BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG In late March, I completed six short hikes in five days (totaling about 15 miles) in the Driftless Region in northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. My son came for a few hikes, my wife joined us for one trail adventure, and I was solo … Continue reading Visit Sardeson Forest Preserve in the Driftless Region for Great Views, Challenging Hiking, and Good Birding
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Here are some crazy numbers about LaBagh Woods. Birders have recorded more than 220 bird species (according to eBird) in only 80 acres of natural areas and 80 acres of picnic groves at this beloved nature spot (Entrance: N. Cicero Avenue, north of W. … Continue reading Visit LaBagh Woods to Enjoy One of Chicago’s Best Birdwatching Spots
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG White trillium blooms were everywhere in Shaw Woods at Skokie River Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, Illinois. I felt like I could stay there all-day soaking in the blooms and the silence of the woods. I also saw prairie trilliums, bristly buttercups, Virginia bluebells, … Continue reading Visit Skokie River Nature Preserve for Great Birding, Hiking, and Wildflower Views
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve (35W076 Villa Maria Road, St. Charles, IL 60174) is a small, but charming, 65-acre preserve with forest hills, deep ravines, and access to the Fox River. The Sisters of Mercy— an international community of Roman Catholic women religious—owned the property … Continue reading Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve: Enjoy Peaceful Trails, Beautiful Views of the Fox River, and Excellent Birding
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 In case you missed them, these were the seven most-popular articles last month at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, based on reader viewing statistics. Click on the links below to access the articles. 1. 10 Places to See Bison in the Midwest 2. Palmisano Park: A … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in March 2026
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Today is the ninth anniversary of the founding of my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, and I’m so happy to have written more than 300 articles about woods, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and other natural areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. I’m pleased that my … Continue reading Celebrating the Ninth Anniversary of My Blog, Nature in Chicagoland
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG In case you missed them, these were the seven most-popular articles last month at my blog, Nature in Chicagoland, as selected by my readers. Click on the link below to access the articles. 1. Sixteen South Chicagoland Nature Wonders: Great Destinations on the South Side … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at My Nature in Chicagoland Blog in February 2026
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG AND BOOK Jessica Sedgwick and her son Selden at Indiana Dunes Exploring natural areas in the Chicago area is fun in itself, given the wide range of our natural habitats (e.g., prairies, forests, canyons, lakes, rivers). But, it's even better when you can … Continue reading Co-author of Beer Hiking Chicago Discusses Great Nature and Hops Spots
BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG Only a small percentage of Forest Preserves of Cook County land is located within the city limits of Chicago, and Dan Ryan Woods on the city's South Side is one of these properties. For more than a century, it’s been a popular place for … Continue reading Dan Ryan Woods: Urban Opportunities for Hiking, Biking, Picnicking, Fitness, and Winter Fun–Plus 20 Places to Hang Out in Beverly After Your Visit