Old School Forest Preserve in Lake County, Libertyville, Illinois
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One of our most popular spots, offering miles of trails, great bass fishing and secluded picnic spots in the heart of Lake County. Old School's sled hill is one of the most popular features of this preserve and can be seen from I-94.
Trails
Gravel trails, a paved roadway trail and a fitness trail are available here.
Gravel: A 2.7-mile loop trail explores woods and prairies and is open for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. A portion of this loop is part of the Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT). The 1-mile lake loop trail encircles the lake and is open to for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. The 1.2-mile fitness trail is open only to foot traffic and offers workout stations that build strength and endurance.
Paved: 1.5-mile roadway trail winds through the preserve offers a special one-way lane popular for biking and in-line skating. It is also open to hikers.
Please keep dogs leashed and on trails at all times, and pick up after them. Learn about our off-leash Dog Parks (permit required).
The Des Plaines River Trail winds through this preserve and is open to hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. From Old School you can make your way south to Lincolnshire without crossing any major roads.
History
This land was acquired in parcels between 1974 and 1976. The preserve and nearby Old School Road each got their name from the now-defunct Bradley School, which stood near the preserve's southeast corner. The school began as a log cabin in 1873. Learn more »
The Natural Scene
Large oaks dominate these woodlands that blend with small prairies. This landscape resembles what Lake County looked like when it was first settled. Bluebirds, foxes and screech owls are just a few of the animals living here. Time one of your visits to coincide with the August peak of prairie flowers blooming. You'll be treated to a rainbow of colors, ranging from golden alexanders to purple milkweed. Learn more »
Location
The entrance is on Saint Mary's Road south of Route 176 and north of Route 60 (Townline Road).
Lake County Forest Preserves
Sandhill Crane Population Growing Lake County Illinois Forest Preserves
Humans aren't the only ones to migrate south during the winter. Sandhill Cranes make the journey every spring and fall and select the northern Illinois suburbs as one of their destinations. This year their presence in the Lake County Forest Preserves is plentiful -- the environment is perfect for their summer home or as stopover for points north.
In this segment of ALL ABOUT ANIMALS, Jen Berlinghof, Environmental Educator at Lake County Forest Preserves,explains the lifecycle of the Sandhill Crane -- from birth to courtship to family development. Migration patterns are shown as well as actual birds on display at their education center.
Learn more at LCFPD.org or by arranging a visit or tour at their Deerfield, IL center by calling 847-968-3322.
Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake, Illinois (Lake County Forest Preserves)
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Brae Loch Golf Club is a fun, challenging 18-hole, par-70 course with mature trees and sweeping vistas that provides a quality golf experience for all skill levels. This player-friendly, relaxed golfing environment boasts beautiful, subtle rolling terrain. Although golf carts are available for use, Brae Loch is ideal for the walking golfer.
Brae Loch is recognized for its environment stewardship by Audubon International as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Endorsed by the United State Golf Association, Audubon International promotes sustainable resource management throughout the United States and internationally.
Brae Loch Golf Course in Grayslake can be used exclusively for private golf outings. This is the first time we are offering to close the course and clubhouse to the public on a Saturday while an outing takes place, said golf operations manager Alex Eichman. Depending on the event size, the course could be closed for the morning, afternoon, or all day. Our trained staff will be available to give 100 percent attention to making the outing a success, Eichman said. All three Lake County Forest Preserves golf courses, including Countryside in Mundelein and ThunderHawk in Beach Park are available for outings. Groups can range in size from small corporate or private outings, to full-course tournaments. Outings include premium golf with cart, bag drop service, driving range use (where available), 30-minute group golf clinic, event setup, scoring and experienced staff assistance. For more information or to reserve an event, call 847-968-3102
School’s Out for Summer! What’s happening in Lake County?
Lake County (IL) has so much to offer for outdoor family fun this summer from 75 lakes, 100+ beaches, 500 miles of trails and bikeways, our beautiful forest preserves, and of course Great America, festivals and farmer’s markets! In this video, we visit the local gem of Illinois Beach State Park, which stretches for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in Northern Lake County. Maureen Riedy, President of the Lake County Visitor's Bureau, gives an update on all the exciting things going on in Lake County this summer.
