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Lakewood Forest Preserve covers 2,578 acres near Wauconda in southwest Lake County. Its 70-acre bog, Waukonda Bog, is listed on the National Register of Natural Landmarks and a must see for all preserve guests. There are 17 endangered species at Lakewood who find shelter in the preserves’ woods, wetlands, fields, and marshes. Recreational activities include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and picnicking. Lakewood Forest Preserve is also home to the Lake County Discovery Museum. This preserve is located on Route 176 in Waukonda. Call (847) 968-3405 for additional information.
Volo Bog State Natural Area was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1970. This state park is located in beautiful Lake County and covers more than 1,150 acres. Volo Bog was originally a 50-acre lake and has evolved into a bog, Illinois’ only quaking bog with an open water center. This unique feature has landed Volo Bog State Natural Area on the National Natural Landmark Register. Besides Volo Bog, there are two additional bog areas as well as marshes, prairies, and woodlands at the park. Nearly 180 bird species have been spotted within the park. Recreational choices include bog tours, hiking, picnicking, prairie walks, and wildlife observation. The park’s visitor center is located in a vintage dairy barn and offers its visitors educational exhibits, a discovery area, gift shop, and a library. For more information about Volo Bog State Natural Area call (815) 344-1294.
Ryerson Woods has 552 acres of scenic natural beauty with half of the acres being designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve. Visitors should start at the visitors center, a newly restored Greek Revival home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ryerson Woods has a northern flat woods forest and visitors are liable to spot several rare plant and animal species while hiking along the trails. Ryerson Woods is located in rural Deerfield. Call (847) 968-3321 for more details.
The Illinois Beach State Park stretches 6½ miles along scenic Lake Michigan and covers more than 4,100 acres. This park was established in 1948 as a means to preserve the beach’s ridge shoreline and the unique ecosystem within this park. Marshes, prairies, and sand dunes are a few of the geological features that allow Illinois Beach State Park to be so unique. There are 800 acres that have been set aside as a nature preserve within Illinois Beach. Guests can learn more about the nature preserve at the park’s interpretive center. The interpretive center provides educational displays, hands-on exhibits, and nature programs for all guests. Recreational choices include boating, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Overnight accommodations are available at the park’s full-service resort, Illinois Beach Resort. For more information about Illinois Beach State Park call (847) 662-4828.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss Independence Grove. This forest preserve covers 1,114 acres in rural Libertyville and offers woodlands, prairies, native gardens, and abundant wildlife. The 19,000-square-feet visitors center is located on the shores of its 115-acre lake and provides exhibits on history and nature. Recreational activities include biking, boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. For more information call (847) 968-3499.
Chain O’Lakes State Park was established in 1957 and covers more than 6,000 acres in McHenry and Lake counties. Chain O’Lakes State Park has a 44-acre lake, borders three lakes, and intersects with the Fox River that connects it with seven other lakes. An angler’s paradise, bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, muskie, northern pike, and walleye are among the fish you would most likely catch. The park has equestrian trails as well as a stable where you can rent horses. Other recreational activities include biking, boating, camping, hiking, hunting, and picnicking. For more information about Chain O’Lakes State Park call (847) 587-5512.