Chicago's North Branch Trail Wound Us Through Breathtaking Skokie Lagoons
Skokie Lagoons provides an amazing 894-acre nature preserve featuring hiking, biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, picnicking and more. My husband and I visited
Skokie Lagoons for the first time this weekend and just wow -- we should have visited much sooner! A little interesting tidbit -- Skokie Lagoons is not actually in Skokie. The preserve is on the Skokie River in Wilmette. Skokie is a little further from our home than Wilmette and would have taken a bit more planning, so I think my own not understanding the preserve's location kept us from going sooner! I am glad that we finally explored the spectacular views!
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| Peek at Skokie Lagoons through the flowers and trees. |
Immediately when we pulled in, I was enamored with the series of lagoons. A number of families sat near the waterfront enjoying picnics. Talk about an idyllic spot!
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| Framing a lagoon with nature. |
The
North Branch Trail takes hikers and bikers through Skokie Lagoons. The 20-mile trail connects Chicago to the Chicago Botanic Gardens along the Chicago River. The northern end contains a loop around the Skokie Lagoons. This past weekend, we walked a section of the North Branch Trail at Skokie Lagoons. While The North Branch Trail is a favorite for bikers, there were plenty of walkers along the trail as well.
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| Kayaking is a favorite activity at Skokie Lagoons. |
Kayaking is very popular at Skokie Lagoons! Seasonally, you can rent kayaks from Chicago River Canoe and Kayak. Chicago River Canoe and Kayak offers kayaking classes and other adventures, so definitely check them out!
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| Pausing to admire Skokie Lagoons. |
A web of seven lagoons connected by channels melts into this natural paradise. Originally termed "the great marsh" by Native Americans, settlers eventually drained the area to support agriculture. In the 1930's, the Civilian Conservation Corps created the current lagoon system in order to prevent flooding as well as encourage recreation. On a beautiful day like during our visit, Skokie Lagoons is certainly full of nature lovers!
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| Spying kayakers from a bridge on North Branch Trail. |
Skokie Lagoons affords such a stunning spot for a range of nature activities. The melding of forest, prairie, wetlands and lagoon paint unique pictures throughout the preserve. A number of access points to the preserve provide new spots to view. I am eager to check out a new portion!
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