Six things to do at the forest preserves in February
Families looking for something to do as winter seems to linger have many options through the Lake County Forest Preserves. There are possibilities that provide educational alternatives or opportunities for a little exercise. Here are some options for events in February.
- Discover a variety of habitats and information on a guided tour at Ray Lake, 23275 W. Erhart Road, Wauconda. "Walk with a Naturalist" takes place from 9 to 10:30 am, Saturday, February 2, at the 1,010-acre preserve once known as Ray Lake Farm. The land was originally acquired by the Ray family in 1958 for breeding and raising pure bred Angus beef cattle. As a symbol of the land's former use, the original Ray Lake Farm cattle statue remains atop a stone tower to greet visitors as they enter the preserve.
- "Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home Public Tours" take place Tuesday, February 5, at the Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home, 25200 N. St. Mary's Road, Mettawa. Visitors are welcome to celebrate Adlai E. Stevenson II Day in Illinois by dropping in any time between 12:30-4:30 pm to learn about the Illinois governor and ambassador to the United Nations. The home is a National Historic Landmark. It was donated to the Forest Preserves in 1974. Tours require registration. The cost is $5 for Lake County residents and $7 for nonresidents.
- "Homeschool Companion: Potawatomi Lifeways" provides participants an opportunity to learn about the daily lives of Native people in the area in the early 19th century, the impact of the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, and the continuance of Native cultures today. The event, for children ages 5-12, runs from 10 to 11:30 am, Wednesday, February 6, at the Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. The cost is $5 for Lake County residents and $7 for nonresidents.
"Hikin' Tykes: Voles" is geared for preschoolers with an adult. Children will listen to a nature-based story, participate in hands-on activities, do a craft and explore the outdoors, weather permitting. The event runs from 9:30 to 10:45 am, Tuesday, February 12, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children.
- "History Hacked: Lincoln's Lantern" is a program taking place from 11 to 11:30 am, Tuesday, February 12, at the Dunn Museum. Visitors are invited to gather on Lincoln's birthday to learn about an object in the Dunn Museum collections that was once owned by Lincoln, his connections to Lake County and Lake County's role in the Civil War. Registration is required for the event that is $3 for seniors and $6 for adults.
- "Playdate with Nature" takes place from 1 to 2:30 pm, Monday, February 18, at the Lakewood-Winter Sports Area, 27277 Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda. The event is free and open to children of all ages. Adult supervision is required.
Before attending, program participants are asked to visit LCFPD.org/calendar or call 847-968-3321 for registration requirements, program updates and cancellations.
For a full list of winter events and activities, visit LCFPD.org. To receive announcements via email about snow-dependent education and recreation programs in the forest preserves, contact jsazama@LCFPD.org.