Straddling The Illinois-Indiana Border, This Enchanting Forest Preserve Is One Of The Most Unique Places You'll Ever Visit
By Linze Rice|Published May 04, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Along the western edge of Chicago is a magical place straight out of Snow White, where you can walk among the birds, deer, and rabbits all living in harmony within a beautiful forest. Situated right between the city’s South Side and Indiana’s Wolf Lake, this parcel of land has undergone restoration projects that have protected its unique character, setting it up for future generations to enjoy. With its trails, groves, forests, and marshes, it just may be the most unique park in Chicago, Illinois.
Eggers Grove, located at E. 112th St. and S. Ave E, is a stunning forest preserve that sits along the line of Chicago and Hammond, Indiana.
A 3.4-mile trail loop that guides you from Eggers Grove to Wolf Lake meanders along the Illiana state line, taking you through several different striking environments.
This trail is generally considered easy and takes about an hour to complete. But do note that only about the first 1.6 miles are paved.
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Eggers is a unique park that was once underwater as part of the former Lake Chicago. Today it's home to abundant wildlife and an array of vast habitats — from wetlands and marshes to open green spaces, dense forestry, and fields of wildflowers.
From Spring til late Fall, the park is an idyllic outdoor setting that's great for hiking, walking, and running. Photographers will also enjoy the changing landscapes found throughout the grounds.
There are also wide open green spaces perfect for picnicking or enjoying some time in the sunshine. The park has three groves and two shelters, which can accommodate between 150-399 at each site.
The large marsh is home to a number of waterfowl, including the rare Virginia rails. In fact, it's one of the few remaining local habitats for the bird.
Eagle-eyed birders can also catch glimpses of yellow warblers, song sparrows, red-eyed vireos, eastern kingbirds, and gray catbirds.
The wildlife here is absolutely incredible, so you'll likely encounter a few friends. Frogs and toads, swans, ducks, geese, rabbits, birds, snakes, and squirrels all call this land home.
Have you ever spent time in Eggers Grove? What’s your favorite thing about the park? Do you think it’s the most unique park in Chicago, Illinois? Tell us in the comments. Start planning your trip now by visiting the Eggers Grove website. After working up an appetite, try checking out this South Side barbecue hotspot. Still in the mood for exploring Chicago parks? Stop by this South Side natural wonder.
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