BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve is an amazing spot that features rolling hills, Native American mounds (including the only thunderbird effigy mound in Illinois), great birdwatching, and stunning views of the Mississippi River and its backwaters (known as the Harris Slough). It’s located … Continue reading 5 Things to Do at Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I love photography and took a gazillion photos last year. Okay, I don’t have a firm number but take my word for it that I took MANY photos—of nature, family, friends, concerts, bars, bands, cool architecture, art, historical spots, you name it. I’m sure most … Continue reading My Favorite 32 Photos That I Took Last Year
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG They say that life is one big circle. But with the Chicagoland area being so vast, with a population of more than 9.2 million people, I sometimes doubt that. So who would’ve thought that I’d be hiking with my sixth-grade teacher (1980–81) nearly 45 years … Continue reading Visit Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm for Great Hiking and Birdwatching, Fun Activities for Kids, and to Discover the Area’s German Heritage
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Chicago Sun-Times Outdoors columnist Dale Bowman has retired after nearly 30 years on the job. His last column ran in Sunday’s paper. If you love nature in the Chicago area, you’ve probably already heard the news, and I want to share my own thoughts … Continue reading Chicago Sun-Times Outdoors Columnist Dale Bowman Retires: An Appreciation
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” Today is the eighth anniversary of the founding of my blog, “Nature in Chicagoland,” and I’m so happy to have written nearly 300 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my articles on … Continue reading Celebrating the Eighth Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND BLOG The Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) in Glencoe, Illinois, is a popular destination in any season—but especially during the warmer months. If you love nature and hikes and strolls through flower-filled meadows, English and Japanese gardens, forests, and much more, you could easily spend an entire day … Continue reading Visit Chicago Botanic Garden for Breathtaking Gardens and Greenhouses, Model Trains and Other Seasonal Shows, and Fun in Any Season
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG If you’re looking for four-season, outdoor fun in Chicagoland, you should visit Coral Woods Conservation Area (7400 Somerset Drive, Marengo, IL 60152). There are three hiking trails that can be enjoyed in any season at this 808-acre gem in McHenry County. The 1.2-mile … Continue reading Coral Woods Conservation Area: A Splendid Chicagoland Nature Destination in All Seasons
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Crabtree Nature Center (3 Stover Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Phone 847-381-6592) is one of six nature centers that are operated by Forest Preserves of Cook County. We’re lucky to have such beautiful nature centers in Cook County. They provide access to hiking trails, … Continue reading Visit Crabtree Nature Center to Enjoy Top-Notch Hiking Trails, an Outdoor Play Area for Kids, and a Beautiful Nature Center
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG South Shore Nature Sanctuary (7059 S. South Shore Drive, 60649), which is located at the historic South Shore Cultural Center (a pretty amazing place in itself), features six acres of dunes, wetlands, a woodland, prairie, pond, savanna, and shrubland habitats. There are many things to … Continue reading 6 Things to Do at South Shore Nature Sanctuary
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED AUGUST 2025 To many, a visit to Galena, Illinois, means shopping, restaurants, and ice cream on the historic town’s beautiful main street. Visitors revel in the packed streets, stores, and restaurants in high-summer or on crisp fall weekends. While I certainly … Continue reading 7 Things to Do at Horseshoe Mound Preserve in the Driftless Region