The Fort Sheridan Loop Trail In Illinois Takes You From A Cemetery To The Beach And Back
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 14, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
We all know how pretty Illinois can be, especially on a hike with stunning views. If views are what you’re looking for, head over to Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve for a hike with both breathtaking views and a bit of history. It’s a place where you can learn something while enjoying the scenery.
Park at Fort Sheridan Cemetery where you can pick up the trail. The cemetery itself was established in 1889, close to the time when Fort Sheridan was founded. Here you'll find gravesites of veterans from the Civil War and WWII, among other wars and conflicts.
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve protects 250 acres of savanna, woodlands, ravines, bluffs, and beach. With its wonderfully diverse landscapes, you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including hundreds of bird species.
The Fort Sheridan Loop is an easy 1.9-mile trail that experiences heavy foot traffic. Along the way, you can enjoy a river, forest, prairie, Lake Michigan, and several interpretive signs. It's a great trail to use year-round, offering a lot in terms of recreation, history, and scenery.
In the warmer weather, wildflowers are in bloom along the trail. Among the recreation visitors can enjoy are fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. It's also an ideal spot for birdwatching.
Along the hike, you'll find several interpretive signs with information about the Fort's history and what was once here, including this former airfield.
The trail eventually leads to the shores of Lake Michigan where you can spend some time taking in the beautiful views, sit and relax on the beach, or walk along the shoreline.
When you've had your fill of Lake Michigan and the beach, get back on the trail which will loop around and back to Fort Sheridan Cemetery. If you haven't yet walked around this historic cemetery, you should before you leave. Both the forest preserve and cemetery are beautiful and fascinating pieces of history.
Have you taken this loop trail at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve? What is your favorite forest preserve in Illinois? Let us know in the comments! For Fort Sheridan Loop Trail information, head to the webpage on AllTrails.
If you’re in the mood to visit another forest preserve with gorgeous scenery and historical sites, read our coverage on the Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton.
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