Half Day Forest Preserve and Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve {Vernon Hills and Mettawa}

The Chicago suburbs are full of incredible forest preserves making it easy to embark on a variety of hiking adventures. A couple of weeks ago, we explored two new preserves that abut against each other -- Half Day Forest Preserve and Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve. The two preserves provide for a wide variety of nature adventures and feel quite a world away from surrounding suburban life.

Serene lake at Half Day Forest Preserve 

We first explored Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills where we found a serene lake.A beautiful blue heron was enjoying the lake as we rounded around it. Other wetlands dotted the preserve. We also walked through prairie as well as a bit of the forest. Some of the trails were obstructed by flooding, so we definitely have more to explore on another date!

Trail to forest through prairie at Half Day Forest Preserve

There are plenty of spaces for picnics and parties. We also found a large playground. Quite a few families were enjoying gatherings during our visit!

Large playground at Half Day Forest Preserve

We hiked along a wooded path that joined the Half Day Forest Preserve to the Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve.

We passed over a foot bridge over the Des Plaines River that connected the two preserves. The view of the Des Plaines River is quite beautiful at this point.

We were able to walk a short time through the forest. Unfortunately, there was a patch of flooding that we could not cross. The good news -- we will have to return to explore again! The combined preserves present a natural treasure ready for a variety of explorations.


To Know:

• Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Horseback Riding and more recreational activities are permitted. Please see website for details about where in the preserves they are permitted.
• If the Des Plaines River is high, there could be flooding.
• Great area for birding.
• The Adlai Stevenson home is in the Captain Daniel Wright Woods Preserve.
• There are various areas that you can reserve for gatherings.
• We did need bug spray.
• There are restrooms near the play area and sports field as well as one of the shelters at Half Day Preserve. There are some near the play area and park lot in Wright Woods.