Located at the southern start of the popular North Branch Trail, LaBagh Woods is host to diverse natural areas, including wooded landscapes, wetlands, savannas and sedge meadows. Known for exceptional birding opportunities, this site also offers picnic groves and large open fields.
On this page:
Locations & Things to Do
LaBagh Woods
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Accessible Indoor Bathroom
- Accessible Portable Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- Dogs
(on-leash only) - Cross-Country Skiing
- Birding Hotspot
- Volunteer Opportunities
- No Alcohol (without permit)
- Indoor bathroom open April 1 to October 31 depending on weather conditions.
Picnic Groves
- Accessible Grove #1
(with shelter)- Accessible May 1 to October 31.
- Distance to parking: 185 ft
- Distance to accessible indoor bathroom: 455 ft
- Capacity: 350 people
- Grove #2
(with shelter)- Capacity: 200 people
- Grove #3
(with shelter)- Capacity: 200 people
- Accessible Grove #4
(with shelter)- Accessible May 1 to October 31.
- Distance to parking: 182 ft
- Distance to accessible portable bathroom: 161 ft
- Capacity: 200 people
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Grove
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Accessible Indoor Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- Dogs
(on-leash only) - Cross-Country Skiing
- Birding Hotspot
- Volunteer Opportunities
- No Alcohol (without permit)
- Indoor bathroom open April 1 to October 31 depending on weather conditions.
Picnic Groves
- Accessible Grove #1
(with shelter)- Accessible May 1 to October 31.
- Distance to parking: 255 ft
- Distance to accessible indoor bathroom: 270 ft
- Capacity: 75 people
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
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 & UnpavedEstimated Total Length
36.7 milesHours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Nature Notes
LaBagh Woods (sometimes misspelled as “LaBaugh”) offers significant tree cover, with a mix of large oaks, maples and cottonwoods. Occasional sunny savannas and sedge meadows dot the wooded landscape, particularly toward the northeast of the site, an area known as Sauganash Prairie Grove. Some of these species-rich spots benefit from restoration by volunteers, as do low-lying wetlands. Wild geranium, Indian plantain, turtlehead, blue flag iris, marsh blazing star and hop sedge all grow at LaBagh.
At the center of the site near the river, an oxbow slough fills the low bottomlands. During floods, the area takes on a primeval feel, like a southern swamp. Birders explore the area during spring migration to view birds such as spring warblers, tanagers and sparrows. Cooper’s and red-tailed hawks have nested in these woods. Mink and other water-loving mammals patrol the river banks.
Volunteer Opportunities
This uncommon woodland community encompasses wet savanna, marsh, and mature floodplain woods, and is dominated by swamp white oaks.
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!