois.

Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve is a park and tourist attraction located at County Highway 4 in Galesburg, Illinois, United States. The preserve, also known as Western Illinois Nature Group, was established to preserve a forested property in west central Illinois for the enjoyment of future generations. The institution seeks financial support from the community and organizations to maintain the wooded area. The property is closed to the public during Spring Turkey hunting season and Fall Deer hunting through IRAP. Guided hikes and events are organized throughout the year, such as a Wildflower Identification Hike and quarterly board meetings. Membership renewal and donations can be made online or by mail. Birdies for Charity donations are welcomed to support the preserve. Trails are closed during October and December for hunting. Visitors are reminded to be respectful of hunters on the property and follow safety guidelines. Bequests to Western Illinois Nature Group are encouraged to support the preservation of Blackthorn Hill for future generations. Please note that water is shut off during winter and will be turned on in the spring.

Forest Park Nature Center is a hidden gem nestled at 5809 North Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights, Illinois. This institution is a unique blend of a park, store, and tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. With its lush forests, winding trails, and diverse wildlife, Forest Park Nature Center provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can explore the center's interactive exhibits, shop for nature-inspired gifts at the store, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque surroundings. Whether you're a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Forest Park Nature Center is the perfect destination for all ages.

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve is a hidden gem located in Edwardsville, Illinois. Owned by the State of Illinois and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, this park is a true natural wonder. The Friends of Bohm Woods and HeartLands Conservancy provide stewardship assistance to help maintain this beautiful area. Visitors can enjoy a 2-mile loop trail through the old growth forest, which is one of only three remaining in the entire Metro East region. The towering hardwood trees, some hundreds of years old, create a unique canopy that supports a diverse community of plants and animals. Rare spring wildflowers and neotropical migrant songbirds can be spotted in this pristine environment.

Hoover Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 11285 West Fox Road in Yorkville, Illinois, United States. This preserve offers visitors a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and picturesque views, Hoover Forest Preserve is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply soak in the natural beauty, this preserve has something for everyone. Come visit Hoover Forest Preserve and experience the tranquility and beauty of the great outdoors.

Illiniwek Forest Preserve Campground is a picturesque retreat nestled in the heart of Hampton, Illinois. Situated at 1201 State Avenue, this campground offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, the campground provides a serene setting for camping, lodging, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking in the beautiful park grounds. With spacious campsites and modern amenities, Illiniwek Forest Preserve Campground is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway in the United States.

The Rock Island County Forest Preserve is a beautiful park located at 13010 Niabi Zoo Road in Coal Valley, Illinois, United States. This peaceful and serene preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, and more. With its lush greenery, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife, the Rock Island County Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or explore the great outdoors, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come visit and experience the beauty of nature at the Rock Island County Forest Preserve.

Russell Woods Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 11750 Illinois 72, Genoa, Illinois, United States. The Natural Resource Center at Russell Woods is currently closed for remodeling, but the park offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. The DeKalb County Forest Preserve District's mission is to preserve and protect the flora, fauna, and natural beauty of the land for the education and recreation of citizens. The forest preserves in the area serve as living museums, reflecting the past and offering serenity and beauty in the present.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located in Lemont, Illinois, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery, and winding trails, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or a fun day out with family and friends, this beautiful park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 16400 West Buckley Road in Libertyville, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with lush greenery, scenic trails, and a tranquil lake perfect for picnics, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or a place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors, Independence Grove Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve is a breathtaking park and tourist attraction located at 1401 Middlefork Drive in Lake Forest, Illinois, United States. This pristine preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore a beautiful savanna ecosystem filled with diverse flora and fauna. With winding trails, peaceful meadows, and tranquil wetlands, Middlefork Savanna is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a leisurely stroll or hike. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve is a must-visit destination in Lake Forest.

Lake Chaminwood Preserve is a beautiful 120-acre park located in Minooka, Illinois. It is part of the DuPage River preservation system, conserving over 1,500 acres of natural habitat. The preserve features two lakes, a portion of the DuPage River, and wetland habitat, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking at the preserve. There is a picnic shelter available for small groups to use on a first-come, first-served basis. The preserve also offers interactive maps for visitors to plan their adventures and explore the area.

Fabyan East Windmill Forest Preserve is a picturesque park located at 1500 Crissey Avenue in Batavia, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve is home to a historic windmill that stands as a symbol of the area's agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore the lush greenery, enjoy peaceful walks along the trails, and admire the scenic views of the surrounding landscape. With its serene atmosphere and rich history, Fabyan East Windmill Forest Preserve is the perfect place to relax and connect with nature.

LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located at 37W700 Dean Street in St. Charles, Illinois, United States. This stunning preserve offers visitors a chance to explore beautiful natural surroundings, including dense woodlands, scenic walking trails, and serene ponds. With its abundance of wildlife and diverse ecosystems, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike, a relaxing picnic, or a chance to spot some local flora and fauna, this enchanting preserve has something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty of LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.

Fabyan Forest Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 1925 South Batavia Avenue in Geneva, Illinois, United States. This picturesque park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, scenic trails, and serene water features. Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Fabyan Forest Preserve is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a fun-filled adventure, Fabyan Forest Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located in South Elgin, Illinois, United States. Situated at 35W003 State Route 31, this serene natural oasis offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. With lush forests, meandering trails, and a variety of wildlife, Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is the perfect destination for hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing day out, this forest preserve is sure to delight all who visit.