Saw Wee Kee Park in Yorkville, Illinois invites nature lovers to explore an exceptional natural area. The 134.4 acre preserve represents the successful rehabilitation of a former strip-mined gravel pit. Now, the preserve thrives with flora and fauna throughout.
While the park does lie adjacent to the Fox River, the bulk of the trails are across the street from the river. After crossing the street, we soon found the forest emerging around us. While we did spy a few open spots, the forest got denser the further we hiked.
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| Rolling dirt trails at Saw Wee Kee Park beg for exploration. |
A web of dirt trails crisscross throughout Saw Wee Kee Park. The trails are joint hiking and biking trails. We found found hiking peaceful at Saw Wee Kee and had no problem with maneuvering to accommodate bikers. While the trails were rustic and rolling, we found the hiking in general pretty easy. However, if we spindled off on other trails we did notice more significant dips.
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| Emerald greens surrounded us as we hiked at Saw Wee Kee Park. |
As we further became enrobed by the emerald forest, more and more birds joined nature's symphony. Surrounded by dense leaves, ferns and wildflowers, we did not spot nearly as many birds as we were hearing. We did spot a cardinal, catbird, red-winged blackbirds, robins and a cowbird. Bald eagles are in the area, so be on the lookout if you visit this park!
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| Turtles sunning on a weathered log in the wetlands of Saw Wee Kee Park. |
Throughout the hike, we peek through leaves, vines and branches to see a variety of wetland areas. Turtles enjoyed the beautiful day of our visit by sunning!
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| Curly tree fungus enchants. |
The rich habitats at Saw Wee Kee Park certainly treated us with discovery after discovery. One our favorites was a curly tree fungus on a very decayed tree stump framed by the encroaching green of the forest. Stunning!
Tip: When in Yorkville, head over to Grace Coffee and Wine for fantastic coffee, salads, a French bread flight and more!
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| Peeking through branches, leaves and vines to see the wetlands! |
Saw Wee Kee Park has quickly emerged as a favorite hiking location for us! The forest truly embraced us and gave us that needed nature lift away from the every day. We enjoyed the rolling dirt trails and blend of forest and wetlands. Truly a remarkable preserve!
Other Nature Activities:
- Trails for horseback riding and mountain biking as well as cross country skiing in the winter.
- Kayak and canoe launch into the Fox River.
- Picnicking.
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