Robinson Woods

Woods and historical marker signifying the Robinson family homestead and burial grounds.
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.

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Locations & Things to Do

Robinson Woods-South

Things to Do & Amenities

  1. 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
Event Permits PageGrove PDF Map of Robinson Woods-South

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts


Robinson Homestead Family Picnic Area

Things to Do & Amenities

  • Parking

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & 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 & Unpaved

Estimated Total Length

28.4 miles

Hours

Year-round: Sunrise to Sunset

Closures & Alerts

*Please be a courteous trail user: Follow posted signs and our trail rules and etiquette.

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.