8 Chicago Area Preserves with a View

Chicago area forest preserves offer an incredible range of landscapes and nature experiences. Many of our preserves present breathtaking views. After decades of hiking in the region, here is a collection of my favorite forest preserves near Chicago with a view:

Glacial Park Conservation Area -- Kames form a rolling landscape at Glacial Park Conservation Area in Ringwood. Once atop a kame, hikers enjoy quite an expansive view of prairie, wetland, and woodland below. 

Greene Valley Forest Preserve -- The Naperville forest preserve is not only home to a beautiful network of trails but also has a seasonal scenic overlook boasting views of Chicago.

Creek winding through a ravine decorated by the emerald green foliage
 of summer at Reed-Turner.

Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Center -- Tucked in Long Grove, Reed-Turner features a dazzling ravine view. I have been totally enamored with this ravine in all seasons even under a gentle snowfall!

Moraine Hills State Park -- Moraine Hills State Park already offers rolling trails through a hilly landscape created by a moraine. Within the preserve is a fantastic view of a glacial lake called Lake Defiance. Lake Defiance is one of few unaltered, undeveloped glacial lakes in Illinois -- and truly stunning.

The dense forest and ravine system at Tekakwitha Woods transports hikers away for the day.

Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve -- This St. Charles Forest Preserve holds another one of my favorite ravine systems. Just magical! Fox River views are also peaceful here.

Illinois Beach State Park -- For breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, head to Illinois Beach State Park. Not only will you bask in amazing views of our lake but also enjoy the preserve's thriving dune system. The dunes help craft some unique views and the age progression of the dunes invites a range of interesting flora.

Turtles relaxing on a log in a tranquil pond at Pratt's Wayne Woods.

Pratt's Wayne Woods -- Pratt's Wayne Woods in Wayne dazzles visitors with wetlands including marshes and ponds. Pratt's Wayne Woods is my favorite preserve for spotting turtles. The ponds are incredibly idyllic and really take you away from the everyday.

Fabayan Forest Preserve -- Located in Geneva, Fabayan delights with a variety of unique views including views of a functioning historic windmill, a Japanese garden, and a farmhouse redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Fox River views from this preserve are incredible as well.