Attention Nature Lovers!

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
–Albert Einstein

The natural beauty of the Midwest is often overlooked. There may not be oceans or mountains, but in the absence of high peaks and massive seas, if you look hard enough, you’ll find pristine prairies, serene streams and modest valleys, forests of towering trees and the most stunning golden sunsets over fields of wildflowers. The natural landscape has evolved over centuries, with little gifts left by the slowly receding water of a great lake that once covered some of the Chicago suburbs. Simply put, the Chicago Southland is a wonderland of the simplest pleasures of our Earth waiting to be explored. Plan out some time to appreciate the natural surroundings in the area and learn more about them – and pin these places on your map! 

Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland (FPDCC.com)

Learn a little about the geology and archeology of the area in this interactive education center while meeting native wildlife ambassadors, including birds of prey, snakes, turtles and fish; then explore outside, where you can make your way along four miles of nature trails through woodlands, prairies and wetlands. 

Lake Katherine Nature Center, Palos Heights (LakeKatherine.org)

Spend a day at this 85-acre restored natural refuge in the heart of the southwest suburbs where you can simply enjoy the surroundings of the lake and greenery with a walk, bike ride or a picnic by the water, or get in the water for a kayak or canoe ride. Also, watch their online calendar for events like the Monarch Butterfly Festival, canoe tours and children’s programming.

Monee Reservoir, Monee (ReconnectWithNature.org)

The 248-acre Monee Reservoir is part of the Rock Creek preservation system, which conserves more than 460 acres and was once created and used by a railroad to supply water and steam engines. The site’s wildlife inhabitants includes mink and more than 120 bird species. You’ll find 1.6 miles of natural surface trail, ideas for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The 47-acre lake is a great fishing spot stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, Park Forest (FPDCC.com)

If wildlife watching is your thing, Thorn Creek Nature Center should be on your radar. The preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna and wetland that are home to southern flying squirrels, warblers, woodpeckers, a variety of hawk species and more, as well as a large variety of plant species. 

Plum Creek Nature Center and Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Beecher (ReconnectWithNature.org)

You’ll find activities year-round to interest all ages here, including a honeybee exhibit, resident reptiles, a nature playscape with pollinator garden and rain garden, a bird observation area, sledding hill and snowshoe rentals. The preserve is adjacent to the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, which offers space for biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and more.

Ford Center at Big Marsh Bike Park, Chicago (ChicagoParkDistrict.com, BigMarsh.org)

Big Marsh is a 297-acre natural area and eco-recreation bike park on Chicago’s Southeast Side operated by the Chicago Park District. Within the property is the new Ford Calumet Environmental Center. Among the activities and events at the center are animal encounters and birdwatching education. Big Marsh has is one of the most biodiverse natural areas in the area with more than 15 species. There are also trails accessible to runners, walkers and bikers and five unique tracks to ride, including a paved pump track and both beginner and expert jump lines.