6 Places to See Prairie Flowers in the Chicago Suburbs

 

Mid to late summer presents the perfect time to visit the prairie here in the Prairie State. You will find our local prairies alive with brilliant hues -- pinks, yellows, and oranges -- and abuzz with butterflies, bees, and birds. Today, I am sharing a few spots I love in the Chicago suburbs for exploring the Illinois prairie:

1. Deer Grove East Forest Preserve: Located in Palatine, Deer Grove East has long been one of my favorite spots to enjoy prairie wildflowers in mid to late summer. I suggest visiting later in the day during golden hour to take in the preserve illuminated in a unique way. This is my favorite time of day to visit Deer Grove East and I have definitely been rewarded with amazing photographs.

2. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve: This Long Grove forest preserve features a restored prairie, creeks, and a reservoir. I prefer to visit Buffalo Creek during the summer months to experience the prairie awash in life and color.

3. Raceway Woods Forest Preserve: The former Meadowdale International Raceway now presents hikers with opportunities to explore natural areas including a savanna, woodlands, creeks, and grasslands. Visiting the Carpentersville preserve during this season dazzles with prairie flowers.

4. Lincoln Marsh: Lincoln Marsh is a rehabilitated site and offers an opportunity to wander through the vibrant prairie flowers of summer. Of course, don't skip visiting the wetlands! Amazing that this preserve was once littered with cast off cars and tires.

5. Shoe Factory Road Prairie Nature Preserve: The prairie at Shoe Factory Road Nature Preserve thrives on top of and on the slopes of a kame (glacial gravel deposit). Shoe Factory Road Prairie Nature Preserve is part of the larger Arthur L. Janura Forest Preserve system in the Hoffman Estates area.

6.  Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve: Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve is particularly alive in the summer with prairie flowers of all hues. The fantastic view of Lake Michigan creates opportunities to take pictures of bold and colorful prairie flowers with a the lake as a background.