12 Chicago Area Forest Preserves with Interesting Historic Structures

Discover Intriguing Historic Structures Within Chicago Area Forest Preserves

Over the years while on Chicago area hiking trails, I have noted quite a few historic structures nestled right in nature. I have compiled a list of some of my favorites which together do paint quite an interesting picture of the history of the region. While not a comprehensive list because our preserves hold so many treasures, enjoy this list of 12 Chicago area forest preserves that are home to unique historic structures.

Fabyan Forest Preserve -- The Geneva forest preserve is full of history including the 1908 Fabyan Estate, the Fabyan Japenese Garden dating back to 1910, and the authentic 1870's windmill. The Fabyan Forest Preserve rests along the Fox River and you will find yourself swept away for awhile experiencing the nature and history.

Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve -- On a little knoll at this Geneva forest preserve rests an interesting grotto full of religious mosaics. The Geneva Grotto was crafted by Jesuit priests from the Sacred Heart Seminary which once existed at the site. Dedicated volunteers have been working on preserving this piece of history.

LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve -- LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is home to the Durant House Museum. The Greek Revival Style home was constructed in 1843. The St. Charles preserve also holds the Pioneer Sholes School which is a one room schoolhouse constructed about 1872.

Jens Jensen designed a play cabin found at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park.

Heller Nature Center -- Located in Highland Park, Heller Nature Center features a play cabin designed by famous landscape architect Jens Jensen. Jens Jensen actually lived in Highland Park for a time at the Jens Jensen Summer House and Studio.

Skokie River Nature Preserve -- Have you ever crossed a swinging bridge? This beautiful Lake Forest Preserve is home to a swinging bridge crossing the Skokie River. How could you not want to cross at least once? The original swinging bridge dates back to 1887. Since then, there have been updates and the current is a reconstruction.

The Grove National Historic Landmark -- Inside this historic preserve in Glenview, you will find a number of historic buildings including the Kennicott House and the Redfield Estate. The Grove offers an amazing blend of nature and history, so not to be missed. In fact one of the Kennicotts, Robert Kennicott was a naturalist and herpetologist.

Graue Mill located inside Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve still functions as a gristmill
 and once was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

**All of these preserves are great ideas for hiking near Chicago!**

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve -- Along Salt Creek in the Oak Brook preserve, visitors will find Graue Mill -- a gristmill constructed by the Graue family which began operation in 1852. Graue Mill was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. Additionally, the Civilian Conservation Corps built structures within the preserve including the Visitor Center which still stands today and also restored the mill.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - The Civilian Conservation Corps improved this stunning Darien preserve in the 1930s. Remnants of structures from the CCC days still remain in the preserve. The tiered falls within Waterfall Glen were created by the CCC.

Hal Tyrell Trailside Museum of Natural History -- An 1876 mansion provides a home to the River Forest nature museum. In addition to being a residence and a museum, the structure housed two schools. In 1932, Trailside Museum became the first public nature learning center in the Cook County Forest Preserves.

A complex of stables and barns invite exploration at St. James Farm.

St. James Farm Forest Preserve -- This Warrenville preserve features structures remaining from its days as a late 1800s farm. Chauncey and Marion McCormick would eventually acquire the property and constructed the 1920s red brick stable. Their son and his wife would build the indoor arena at St. James Farm. The entire preserve offers a fascinating blend of history, art, architecture, and nature.

The Meadowdale Pure Oil Silo at Raceway Woods is a reminder of former Carpentersville racetrack
 -- Meadowdale International Raceway as well as the agrarian past.

Raceway Woods Forest Preserve -- Raceway Woods once was the site of the Meadowdale International Raceway. Today, a silo stands that commemorates the 1958 Carpentersville raceway. The silo actually predates the existence of the raceway and was seen in an image from 1939. The Meadowdale Pure Oil silo was painted to mark its place at the raceway and still stands today.

Spring Valley Nature Center -- Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg is home to the Volkening Heritage Farm which is an 1880s German farm. The farm is a working form, so you will be able to see farm activities throughout the seasons and participate in interactive events.