The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in March 2026

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

Author of Beer Hiking Minnesota, Wisconsin, & the Upper Peninsula Discusses Great Nature and Hops Spots

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG AND BOOK Kristen and and her dog Lu on the Sandstone Bluffs Loop Trail, © Kristen Radaich The Upper Midwest (e.g., Minnesota, Wisconsin, Upper Peninsula) is a wild and wonderful place that offers some of the best hiking trails and pristine (or semi-pristine … Continue reading Author of Beer Hiking Minnesota, Wisconsin, & the Upper Peninsula Discusses Great Nature and Hops Spots

The 7 Most-Popular Stories at My Nature in Chicagoland Blog in February 2026

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

Co-author of Beer Hiking Chicago Discusses Great Nature and Hops Spots

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

Dan Ryan Woods: Urban Opportunities for Hiking, Biking, Picnicking, Fitness, and Winter Fun–Plus 20 Places to Hang Out in Beverly After Your Visit

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

The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in January 2026

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. Here is the list of top articles. Click on the link below to access the articles.  1. More Than 20 Indoor … Continue reading The 7 Most-Popular Stories at Nature in Chicagoland in January 2026

My Favorite 32 Photos That I Took Last Year

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

7 Things to Do at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG If you’re looking for great hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wide-open spaces, than Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Deer Park, Illinois, is the spot for you.   I visited Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve on a sunny, late-September day with unseasonable temperatures in the high 80s. The … Continue reading 7 Things to Do at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve

Goodbye 2025…Hello 2026! 

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 2025. I’m grateful to those who take the time to read my stories and correspond with me about nature in Chicagoland. I continue to love writing this blog (which I've … Continue reading Goodbye 2025…Hello 2026! 

The Most-Popular Non-Nature Stories at My “Nature in Chicagoland Blog” in 2025

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF THE "NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND" BLOG I wrote many stories about nature destinations in 2025, but I also explored other topics that were near and dear to my heart including writing about family memories and losses, interviewing talented writers and singers, and celebrating the life of Cubs legend Ryne … Continue reading The Most-Popular Non-Nature Stories at My “Nature in Chicagoland Blog” in 2025