Science & Nature
Party With Pelicans, Take a Dramatic Hike or Step Back Into the Ice Age: 6 Picks for Outdoor Weekend Fun
This week’s “Pick Six” — our weekly roundup of outdoorsy recommendations in each of the Chicago region’s six counties — ranges from a cool glacial remnant to a theatrical production that doubles as a hike.
COOK COUNTY: Party for the Preserves
(Forest Preserve District of Cook County / Facebook)
The Cook County forest preserves are throwing a party — actually a bunch of parties — on Saturday in celebration of National Public Lands Day, and everyone’s invited.
Seven sites spread across the county will host activities, including a community powwow at Caldwell Woods; canoeing and a night hike at Camp Bullfrog Lake; fall flower walks at River Trail Nature Center; and salsa dancing at Thatcher Woods.
Click here for more details on locations and events.
DUPAGE COUNTY: Walking Plays at Morton Arboretum
(Morton Arboretum / Facebook)
For people who like to multitask, Morton Arboretum’s walking plays combine theater and hiking.
Scenes of “The Grimmest Tales” — a full-length play that explores the dark side of the Brothers Grimm — are staged at various locations throughout the arboretum, with audience members walking to each new backdrop.
Catch the play Saturday or Sunday at 4 p.m. Click here for more information on tickets, which also include admission to the arboretum.
KANE COUNTY: Harvest of the Acorn Moon Festival
(Dmitrij Galacewicz / iStock)
It’s beginning to feel a lot like fall, and you know what that means: harvest festivals.
Kane County forest preserves’ annual family-friendly fest at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora pulls out all the stops: pumpkin painting, hayrides, music, games, crafts, refreshments and more.
The event runs noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, but food, drinks and activities will cost you. Click here for more info.
LAKE COUNTY: Hike Lake County
Lace up your sneakers and hit the trails this weekend.
Lake County’s fall walking program is in full stride, with a dozen trails to choose from in the annual challenge. Complete at least seven of them by Nov. 30 and earn a commemorative medallion — this year’s design features 2024’s biggest celebrity: a periodical cicada.
Click here for more info on Hike Lake County, including trail maps and how to log your hikes.
MCHENRY COUNTY: Glacial Throwback at Moraine Hills State Park
Glaciers left their mark on Illinois mostly by flattening a good portion of the state, but one cool Ice Age remnant is Lake Defiance in Moraine Hills State Park. The 48-acre lake formed when a piece of ice broke free from the main glacier and melted. Today, it retains much of its original natural condition.
A nearly four-mile trail circles the lake, which is located near the center of the park.
Other features to explore at 2,200-acre Moraine Hills include Pike Marsh and Leatherleaf Bog. Both are dedicated nature preserves, demonstrating high-quality habitats.
WILL COUNTY: Pelican Party
Pelicans are making a pit stop in Will County as they head south for the winter, and that’s as good a reason as any for a party.
Head to the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a fun-filled afternoon of pelican watching, plus games and activities for the whole family.
The event is free, no registration required. Click here for more information, including the schedule of pelican presentations.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
