Get Out!

There’s so much of the outdoors to enjoy in the Chicago Southland.

Southland Century Loop

Work continues on the Southland Century Trail, which, when complete, will create a 100-mile loop around Chicagoland. Within that loop are several separate trails that have been completed over the past several years, expanding the accessibility to the area’s beautiful forests and connecting one community to another. Some of the bike trails in the area exist where the railroads once ran.

• Burnham Greenway, 5.3 miles

Trail activities: Biking, Walking, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible

• Cal-Sag Trail, 13.8 miles

Trail activities: Biking, Walking, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing

• Old Plank Road Trail, 21.7 miles

Trail activities: Biking, Walking, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Cross-Country Skiing

• Orland Park Bikeway, 6.7 miles

Trail activities: Biking, Walking, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible

• Palos Heights Bike Trail, 2 miles

Trail activities: Biking, Walking, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible

• Pennsy Greenway, 7.9 miles

Trail activities: Biking, Walking, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible

• Thorn Creek Trail, 17.2 miles

Trail activities: Biking, Walking, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Cross-Country Skiing

For additional area trails and information, visit TrailLink.com, CalSagTrail.org, FPDCC.com, ReconnectWithNature.org and OPRT.org. Check out the Chicago Southland App which features a detailed trails section! Color-coded trails, parking/trailhead information and much more are included. You can download the app directly from the app store or from Google Play by searching Chicago Southland.

Big Marsh Bike Park & Ford Visitors Center

Between William Powers State Park and the Pullman National Monument is a 297-acre eco-recreation park called Big Marsh that opened in 2016. A thrilling playground for cyclists, this world-class venue was created specifically with all abilities and ages in mind. The former industrial site now features small and large pump tracks, a flow trail, jump lines, stairs and a tot track for young riders. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the multi-phase development continues with more exciting improvements to come.

The new Ford Calumet Environmental Center includes classrooms, running water, restroom facilities, concessions, bike repair and event space.

Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center

This 38-acre nature preserve has a number of group programs available in environment education and team building. Learn through hands-on exercises, including crate-stacking, high ropes courses and wall climbing, to build confidence and self-esteem on the Irons Oaks team course.

Forest Preserves of Cook County

Explore more than 7,000 acres of natural beauty at all times of year! Here are a few of the activities to enjoy:

• Fly or watch model airplanes at the Kickapoo Woods Flying Field in Riverdale, the Thorn Creek Model Airplane Flying Field near Chicago Heights or the Tinley Creek Model Airplane Flying Field near Country Club Hills.
• Go Sledding at Swallow Cliff Woods-North near Palos Park.
• Ride your snowmobile at North Creek Meadow near Chicago Heights or Turtlehead Lake near Orland Park.
• Go Cross-Country skiing.
• Fish at over 40 bodies of water, including Arrowhead Lake near Palos Heights, Papoose Lake near Palos Park, Powderhorn Lake in Burnham or Wampum Lake near Thornton.

For more information, visit FPDCC.com.

Forest Preserve District of Will County

“Reconnect with Nature” is the motto of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, and the district helps enable individuals to find reasons to make their way outside through activities and programs that happen throughout the year - everything from Hikin’ With Your Hound to Planting for Pollinators to Food Truck Fridays. From picnicking to camping to birdwatching, there’s something for everyone.

Here are a few ways to enjoy the forest preserves in Will County:

• Rent snowshoes or ice skate at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.
• Rent a rowboat or paddleboat at Monee Reservoir.
• Hike or bike at the Plum Valley Preserve Trail in Crete Township.
• Do some in-line skating at Sauk Trail Reservoir.
• Check out the annual Snow Day Festival at Plum Creek Nature Center to watch ice carving, go sledding, do ice bowling or enter the snowball fight arena.

For more information, visit ReconnetWithNature.com.

FUN WAYS TO WORK OUT

Swallow Cliff Stair Climbing

The 125-step fitness stairs at this former toboggan run were constructed in 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 2016, another set of stairs with an additional 168 steps was added, creating a full circuit. The bluff is an active sledding hill in the winter months.

Outdoor Yoga 

This is yoga in the park at a whole new level. Outdoor Yoga is offered at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park followed by a meditative walk to tour and see the art pieces.

Kayaking at Lake Katherine

Get some arm time in by paddling around beautiful Lake Katherine, which features a man-made waterfall.

Climb On

This one may not be outdoors, but since there are no mountains to climb in the Chicago Southland you can head into Climb On for some indoor rock climbing.

6 Other Ways to Have Fun Outdoors

• Play some disc golf.
• Visit Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
• Watch the trains go by at Park Forest Rail Fan Park or Homewood Railroad Platform & Park.
• Cast a line and do some fishing.
• Watch for birds at an area forest preserve.
• Take in the natural beauty of the Indian Boundary Prairies.