A Snowy Ramble at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, Illinois

A Snowy Ramble at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, Illinois

Our ramble through fresh, sugary snow at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles was the adventure winter dreams are made of! We immediately embraced the winter wonderland surrounding us from the powdery, glittery snow underfoot to the snow dusted trees. We celebrated a beautiful and tranquil day exploring LeRoy Oakes.

Charming scene of a barn in winter.

LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve encompasses prairie, woodlands and Ferson Creek. Additionally, the preserve contains cultural touchstones including charming barns, the historic Durant House built in 1843 and the Pioneer Sholes School dating from 1872. Additionally, LeRoy Oakes is home to the Creek Bend Nature Center which is housed in a 1930's estate.

Happy feet created a path in the snow.

Dazzled by Frosty Ferson Creek

Embarking on the path, or at least where we thought the path existed underneath the snow and happy footprints of other hikers, the winter world around us dazzled us. We reached a juncture and headed towards Ferson Creek. Ferson Creek meanders into the larger Fox River.

Ferson Creek meanders through an icy scene.

The frosty scene entranced us as ice creeped closer to encasing the entire creek. Snow dusted trees framed the creek creating a magical scene. As we observed nature's beauty, we reveled in the comforting silence only a snow swept landscape can gift.

The bones of the forest in winter lead to interesting discoveries of tree formations.

Admittedly, we did not always know if we were on genuine trails or footpaths created by other snow trekkers. We wandered to a promontory point up above the creek. We admired the snow covered bones of the forest and delighted in woodpecker calls.

Local tip for your adventure --> Take a trip to St. Charles' Arcedium Coffeehouse for a treat before or after hiking. I love their Aztec Mocha. The perfect hit of spice in a chocolatey beverage.

Standing in the quiet, I looked around trying to take the scene in. If you take pause and time to observe, you can find such wonders like this ball of rusty leaves with dollops of snow. Truly remarkable the wonders we pass by so quickly!

Our ramble through the snowy scene at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve was just the breath of fresh air we needed! We enjoyed seeing others delighting in the snow and even encountered families cross country skiing! One family even made a snowman. Cute! I cannot think of a more picturesque spot for snow hike. LeRoy Oakes is a new spot for us, so I look forward to returning not just for snow hike but also to see the preserve in other seasons.

**Pioneer Sholes School and the Durant House are currently closed during COVID. Please see website for more info on Creek Bend Nature Center's hours.