Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook is a part of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. The trail through Fullersburg Woods follows Salt Creek through woods and prairie. In the 1930s, the Forest Preserve was the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. There is a wonderful CCC-built Visitor Center/Nature Center at the beginning of the trail, and a number of CCC-era stone and wood shelters scattered along the way. There are frequent sightings of delightful woodland creatures along the way, and a large variety of migrating and resident birds. The trail leads to Graue Mill and Museum - a working grist mill and a National Historic Landmark. The 10K trail also passes the Oak Brook Public Library, Butler National Golf Course, and Oak Brook Golf Course, using part of the Salt Creek Greenway Trail before returning to Fullersburg Woods.
Walk begins at 10 a.m. Please arrive a few minutes early to register.
Start Location: Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center
3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL
The Chicago Lakefront walk passes all of Chicago's finest attractions - the Museum campus, Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Chicago Water Tower. There are stunning views of the city skyline from the Museum campus. If you have lots of time, book a ticket to the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, or the Adler Planetarium. Navy Pier has many restaurants and a beer garden to enjoy. This is one walk that covers a lot ! Much of the walk is along Lake Michigan - use sunscreen, especially during the summer.
Walk begins at 10 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
Start Location: Hostelling International USA
24 E. Ida B Wells, Chicago, IL
The Downers Grove walk is made up of 2 loops, both of which pass through the downtown area, neighborhoods and village parks. The first loop (5k) also takes you through Maple Grove Forest Preserve, one of the oldest preserves in DuPage County. The second loop (6k) includes Blodgett House - a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Downers Grove History Museum campus, which includes the Blodgett House, has informative displays about the Underground Railroad.Downers Grove is home to about 100 Sears-Roebuck Catalog homes, built using purchased kits between 1908 and 1940.
Walk begins at 9 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
Start Location: Downers Grove Public Library
1050 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL
The trails are on old railroad beds surfaced with crushed gravel and mowed grass. Walks pass through large open fields and restored prairie. On the trails you can view and pass old ammunition bunkers--the remnants of the long-closed Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, the WWII-designed Bailey Bridge, and Midewin's bison herd. Parts of the trail are shared with bicyclists and equestrians.
Walk begins at 10a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
Start Location: Midewin Welcome Center
30239 South Illinois Route 53, Wilmington, IL
The trail will take you into historic neighborhoods and the downtown business area (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). You will walk on the Illinois Michigan Canal path, along the Illinois River, over a unique boardwalk, and into a city park. The trail is on paved walkways & roads. The Illinois Michigan Canal path is gravel.
Walk begins at 10a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
Start Location: Morris Public Library
604 Liberty Street, Morris, IL
We will meet at the Wheaton Public Library to register for the walk. We will then drive to Cantigny (about 4 miles away) to walk through the park and gardens.
Walk begins at 10a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
Start Location: Wheaton Public Library
225 N Cross Street, Wheaton, IL
The Chicago Gold Coast walk takes you on Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue past the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. The 10K option continues over the Chicago River along the Magnificent Mile to the Gold Coast neighborhood. Gracious townhomes line the streets leading to the Chicago History Museum. The 5K option will take you along Chicago's new Riverwalk to LaSalle Street, Chicago's center for government and finance. Strollers may find Riverwalk option difficult due to stairs.
Walk begins at 10 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
Start Location: Hostelling International USA
24 E. Ida B Wells, Chicago, IL