18 Outdoors- Other to Explore in DuPage County

Belmont Prairie, is one of the best preserved tallgrass prairies in the Midwest and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It's grassland ecosystem encompasses plants native to northern Illinois along with wildflowers, shrubs, and oak savanna trees. This area has been recognized as a National Natural Landmark due to its significant biodiversity and contains an abundance of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern.

The Blackwell Forest Preserve is a natural oasis amidst the everyday hustle and bustle of suburbia. It's the perfect escape for outdoor lovers searching for large expanses of greenery and rolling hills. The preserve comprises 500 acres of forest landscapes which include small streams, winding trails, wetlands, prairies and two recreational lakes. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as biking, birdwatching, fishing and even horseback riding on the 20-mile stretch of trails.

The Chicago Golf Club is a prestigious golf club established in 1892, it has been a leader in the Midwestern golf community for over 120 years. With a challenging yet beautiful championship course designed by the legendary C.B Macdonald and Seth Raynor, this club is perfect for all levels of play. In addition to its stellar main course, the Chicago Golf Club offers a number of additional amenities including practice areas on teaching greens, bunkers for practicing sand play shots.

The Elmhurst Park District offers a stunning collection of parks and recreational opportunities. Spanning hundreds of acres, visitors enjoy 26 unique community parks, 4 playgrounds and 3 separate dog parks for their four-legged friends. In addition to these attractions, there are also several lakes, athletic fields, tennis courts and an aquatic center all within the park district's boundaries.

Fullersburg Woods, is a picturesque nature preserve full of lush forestry and wildlife. The preserve's 500 acres feature a variety of trees and shrubbery, including oak-hickory woods, black walnut-white ash woods, and dense woodbands. The sights and sounds of nature are around every corner as visitors can enjoy the songbirds, warblers, and more that thrive there. Hiking trails provide access to the diverse topography of Fullersburg Woods.

Great Western Trail is a tranquil and beautiful trail spanning 24 miles. The path winds past lush fields and forests, wetlands, creeks, and more, providing an abundance of unique sights along the entire journey. Cyclists, hikers, runners and nature lovers alike will all find something to appreciate on the trail - from its vast array of flora and fauna to its charming bridges. It's easy to lose track of time as one soaks in their surroundings amid the peacefulness of this rural area.

Greene Valley, is a naturally beautiful spot. Just 35 miles away from downtown Chicago, it is home to verdant woodlands, meadows full of wildflowers, and serene meandering rivers. Greene Valley is one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets—an oasis of peace and tranquility surrounded by sprawling cities. Whether you feel like catching some fresh air on a hike through the forest or going fishing along the riverbanks, this hidden gem has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts.

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Centered around the scenic Herrick Lake, the preserve offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can take advantage of bird watching, kayaking, fishing, nature trails, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, several playgrounds make it perfect for families looking to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

The Illinois Prairie Path is a scenic 61-mile trail of crushed limestone spanning DuPage County. It was the first rails-to-trails conversion in the nation and has become a local favorite for both visitors and locals. Almost 70% of the path winds through forest preserves, nature centers, parks, and wetlands. It offers spectacular scenery ranging from wildflowers in bloom to colorful autumn foliage, making it a great spot for sightseeing year-round.

Lake Ellyn is a stunning and tranquil escape situated on the western edge of Glen Ellyn. Part of the 160-acre Lake Ellyn Park, the lake offers a picturesque stretch of shoreline with plenty to do for visitors. During warm days, residents flock to take advantage of its plethora of recreational opportunities including fishing, paddle-boating, and savoring their picnic lunches at one of the 13 shaded pavilions that line the water's edge.

Lilacia Park is a beautiful public park nestled in the center of town. It covers an area of 4.3 acres, and offers a variety of activities such as strolling paths, gardens, sculpture exhibits and more. It's well-known for its blooming lilacs which bloom twice per year: once in April and again in June. Visitors can stroll through the formal gardens or admire the statuary scattered throughout the grounds. In addition to lilac displays, visitors enjoying a walk can find plenty of other flower beds.

The Mayslake Peabody Estate is a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. Originally built as a private estate for coal-baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, it was renovated and opened as a public facility in the 1990s. Today, visitors can explore more than 87 acres of old-growth oak woodland and enjoy plenty of amenities like nature trails and an arboretum. This grand estate also offers exquisite architecture in its main manor house along with other charming buildings.

McDowell Grove, is a stunning natural park that makes for a great escape any time of the year. Surrounded by nearly 400 acres of lush and diverse landscape, visitors can explore breathtaking trails that wind through trees and along the banks of Salt Creek. This part also offers plentiful recreational amenities: fishing opportunities at McDowell Lake, picnic groves, a large playground and even a nature center where you can learn about the wildlife and plantlife that inhabit the area.

Standing tall in the grounds of the Millennium Carillon in DuPage County, Illinois is a magnificent tower composed of 72 bronze bells. Discovered in 1999 and officially inaugurated on December 31st 2000, this impressive carillon is the tallest in North America at 155 feet (47 meters). It also covers more than two octaves, making it much larger – both tonally and visually – than other carillons. Visitors are frequently entranced by its beauty, not to mention its serene melodic ringing.

Naper Settlement is a living history museum that is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Naperville. The settlement sits on 12 acres of land and features 25 restored buildings from the 19th century. Visitors to the village are able to step back in time as interpreters dressed in period clothing complete household tasks and demonstrate historical crafts like butter churning or blacksmithing.

The Naperville Park District is a unique park facility that offers residents an integrated network of parks and recreational activities. Covering more than 3,500 acres, the district offers a diverse range of activities such as golf courses, fishing sites, fitness centers, sports fields, baby pools and playgrounds. The district prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and provides many opportunities for people to come together within its network of parks.

This Preserve is a sprawling wonderland of nature and wildlife. The majority of the preserve consists of high-quality prairie and wetland habitats, with an abundance of native plants and animals. Situated along the east branch of the DuPage River, the forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. It also includes trails that are lined with historic oak savannas from before European settlement.

This Riverwalk is a beautiful outdoor facility that the whole family can enjoy. Boasting over 5 miles of walking paths and bridges, visitors to this popular oasis have the opportunity to take in stunning views of the scenically winding DuPage River. Additionally, the park offers several attractions and amenities – rent a bike or a paddleboat along the riverbank, grab a bite at one of the numerous restaurants nearby, or just sit back and relax under sprawling trees with colorful landscaping.