Category: Recreation & Travel

Video of Deer Grazing at Lyman Woods in Downers Grove
Not too long ago, we posted this tour of Lyman Woods in Downers Grove. In addition to the wide variety of wild plants and vegetation growing in Lyman Woods, the preserve is teaming with wildlife. On this brisk fall morning these deer grazed, seemingly unfazed by the nearby traffic and bustling corporate office park. Just […]

Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville – Great Views Await
The Goldenrod is in full-bloom throughout DuPage County. The photos below were taken last weekend at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville. If you’ve never been to Greene Valley (just west of Rt 53 on 75th Street), you should check it out. There are over twelve miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback-riding. The […]

Weekend Getaways from Chicago – Within Driving Distance
After a long, stress-filled work week, sometimes you need to getaway for the weekend. Thankfully, there are many excellent getaways that aren’t too far from the Chicago area. Let’s take a look at what your options are for a quick weekend getaway from Chicago. Weekend Getaways from Chicago Let’s take a look at the map […]

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Photos
If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien, you should. The enormous preserve completely surrounds Argon National Laboratory and features a 10-mile loop trail that is perfect for runners, bicyclists, and nature-lovers alike. Read more about Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The photos below were taken in early summer at […]

Ski Resorts & Ski Hills Near DuPage County
We’ve already experienced a few snow flurries in DuPage County, and for some people, the sight of snow falling means that the winter fun season is about to begin! For many of us living in and around DuPage County, skiing is a big part of that winter fun. Even though we live in the relatively flat Midwest, there are still some great local ski options available to us.

A Tour of Lyman Woods in Downers Grove
Lyman Woods occupies the southeast corner of Highland Avenue and 31st Street in Downers Grove. The preserve’s location seems a bit awkward and juxtaposed in contrast to the surrounding tall office buildings, but regardless, Lyman Woods should not be overlooked as a quite, natural respite. I assure you, once you are strolling down one of the wood’s natural, interior trails, the nearby office buildings and major thoroughfares are dwarfed by the scale and majesty of the massive aged oaks.

The Naperville Carillon
The Naperville Millenium Carillon (and Moser Tower) can be seen from just about anywhere in downtown Naperville. For years, I have driven past the carillon while traveling down Aurora Avenue near River Walk Park. This past weekend, I decided to take a closer look… The trip to the top of the Naperville Carillon costs $3, […]

Starved Rock in Utica, IL – A First-Time Visitor’s Review
Starved Rock is a perfect getaway from Chicago! Here is my experience from my recent hiking visit (with photos). The park is like no other in Illinois…