Where you can snowshoe in Chicago suburbs
Here is a sampling of some upcoming snowshoe activities at forest preserves in the Chicago suburbs.
Wonders of Winter10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Mayslake, Forest Preserve District of DuPage. Try ice fishing, geocaching, snowshoeing and other ways to enjoy the outdoors in winter. Go on a nature hike or horse-drawn hayride, and then warm up with indoor activities as you talk with rangers, naturalists and volunteers about forest preserve plants, animals and programs. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Questions? Call (630) 933-7248.
Snowshoe Hike1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 or Sunday, Feb. 21. Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest, Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Enjoy a guided nature hike on snowshoes if there's 4 inches of snow (or on foot if not). Family program. Registration required. Space is limited. Call Trailside at (708) 366-6530. Cost: Free
Snowshoe Hike1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at Herrick Lake, Forest Preserve District of DuPage. Hear about the history of snowshoeing, and pick up basic safety tips. Then, step into a pair of snowshoes and hit the trail with a ranger. Bring your own snowshoes to this free program or rent a pair (50- to 225-pound capacity) for $8 per person. Ages 10 and up; under 18 with an adult. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
Snowshoe Hike1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7. River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Enjoy a guided nature hike on snowshoes if there's 4 inches of snow (or on foot if not). Equipment limited. Register at least two days prior. Space is limited. Call Trailside at (708) 366-6530. Free.
Winter Walk Wednesdays10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Fox Lake, or Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Lyons Woods. Keep active outdoors in the colder months with these walks. Experience the wonders of the winter season. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather. Trails may be snow-covered, uneven, and slippery. Wear sturdy, warm boots or snowshoes. Free no registration required.
Romantic Night Hike7-9 p.m. Feb. 13 at Fullersburg Woods, Forest Preserve District of DuPage. Enjoy a lantern-lit, self-guided walk through the woods with your sweetheart; then, warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire. Bring your own gear or rent snowshoes (up to 225-pound capacity) for an additional $8 per person. Adults only. $7.50 per person. Register online or at (630) 850-8112.
Snowshoe Trekking10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 13 or Feb. 27, Camp Bullfrog Lake, Willow Springs, Forest Preserve District of Cook County. There's no better way to experience the preserves in the winter than by snowshoe. Come on out and try our snowshoes (conditions permitting) for free. Open to the public. No registration required. Check facebook.com/campincook for snow conditions and updates. Snow conditions at each campground will be updated by 9 a.m. on these Saturdays. Free.
Snowshoe Hike for Active Adults9-11 a.m. Feb. 17 at Wood Dale Grove, Forest Preserve District of DuPage. Hear about the history of snowshoeing, and pick up basic safety tips. Then, step into a pair of snowshoes, and hit the trail with a ranger. Bring your own snowshoes to this free program or rent a pair (up- to 225-pound capacity) for $8 per person. Ages 50 and up. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
St. James Farm After Dark6-8 p.m. Feb. 19 or March 25 at St. James Farm, Forest Preserve District of DuPage. Snowshoe or ski past illuminated historic buildings as you listen for sounds of nighttime wildlife. Cap off the evening with hot cocoa or cider. Bring your own gear to this free program or rent snowshoes (50- to 225-pound capacity) for $8 per person. All ages; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register online or at (630) 580-7025.
Winter Nature Walk/Snowshoe5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, Grassy Lake, Forest Preserve of Lake County. Enjoy a guided nature walk on the trail to the kame top overlook and back. Learn about winter adaptations and possibly hear hoots or howls. Trail is approximately 2-miles round-trip and may be snow-covered, uneven, and slippery. Warm, sturdy boots or snowshoes recommended. Snowshoes not provided. Meet in the parking lot on the north side of Kelsey Road. For adults, families with children 6 and up. Cost ranges from $3 to $8.
Winter Exploration DaysNoon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Rolling Knolls, Elgin, Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Get outside and enjoy winter in the preserves. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy snowshoe nature hikes and sledding (weather permitting). We'll also have winter crafts, a campfire and more. All ages. Free.