Category: winter activities

Visit Chicago Botanic Garden for Breathtaking Gardens and Greenhouses, Model Trains and Other Seasonal Shows, and Fun in Any Season

by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, biking, birdwatching, books, botanical gardens and arboretums, conservation, fall colors, hiking, holiday gifts, Illinois, kids activities, photography, prairies, spring wildflowers, winter activities

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

Swallow Cliff Woods: Exercise and Go Sledding on a 100-Foot Bluff    

by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, @FPDCC, birdwatching, fall colors, Forest Preserve of Cook County, hiking, Illinois, kids activities, sledding, snowshoeing, spring wildflowers, volunteering, winter activities

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG UPDATED JANUARY 2026 The original 125-steps of the famous Swallow Cliff Stairs. Tucked amidst miles of peaceful forest preserves, Swallow Cliff Woods-North, in Cook County, Illinois (near Palos Park), has been a busy place for nearly 100 years, if not more. In 1930, the Civilian … Continue reading Swallow Cliff Woods: Exercise and Go Sledding on a 100-Foot Bluff    

Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve Offers Rolling Hills, Great Hiking, Birdwatching, and Much More

by anders458, posted in hiking, birdwatching, fall colors, fishing, FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF KANE COUNTY, glacial kames, Illinois, Illinois Department of Natural resources, Illinois Nature preserves, prairies, snowshoeing, spring wildflowers, Uncategorized, winter activities

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG On a beautiful, mostly sunny day in the mid-70s last September, I was lucky enough to visit three stunning nature areas in Chicagoland: Marengo Ridge Conservation Area (in McHenry County), Coral Woods Conservation Area (McHenry County), and Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve (Kane County). (These are … Continue reading Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve Offers Rolling Hills, Great Hiking, Birdwatching, and Much More

Goodbye 2024…Hello 2025! 

by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, @FPDCC, astronomy, birdwatching, books, botanical gardens and arboretums, Chicago, chicago park district, Chicago Parks, Driftless Region, election candidates, hiking, Iceland, Illinois, Illinois Department of Natural resources, Illinois Nature preserves, kids activities, Michigan, National Park Service, nature centers, prairies, Rockford, Illinois, skywatching, snowshoeing, winter activities

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG I want to thank my “Nature in Chicagoland” readers for visiting my blog in 2024. Last year, my blog received the most reader views (nearly 22,000) and visitors in its nearly eight-year history. I’m grateful to those who take the time to read my … Continue reading Goodbye 2024…Hello 2025! 

Reflections on My First Snowy Hike of the Season and 12 Tips for Winter Hiking

by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, birdwatching, Chicago, chicago park district, Chicago Parks, hiking, Illinois, prairies, snowshoeing, winter activities

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG One month ago yesterday, I picked the last of the tomatoes, beans, and peppers, as well as dug up our sweet potatoes in our city garden. The winter chill came for a bit after that, but with the exception of one brief snow, Chicagoland … Continue reading Reflections on My First Snowy Hike of the Season and 12 Tips for Winter Hiking

9 Things to Do at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area

by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, astronomy, birdwatching, camping, cross-country skiing, fall colors, hiking, Illinois, kids activities, MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, prairies, skywatching, snowshoeing, spring wildflowers, winter activities

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER & AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG  In late September, I spent a morning hiking at the beautiful Marengo Ridge Conservation Area (Entrance: 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo) in McHenry County, Illinois. The sky was bright blue. The temperature was in the mid-70s. There was ample birdsong and the steady … Continue reading 9 Things to Do at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area

Thoughts On Chasing the Northern Lights and Other Celestial Phenomena in Chicagoland . . . and 30+ Tips/Resources to Help You Find Them

by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, @FPDCC, astronomy, camping, Chicago, chicago park district, Chicago Parks, Illinois, kids activities, Lake County Illinois attractions, Lake Michigan, MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, skywatching, winter activities

Andrew Morkes reflects on the beauty of celestial phenomena experienced from urban spaces like Chicago. He shares his awe for natural wonders such as the Northern Lights and meteor showers while discussing light pollution's impact. Morkes encourages stargazing as a communal, meditative escape from modern stresses, emphasizing community connections through shared experiences.

Coral Woods Conservation Area: A Splendid Chicagoland Nature Destination in All Seasons

by anders458, posted in birdwatching, conservation, cross-country skiing, fall colors, hiking, Illinois, kids activities, local history, MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, prairies, snowshoeing, spring wildflowers, Uncategorized, winter activities

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

Visit Crabtree Nature Center to Enjoy Top-Notch Hiking Trails, an Outdoor Play Area for Kids, and a Beautiful Nature Center

by anders458, posted in @FPDCC, birdwatching, conservation, fall colors, Forest Preserve of Cook County, hiking, Illinois, kids activities, nature centers, prairies, spring wildflowers, Uncategorized, volunteering, winter activities

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

7 Things to Do at Horseshoe Mound Preserve in the Driftless Region

by anders458, posted in Uncategorized, astronomy, birdwatching, conservation, Driftless Region, fall colors, Galena Illinois, hiking, Illinois, Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, kids activities, prairies, spring wildflowers, winter activities

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