4.5Skokie Lagoons(21 reviews) - beautiful nature preserve Bodies of Water • Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Currently there are no permanent restrooms or drinking fountains. When the new, full-service boathouse is built, it will have those amenities plus canoe and kayak rental, outdoor tables, etc. Meanwhile, enjoy in season the trails and paths, fishing, bird watching, model boat area, cross-country skiing, dog-friendly areas, canoe and kayak use, and so on. This area was a huge marsh which was part of the traditional lands of the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes. These native lands were ceded to the federal government by a series of treaties. The Cook County Forest Preserve system acquired the land in 1920. The seven lagoons were created by public works projects that began during the Depression in order to control flooding, eliminate a serious mosquito problem, and increase recreational opportunities. See my August 2017 review for more details.See more..
The North Branch Trail runs approximately 20 miles along the North Branch of the Chicago River. The trail winds along the Chicago River past the Skokie Lagoons and through forest preserves. But I did not get much views of the river when I biked the north six-miles of the trail. At the north end of the trail, the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, is a pleasant excursion. A bike rider can park the bike at the entrance and have a free entry to the fabulous garden. The north section of the trail also features a ~4-mile loop around Skokie Lagoons and Erickson Woods. The loop’s west side runs along I-94 and highway traffic is quite noisy; the eastern side of the loop provides a more peaceful experience as it winds through the woods, though it is more hilly. The North Branch Trail has plenty of amenities, with parking lots, bathrooms, and picnic areas. Though several road crossings occur along the way, they are well-marked and have adequate safety measures. It is a very enjoyable trail.See more..
