Arie Crown Forest Preserve
This forest preserve is located in Countryside, Illinois and contains rolling hills, prairie, woodlands and compact Ida Lake. Although a portion of the main trail is contiguous with suburban backyards and another portion is very close to the roaring traffic of the Stevenson Expressway (Interstate 55), overall a hike on the trail is a very bucolic experience and early mornings offer some of the best opportunities in the Chicago area for deer viewing.
Details
Location
South LaGrange Road, south of 67th Street in Countryside, Illinois. A detailed map showing parking areas may be found here.
Managed By
Distance from Downtown Chicago
17 miles from the center of town
How To Get There
Accessibility
There are accessible parking spaces. The main yellow trail is not paved and thus not accessible.
Things To Do
Biking, Birdwatching (hawks, kildeer, vireos, warblers, woodpeckers, wrens), Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, Running, Watchable Wildlife and Wildflowers
Fun Facts
The preserve is named after Arie Crown, the father of Chicago industrialist Henry Crown who once owned a controlling stake in the General Dynamics aerospace and defense company.
Other Information
A portable bathroom is generally open May 1-October 31.
Eats
After a hike head to nearby Balkan Bakery, 541 S LaGrange Road, LaGrange, Illinois for mouthwatering fresh cheese or meat burek. Outdoor tables in season.
Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting
Best Time To Visit
All year
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