Tyler Creek Forest Preserve Delights with a Meandering Creek, Woodlands and Prairie Flowers in Elgin, Illinois

 

Tyler Creek Forest Preserve features a meandering creek, prairie, and woodlands. The beautiful and fascinating Elgin, Illinois area preserve is one of the four original forest preserves of the Kane County Forest Preserve District. This week, we savored a peaceful hike in the preserve taking in Illinois nature in late summer.

Tyler Creek crafts a peaceful view inside the Elgin, Illinois preserve.

We heard the rush of Tyler Creek immediately upon embarking on the hiking trail. A bridge crosses the creek. We paused on the bridge to view the creek. A few access trails also take you down to the creek. The creek is beautiful and features a few picturesque rapids.

Prairie wildflowers including pink coneflowers, yellow coneflowers, purple bergamot
 and white Anne's Lace paint a brilliant late some picture in nature.

After pausing at the creek, we wandered through the prairie, tracing the woodlands. The Illinois prairie is absolutely stunning during the late summer. Pink and yellow coneflowers, purple bergamot, dainty white Queen Anne's lace and more attracted a range of butterflies and bees.  We also discovered a number of amethyst tall bellflowers at the edge of the woodlands.

Tree branches and leaves created a nature tunnel at Tyler Creek Forest Preserve.

Winding around the prairie, we encountered a divine nature tunnel created by the leaves and branches of hickory trees. Magical! Walking through the nature tunnel at Tyler Creek Forest Preserve was a highlight of the week for us. 

Bergamot adds summer delight to Tyler Creek Forest Preserve.

The hiking trail at Tyler Creek isn't very long, so we took the loop twice. While there isn't too much hiking available at Tyler Creek, we found the preserve quite beautiful. There is plenty of space for picnics and shelters as well. So, this preserve is a nice spot for a pleasant walk and to spread out and enjoy a picnic.