Learn More at:
lakecountyil.gov
visitlakecounty.org
Volo Bog State Natural Area: Lake County
If you're looking for a truly unique outdoor adventure, head for Volo Bog State Natural Area in northeastern Illinois. Just 45 miles northwest of Chicago in Lake County, this natural area contains Volo Bog, the only quaking bog in Illinois to have an open water center.
Lake County Forest Preserves Summer Camps
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Illinois Adventure #1408 Lake County Discovery Museum
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Sledding at Lakewood Park, Lake County Forest Preserves, Wauconda, Illinois, round 2
Perfect snow, perfect weather..
Nature Walk in a Lake County, Illinois forest perserve.
On my weekly walk down the gravel covered paths in one of Lake County's forest perserve, I see many different birds bathing in a creak and a bit more.
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Daybreak Farms in Libertyville, Illinois
Just as nature intended it to be, describes Daybreak Farms in Libertyville. This is a planned community of single-family homes situated on 88 acres. The densely wooded subdivision is bordered by Lake County forest preserves and offers its residents a sense of community.There are paths that meander through the development, ponds for tranquility, and a private tennis court. The open space will beckon you to explore the walking paths, bike trails, and nearby equestrian facilities. Imagine the spectacular sunrises and sunsets you will experience! Daybreak Farms has easy access to I-94 and all major shopping centers.
For more information visit:
Chicago Neighborhoods - Libertyville
The village of Libertyville is located in south central Lake County, near Lake Michigan and just outside Chicago. Offering an excellent mix of residential charm and modern amenities, Libertyville was named one of the best places to live by CNN, as well as one of America’s best small town comebacks.
Learn more at BairdWarner.com
Feb bass fishing in northern illinois when the lake should be iced in tight.
Winter fishing
Lake County Pools and Lake County Parks
Lake County Pools and Lake County Parks. Lake County is the home of two state parks: the Illinois Beach State Park in Zion located on Lake Michigan and the Chain O’Lakes State Park in Spring Grove. We have 170 lakes and rivers, plus nearly 30,000 acres of land to explore at the Lake County Forest Preserves. A local favorite hot spot for outdoor recreation is Independence Grove. Next weekend, be sure to take advantage of all of the natural beauty Lake County has to offer! Adler Park
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Captain Daniel Wright Woods
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Century Park
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Century Park Sled Hill
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Chain O' Lakes State Park Riding Stable
The Chain O' Lakes State Park Riding Stable invites you to Come Ride With Us. Listen...You can hear the rhythm of your horse against the backdrop of
Liberty Lakes: Luxury Home Tour of Single Family Models at Liberty Lakes in Wauconda, IL
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Music by Kevin MacLeod
Liberty Lakes in Wauconda, IL by K Hovnanian Homes: Discover a beautiful new home in a relaxed natural setting at Liberty Lakes! A beautiful master planned community with over 900 single-family homes, Liberty Lakes is located in north suburban Wauconda. The scenic natural landscape of northern Lake County is a perfect backdrop to the community's exceptional outdoor amenities -- including numerous walking and biking paths, playgrounds, and even tennis courts. Plus, you'll enjoy unlimited recreation with Bangs Lake, Lakewood Forest Preserve, Singing Hills Forest Preserve, many local golf courses, and Wauconda Park District parks and facilities all close by. You can even get out and go horseback riding! But that's just the beginning of life at Liberty Lakes. With eight amazing single-family floor plans -- including a stylish ranch model -- you're sure to find just the right home design to fit your needs and lifestyle. Learn more about Liberty Lakes now (link to community page), then stop by to see everything that this wonderful community has to offer... and why Liberty Lakes' homes continue to be among Chicagoland's best sellers.
Bike ride. Nippersink Forest Preserve Lake County, IL
Bike ride on Nippersink trails.
Cannondale M300
Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
We visited this park on July 5th, 2010. We rented pedal-boats in the lake. There were too many mosquitos in the trails, so we decided not to hike any further.
Burnidge Forest Preserve Elgin Illinois 2017
Nicor is building a gas pipeline thru this forest preserve.