With more than 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful, Cook County residents and visitors can find ways to explore the Forest Preserves for an hour, a day or even a night. Whether you’re after a breezy hour of discovery, a full day of riverside exploration, or a dreamy evening under the stars, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center and its neighboring preserves serve up memorable moments at every turn.
An Hour
- Step inside Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center and discover more about the surrounding landscape, from interactive historical exhibits to the accessible garden to up-close encounters with ambassador animals. Every display inside the nature center and original 1886 schoolhouse sparks curiosity and invites you to look a little closer at the nature around you. Even a short visit leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the preserves just outside the doors.
- Hop on your bike and glide along the paved Cal-Sag Trail that winds through scenic stretches of the preserves. Starting at Sag Quarries, the 8-mile trail offers a smooth, easy ride along the canal with rewarding views of water, woods and open sky. It is the kind of quick escape that clears your mind and gets your heart moving.
A Day
- Find a quiet spot along the water’s edge or get in a boat and cast a line into one of the area’s most peaceful settings at Saganashkee Slough. Surrounded by trees and the gentle sounds of nature, it is easy to lose track of time while you wait for a bite from a northern pike. Whether you are an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, the experience is as relaxing as it is rewarding.
- Ride or walk the unpaved Sag Valley Yellow Trail and take the 8-mile loop through a landscape that changes with every turn. Rolling terrain, shaded woodlands and scenic overlooks make the journey feel like a true escape into nature. Along the way, stop for a picnic in one of the many picturesque spots.
A Night
- Trade your usual evening routine for crackling campfires, glowing lanterns and a sky full of stars at Camp Bullfrog Lake, located within the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place. As dusk settles in, the sounds of the forest create a peaceful backdrop for an unforgettable overnight stay.
- Join us at Wolf Road Woods on May 28 and discover a side of the preserves few get to see at the Adult Night Hike. Guided by experienced staff, you will tune into the sounds, sights and subtle movements of nocturnal wildlife. It is equal parts mystery and discovery, turning a familiar landscape into something entirely new.