Located in the northwestern part of Cook County, visitors can find themselves trekking through oak woodlands, oak savannas, and pine plantations that were once part of re-forestation efforts while exploring Beverly Lake. And with recently updated ski signage and remarked trails, cross-country skiers can traverse nearly 2.5 miles of marked trails and more while experiencing this favorite winter pastime.

Beverly Lake, part of the Forest Preserves’ Spring Creek complex, offers visitors a peaceful and secluded location to enjoy cross-country skiing and hiking. The area once hosted agricultural land, but thanks to a decade of volunteer stewardship and Forest Preserves efforts, the site is now home to a variety of native ecosystems.

According to John McCabe, the Forest Preserves’ director of resource management, Beverly Lake is a “hidden gem” where visitors can observe different species of animals, as well as some unique, and very old, oak trees.

“Visitors here can anticipate seeing deer, small mammals like squirrels and rabbits, and I would not be surprised if they saw coyotes – it’s remote and quiet,” explains McCabe. “It’s a great birding location, too. Because there’s a small pine plantation that was part of a re-forestation initiative, visitors can spot different species of birds like great-horned owls.”

Imagine witnessing the sights and sounds of some of Cook County’s most secluded natural areas while delighting in this exciting winter activity. Consider planning your next cross-country ski outing at Beverly Lake!