Ryerson Conservation Area Lake County Forest Preserve

 

The 552-acre Preserve offers some of Illinois' most pristine bottomland woodlands plus two small prairie areas and offers 6.5 miles of scenic trails that wind through a deep forest to the quiet Des Plaines River. There are both a nature center and an art center (often with nature-focused exhibits) and two locations with restrooms. One of the top sights in spring for migrants.

Location: Riverwoods (Southeast Lake County)
Best Time of Year: Spring, Fall
Key Species: Spring & Fall Migrants, Warblers, vireos, flycatchers, Pileated & Red-headed Woodpeckers, Barred & Great Horned Owls
Official website