Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, Illinois, United States
4.5 (25 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Lake County Nature & Wildlife Areas
connect to nature
Lately I have become interested in a Japanese outdoor wellness practice called "shinrin-yoku". It translates as "to bathe in the atmosphere of forest" and provides stress relief and relaxation. The tranquil paths of Ryerson are the perfect location for this. Park at Brushwood or the Visitors' Center and choose a path into the Conservation Center. You will immediately find yourself in quiet surroundings where you can easily expand your connection to nature through your senses. I have been coming to Ryerson for decades, but COVID-restricted lifestyle changes have made me appreciate this place even more. Perhaps I'll see you there. I'll be the one in the "Ryerson helped me survive the pandemic" T-shirt. See my earlier reviews (January 12, 2013; October 39, 2016; October 14, 2019; and April 16, 2020) for more details.
Address
21950 N Riverwoods Rd, Riverwoods, IL 60015-1603
Mobile
Website
http://www.lcfpd.org/preserves/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&object
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 2:55
User Ratings
4.5 based on (25 reviews)
Reviews
-
5biztravelerChicago 5:00 PM Jan 10, 2014
Urban oasis
The former country estate of steel magnate Edward Ryerson, the serene grounds are now maintained by the Lake County Forest Preserve District and populated by deer, foxes, snapping turtles, and a phenomenal array of birds. Especially delightful early in the morning, the easy walking trails wind through woods, where you're likely to see deer moving through, and open fields alive with bees and butterflies. Home of documented rattlesnake "roundups" in the 1930s, the snakes are still seen today, albeit extremely rarely. A visitor's center and a working farm are there along with reproduction early settlers' cabins. The sugar maples are tapped in early spring for making syrup in kettles over open fires. All in all, an understated, utterly uncommercial delight.
-
5illinois travelere 5:00 PM Oct 28, 2016
free family fun
We saw quite a few families enjoying the many activities at Ryerson....especially all the gorgeous fall photo ops! Today the resident screech owl was meeting and greeting in the Welcome Center, Because of an eye injury, she cannot survive in the wild, so she lives at Ryerson. Her protective coloration is striking -- and watching her turn her head 270 degrees is fascinating. Owls have fixed eye sockets, so since they can't move their eyes, they have to turn their heads, Exorcist-style. Another great activity was to get a free container of food (limit one per family per visit) at the Center to feed the chickens and sheep. It was a perfect day to hike the leaf-covered trails to the Des Plaines river.
