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Locations & Things to Do
Robinson Woods-South
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Accessible Portable Bathroom
- Trail Access
- Hiking & Walking
- Bicycling
- Dogs
(on-leash only) - Cross-Country Skiing
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Portable bathroom open May 1 to October 31 depending on weather conditions.
Picnic Groves
- Grove #1
(with shelter)- Capacity: 200 people
- Grove #2
(with shelter)- Capacity: 100 people
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Robinson Homestead Family Picnic Area
Entrance
Things to Do & Amenities
- Parking
Hours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Trails
Des Plaines River Trail System
The unpaved Des Plaines River Trail follows its namesake river through more than a dozen forest preserves, allowing visitors to enjoy casual strolls, full-day adventures and anything in between.
Location: Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Melrose Park, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, River Forest, Rosemont, Schiller Park & Wheeling
Surface
Paved & UnpavedEstimated Total Length
28.4 milesHours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Nature Notes
Robinson Woods is mostly wooded, with some scattered remnant prairies. Because of its location along the Des Plaines River, the preserve is a popular resting spot for migrating birds, notably spring warblers, who use the river as a corridor. The river adds interest to the topography, as high ground and bluffs open up to floodplains and dramatic views. In addition to migrating birds, beaver, turtles and mallards enjoy the many bends in the river.
In the remnant prairie patches, white wild indigo, nodding onion, goldenrods and blazing star lure monarchs and other butterflies. While these prairie patches are small, they harbor a wealth of native plants and insects and have notably expanded with habitat restoration work and prescribed burns.
Robinson Family Homestead
About half of 265-acre Robinson Woods once belonged to Alexander Robinson, the chief of several combined American Indian tribes in this area in the early 1800s.
The site includes the Robinson family homestead and burial grounds, signified by historical markers.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join a stewardship volunteer workday and help increase biodiversity at Robinson Woods.