Wheaton, IL

The 887-acre Herrick Lake is one of the Forest Preserve District’s most popular preserves.

15 S Roselle Rd
Roselle, IL

What started as “a hobby that got out of hand” has evolved to a nationally recognized winemaking operation and Chicagoland destination, complete with a 100,000-gallon wine-production facility, luxury bed-and-breakfast accommodations, two tasting room locations, and a robust lineup of wine-inspired events offered year-round.

227 Heritage Quarries Dr
Lemont, IL

Experience a wide range of outdoor activities and events in a 300-acre park in Lemont, just 22 miles southwest of Chicago. Find an adventure suitable for all ages, energy levels, abilities, or interests.

4100 IL-53
Lisle, IL

The Morton Arboretum's living collections inspire visitors to appreciate, learn more about, plant, and protect our trees.

151 Winfield Rd
Wheaton, IL

Cantigny is the former estate of Joseph Medill and his grandson Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publishers of the Chicago Tribune, and is open to the public.

3S507 Naperville Rd
Wheaton, IL

The Danada Equestrian Center promotes safe, humane horse-handling practices and care by advancing the relationship between humans and their equine companions.

Downers Grove, IL

The 390-acre Hidden Lake in Downers Grove is an ideal place to fish, paddle, picnic or just relax. It features two lakes and a river, trails, fishing, boating and picnic areas, including a new picnic shelter.

6N179 Powis Rd
West Chicago, IL

At 3,433 acres, Pratt’s Wayne Woods is the largest forest preserve in the county. It's located on the outwash plain of the West Chicago Moraine. Made up largely of wetlands, this landscape combines calcium-rich water with wet sandy soil to support plant life more commonly seen near Lake Michigan.

Butterfield Rd
Warrenville, IL

Blackwell's gently-rolling, hilly terrain features oak and hickory woodlands, prairies, grasslands, and wetlands that attract a variety of native wildlife, including wild turkeys, deer, bald eagles, great blue herons, coyotes, red foxes, and muskrats. Blackwell's McKee Marsh, located north of Mack Road, features trails and two vernal ponds where amphibians such as the northern leopard frog breed. Bird species such as the wood duck, blue-winged teal, and solitary sandpiper forage in the area.

Lemont, IL

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is one of the most ecologically impressive parcels of open space in DuPage County and is consistently ranked among the best hiking experiences near Chicago.