Blue Star Memorial Woods

An indigo bunting at Blue Star Memorial Woods. Photo by Pat Weiner.
An indigo bunting at Blue Star Memorial Woods. Photo by Pat Weiner.

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Location & Things to Do

Blue Star Memorial Woods

Picnic Groves

  • Accessible Grove #1
    (with shelter)
    • Accessible May 1 to October 31.
    • Distance to parking: 380 ft
    • Distance to accessible portable bathroom: 365 ft
    • Capacity: 250 people
  • Grove #2
    (with shelter)
    • Capacity: 200 people
Event Permits PageGrove PDF Map of Blue Star Memorial Woods

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts

  • NO ISSUES 5/18/2025: Open during normal hours.

Trails

North Branch Trail System

The North Branch Trail System offers paved and unpaved trails along approximately 20 miles of the North Branch of the Chicago River, making it a premier biking route in the northern suburbs.

Location: Chicago, Glenview, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie & Winnetka

Surface

Paved & Unpaved

Estimated Total Length

36.7 miles

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts

  • ALERT 11/07/2024 - 06/02/2025: North Branch Red Paved Trail will experience temporary closures between Glenview Woods and Harms Woods-North (or approximately Glenview Rd to Old Orchard Rd) for infrastructure repairs. Trail users should use the yellow unpaved trail (just west of the Red Paved Trail) as a detour, which they can connect to at Glenview Road or at Harms Woods-North. North Branch Trail System - Red Paved near Glenview Woods and Harms Woods-North.
*Please be a courteous trail user: Follow posted signs and our trail rules and etiquette.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join an inspiring movement of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn how to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health to our forest preserves and river system. Help grow a community of caretakers!