Forest Preserves of Cook County
Who needs a long drive to feel like you’ve escaped? In Northwest Cook County, some of the best adventures are right in your own backyard like paddling across sparkling water, spotting elk grazing beneath towering oaks and exploring miles of scenic trails. Make the Forest Preserves of Cook County the starting point for a staycation packed with outdoor recreation, family fun and memorable experiences across the northwest suburbs.
Start your getaway at Busse Woods, one of the Forest Preserves’ most iconic destinations and a place where an entire day can disappear before you know it. Covering more than 3,500 acres, Busse Woods offers nearly 13 miles of paved trails perfect for biking, walking or an early morning run. Along the way, keep an eye out for herons, turtles and one of the preserve’s biggest attractions: the resident elk herd, which has called Busse Woods home for more than a century.
When the summer sun starts warming up, head to the Busse Lake Boating Center and rent a kayak or canoe. Anglers can also cast a line into Busse Reservoir, one of the largest fishing lakes in Cook County.
If your perfect getaway includes a golf club in hand, spend part of the afternoon at Highland Woods Golf Course before heading back out to explore. Less than a 15-minute drive from Busse, Highland Woods in Hoffman Estates features rolling hills, a driving range and an on-staff PGA professional.
Looking for a quieter escape? Make your way to Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington, which is a 15-minute drive from Highland Woods, where winding trails wrap around peaceful ponds known for their waterfowl. Inside the nature center, interactive exhibits, native wildlife displays and knowledgeable staff make it a great stop for visitors of every age. Just outside, the nature play area encourages children to climb, explore and connect with nature. Check Crabtree’s calendar before your trip and you might discover a program or event that becomes the highlight of your weekend.
For those who prefer exploring on foot, northwest Cook County offers plenty of options beyond Busse Woods. Wander the rolling trails of Deer Grove, the Forest Preserves’ first preserve, where oak woodlands, savannas and restored wetlands create a beautiful backdrop for a morning hike. You can also visit nearby Paul Douglas Preserve or Poplar Creek to explore their trails.
When it’s time for a meal, nearby downtowns offer plenty of ways to recharge. Enjoy wood-fired pizza or patio dining in downtown Arlington Heights, grab authentic Mexican cuisine in Elgin, or cool off with homemade ice cream while strolling through the shops in downtown Barrington or Mount Prospect.
Want to add even more to your staycation? The surrounding communities are packed with opportunities for family fun. Spend an afternoon browsing Woodfield Mall, visit the colorful exhibits at Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg, catch a minor league baseball game or plan your visit around one of the many local summer festivals happening throughout the northwest suburbs. For much more on events, sights, dining and other ideas in the area, go to Chicago Northwest.
It’s easy to put together a local trip that is all outdoors or a hybrid that is as fun, educational, relaxing or exciting as you want. Extend your stay with an overnight at Camp Reinberg, where cabins, campsites and modern amenities let you wake up surrounded by nature. Learn more and plan your visit here. Come out to the northwest suburbs for a summer weekend far from the everyday routine but close to home.
