Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve
Scenic and rare tallgrass savanna, woodlands and wetlands can be found at this site in Lake Forest, Illinois. There are 5.5 miles of gravel trails for hiking and cross-country skiing and 4.2 miles of paved trails for bicycle riding. A visit here transports one a world away from the Chicago suburbs.
Details
Location
The main entrance is located on Middlefork Drive off of Waukegan Road (Route 43) between Routes 60 and 176. A map of the forest preserve may be found here.
Managed By
Website(s)
Distance from Downtown Chicago
31 miles from the center of town
How To Get There
Accessibility
Paved trails are accessible.
Things To Do
Biking, Birdwatching (blackbirds, cranes, egrets, herons, kildeer, sparrows, woodpeckers), Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Running and Wildflowers.
Fun Facts
The preserve is named for the middle fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River. It is adjacent to two restored farm estates once owned by descendants of meat packing magnate Phillip Danforth Armour and now operated by non-profit organizations: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve and Elawa Farm.
Other Information
While there are no facilities on the trail, portable toilets are available in the Elawa Farm parking lot adjacent to the trail.
Eats
Dine al fresco or pick up a tasty lunch at Foodstuffs, 255 E Westminster, Lake Forest.
Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting
Des Plaines River Trail which is described on this website
Best Time To Visit
Spring, Summer, Fall
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