Exploring This Small Town Park In Illinois Is The Definition Of An Underrated Adventure
By Rachel Pfutzenreuter|Published November 12, 2023
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Rachel Pfutzenreuter
Author
Rachel lives just north of Chicago, she has two boys and a dog named Sky. She is always planning her next trip, and loves to help friends, family, and her readers find their next adventure.
Let’s hear it for new parks that we have stumbled upon in our travels! And for the ones that are right under our noses. Lake County, Illinois is home to a number of forest preserves. Today we are showcasing Van Patten Woods. Exploring this small-town park in Illinois is the definition of an underrated adventure.
Wadsworth, Illinois is north of Chicago. This is where we discover the 975-acre Van Patten Woods.
Hike the five miles of trails, including the 1.7-mile yellow trail loop - or bike, ride your horse, and ski the paths. Pick up the Des Plaines River Trail.
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Did you know there are six canoe launches along the Des Plaines River throughout the Lake Country Forest Preserves? Paddle down the river or fish from the shore.
Van Patten's Russell Road is one of the launches - east of Route 41 and west of Green Bay Road/Route 131. Teens can join Conservation Explorers for paddling and an overnight campout event. Spot blue herons and sandpipers. Beavers are active all winter.
Spot frogs, or an eagle. In May and June, watch for turtles crossing the road - leaving the water to lay eggs on dry land and making the return trip in the summer and fall.
With a lake, a river, hiking trails, and a playground, we will have plenty to do.
I am thrilled to be able to add a new adventure in my home state. Exploring this small-town park in Illinois is the definition of an underrated adventure – to Van Patten Woods and beyond. Visit the Van Patten Woods website.
