Downers Grove: Nature, Trails and Water

When deciding whether Downers Grove matches your travel interests, it’s worth considering the different things to do there: nature and trails, water activities, and educational and event offerings. Lyman Woods, Hidden Lake and the Downers Grove Museum each offer a distinct way to explore the area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Downers Grove, these highlights can help you plan your stay.

Nature and Trails at Lyman Woods

The Lyman Woods Nature Preserve covers 150 acres of oak woodlands, prairie and wetland habitats. It is home to more than 300 native plant species. The variety of habitats and plants makes Lyman Woods a special destination for anyone looking to include nature observation in their travel plans. There are also trails and seasonal nature programs, so you can get to know the site both as a natural area and through its offerings.

Lyman Woods’ outdoor areas and trails are open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The Interpretive Center closes on holidays. When planning your visit, keep in mind that the stated daily opening hours apply to the outdoor areas and trails and are not the same as the hours for the Interpretive Center.

Trails and Water Activities at Hidden Lake

More than two miles of trails run through Hidden Lake. They are suitable for hikers, joggers, birdwatchers and other nature observers. Hidden Lake covers 390 acres and includes two lakes, a river and trails, as well as opportunities for fishing and boating. Picnic areas include a new picnic shelter. The site is well suited to fishing, paddling, picnicking or relaxing, giving it a different focus from Lyman Woods’ habitats and plant diversity.

At Hidden Lake, visitors can explore Round Lake by canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or certain other non-gas-powered watercraft. You need a permit from the Forest Preserve District to do so. If you plan to paddle, make sure to include this permit in your preparations. The selection of permitted watercraft is specific: in addition to canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, certain other non-gas-powered boats are allowed.

Nature Programs and Museum Offerings

Lyman Woods offers seasonal nature programs, private group outings and homeschool adventures. There are also team-building workshops for all ages. Topics include archery, beekeeping, astronomy and wilderness skills. When planning, it’s helpful to distinguish between the seasonal nature programs and the other types of offerings mentioned. The topics give an idea of the range of activities, but not all formats are the same program.

The Downers Grove Museum also offers different opportunities for a visit: year-round educational workshops, craft activities and holiday events. There are also free annual celebrations for all ages. This gives you several ways to choose what to explore in Downers Grove based on your interests: Lyman Woods focuses on habitats, plants and nature offerings; Hidden Lake on trails, fishing, paddling and picnic areas; and the museum on workshops and events. When choosing where to stay, consider which of these highlights matters most for your trip.

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