Discover Cook: Nature, Trails and History

The Forest Preserves of Cook County offer an expansive natural setting: visitors can explore 70,000 acres of unspoiled landscape. Forests, woodlands, savannas, prairies and wetlands reveal the diversity of the ecosystems. More than 25 areas are designated Illinois Nature Preserves. These landscape types offer different points of reference for planning your outings, from wooded areas to open prairies and wetlands.

Trails, Rivers and Outdoor Activities

The Forest Preserves offer more than 400 miles of paved and unpaved trails for recreational activities in every season. At Portage Woods, walking and hiking trails follow natural surfaces. The Salt Creek Trail System runs along the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek. From there, you can enjoy views of a glacial valley, a gravelly moraine, and the sequence of pools and shallow flowing stretches of Salt Creek. The landscape and waterways together shape the scenery here.

You can fish along the Des Plaines River from the shore, a canoe or a kayak. Cycling and horseback riding are recommended on the Des Plaines River Trail. These options offer different ways to spend a day outdoors: you can pair views of the river landscape with an activity on the water, while the trail is recommended for cycling or horseback riding. Camping is available in the Forest Preserves in tents, cabins, bunkhouses and RVs.

Explore Nature and Discover History

Six free nature centers complement the trails and landscapes. Check the access details for each center before your visit. Sand Ridge Nature Center spans 235 acres and has four self-guided nature trails. Interactive exhibits, programs and expert guidance introduce visitors to the natural and cultural history of the Calumet Region. The combination of trails and exhibits makes the center a destination in its own right for anyone who wants to explore the landscape and regional history together.

Oak Forest Heritage Preserve has ecological, cultural and historical significance. An archaeological investigation in the 1950s uncovered the first Native American village found in northeastern Illinois. This historical connection sits alongside the preserve's ecological significance, giving your visit another perspective with a deeper sense of time.

The preserved former Cook County Hospital also contributes to the area's history: its significant Chicago roots date back to 1857. A 2020 county announcement mentions a museum about the history of Cook County Health and a food hall for public use at the former hospital. If you plan to visit these attractions, check in advance whether the museum and food hall are currently operating or open to the public.

A Special Excursion to Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago spans 235 acres. More than 3,500 animals from over 500 species live there. At Hamill Family Wild Encounters, visitors can feed giraffes and pet goats. This offers a different focus from the nature trails and river landscapes: animal species and up-close encounters with animals take center stage here.

For travel from downtown Chicago, options include the Metra BNSF Line to Zoo station or Pace Bus Route 331. Check schedules for your day of visit before setting out. When choosing your hotel, consider which of the trip's different facets—nature, outdoor activities, regional history or a zoo visit—matter most to your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Tinley Park, Inverness, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Franklin Park, Mt Prospect, Niles, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Schiller Park, Skokie, Westchester, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Homewood, Markham, Calumet City, Bellwood, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Crestwood, Maywood, Glencoe, Northbrook, Wheeling, Northlake, Lincolnwood, Broadview, Burbank, Rolling Meadows, Lyons, Bridgeview, Prospect Heights, Oak Forest, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Park Ridge, Hazel Crest, South Holland, Berwyn, Barrington, Lansing, Hillside, Morton Grove, Alsip, Matteson, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Arlington Heights, Willowbrook, Chicago, Bartlett, La Grange, Winnetka, Orland Park

For the main travel overview: Illinois.