Two Forest Preserves in one day
Posted at 6:17 am on September 1, 2009 by Catherine
If there’s one thing I love about DuPage County, its the Forest Preserves. I grew up in small towns and down country lanes, and I’m not really into this cement-and-mini-mall jungle of the suburbs. Whenever we can my family loves to escape to the deep forests and tall grasses of the Preserves in our area.
There are so many! Just within a few miles of my house I can count at least seven. Last weekend my family and I were hoping for an end of summer camping trip at Blackwell – but didn’t really want to try tenting with a toddler and a baby in the rain and thunder. So instead, we spent 10 hours on Saturday wandering around the new St. James’ Farm and then hiking through Waterfall Glen. We had so much fun. Even my three year old and eight month old seemed to soak up every minute.
At St. James’ Farm we wandered around a goregous historical estate, learning local history, enjoying the artistic buildings and sculptures, and strolling through the amazing tree-lined paths called “allées. This farm was original owned by the McCormick family, descendants of Cyrus McCormick who – remember this from history class? – invented the mechanical reaper.
After that we drove down to Waterfall Glen, which has been called “the most astonishing parcel of open space in DuPage County, if not northern Illinois” because of its rare finds. We hiked to our favorite spot – the waterfall – and climbed and splashed for well over an hour. The first time I was at this spot, I was nine months pregnant with A, with feet the size of boats, and it was close to 100 degrees and humid. I almost didn’t make the walk back up to the car. This time, A was running on ahead, enjoying every bit of the day.
We ended the day wet, dirty, entirely exhausted, and very happy.
Do you have a favorite forest preserve? They’re great places to walk or play, they’re each lovely and unique, and they’re free! If you’re going, let me know – I’ll meet you there.
For a full listing of DuPage County’s Forest Preserves, click here. For a map of where they are located in the county, click here.
I have been to waterfall glen before but, ironically, had no idea there was a waterfall there! actually when I went I was only able to see it as a type of praire path, but I guess there’s a lot more to it, huh? maybe we will have to go there before it gets too chilly. Thanks for the recommendation!