Ryerson Conservation Area
This 565 acre conservation area offers unpaved trails through marsh and woodlands in Riverwoods, Illinois. Some of the trails skirt the scenic Des Plaines River. There are also a small farm area with farm animals and a Welcome Center with a nature library.
Details
Location
Off Riverwoods Road in Riverwoods, Illinois north of the intersection with Deerfield Road. A detailed map may be found here.
Managed By
Website(s)
Distance from Downtown Chicago
31 miles from the center of town
How To Get There
Accessibility
There are several accessible parking spaces and restrooms near the Welcome Center are accessible. The trails are not accessible.
Things To Do
Birdwatching (cuckoos, sparrows, woodpeckers, wrens), Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Visitor Center (Welcome Center), Watchable Wildlife and Wildflowers
Fun Facts
The conservation area is named after Edward L. Ryerson whose weekend home and farm are on the site of the conservation area. Ryerson was the chairman of the Inland Steel Corporation.
Other Information
Restrooms are located near the main parking lot and are open when the Welcome Center is open.
Eats
Grab a breakfast sandwich or a scone from Café de Oro, 2175 Deerfield Road, Riverwoods, Illinois.
Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting
Best Time To Visit
Spring, Summer and Fall for Hiking; Winter for Cross-Country Skiing
© 2021 50 Great Public Land Destinations - Chicago and Beyond. All Rights Reserved.
