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Established in 1997, the Old Plank Road Trail is a 21-mile recreation and nature trail that runs between Chicago and Joliet. Formerly railroad tracks, this paved trail is a place of exploration, recreation, and adventure. Trail users have the opportunity to see more than 200 unique prairie plants as well as a healthy population of native wildlife along the trail.
The Little
Red Schoolhouse Nature Center is located within the Palos
Forest Preserve. It was constructed in 1886 and served as a one room rural
school before it was transformed into a unique nature center. Exhibits
include a large aquarium filled with native fish and several small aquariums
full of other native creatures such as salamanders, turtles, frogs, and
more. There are three walking trails from which visitors can take self-guided
nature tours. The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center is located at 9800
Willow Springs Road in Willow Springs. For more information call (708)
839-6897.
Sand Ridge Nature Center is a 235-acre preserve located in South Holland. The nature center’s four hiking trails reveal the park’s wetlands, woodlands, and sand prairie. The nature center building exhibits cover local history and native wildlife. There is also a kid’s corner and a variety of nature programs available to the public. Visitors to Sand Ridge should also check out the living history demonstrations, log cabins, and the butterfly gardens. Call (708) 868-0606 for more information.
Camp Sagawau is located within the 17,000-acre Palos Preserve in southwestern Cook County. This 12-acre dedicated nature preserve hosts a variety of rare and threatened species. Camp Sagawau is also home to a 100,000 year-old canyon that contains a variety of unusual and uncommon plants. Guided tours are available to visitors who want to learn more about the glacial canyon. Also, unique to Camp Sagawau is the 5-acre tall grass prairie with its 150 species of prairie grass and wildflowers. The camp’s environmental education center, located in an old farmhouse, promotes the study of nature and provides a variety of educational opportunities. Call (630) 257-2045 for more details.
Lake Katherine Nature Preserve covers 185 acres and has been divided into western and eastern sections. The western section has the 20-acre Lake Katherine, prairie land, wildflower gardens, Hosta gardens, and much more. The eastern section has hiking trails, wooded areas, a side stream, and an elevated pool aeration station. Lake Katherine Nature Preserve also offers an environmental learning center with a variety of educational opportunities. The preserve is located at 7402 Lake Katherine Drive in Palos Heights. Call (708) 361-1873 for more information.
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