1. The Morton Arboretum
Open 365 days a year, this stunning outdoor destination features 1,700 acres of trees, gardens, and natural landscapes to explore. The Morton Arboretum offers nine miles of scenic roads and 16 miles of walking and hiking trails, making it one of the most popular places for outdoor recreation in DuPage County.
Visitors can wander through woodlands, prairies, and award-winning gardens while discovering plant collections from around the world. Don’t miss Vivid Creatures, a colorful art exhibit featuring larger-than-life animals that highlight species important to the Illinois ecosystem.
2. Winfield Riverwalk
The Winfield Riverwalk offers a scenic connection from Downtown Winfield to the DuPage River, as well as nearby Winfield Mounds and West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve. Along the way, visitors can enjoy trail amenities including yard games, fitness stations, and plenty of natural beauty, making it a great spot for a relaxing walk outdoors in DuPage County.
3. Illinois Prairie Path
DuPage County is home to the first successful rail-to-trail conversion in the United States, the Illinois Prairie Path. Stretching more than 60 miles, with nearly 40 miles in DuPage, this popular trail connects communities, quaint downtowns, forest preserves, and scenic walking and biking routes throughout the region.
4. Blackwell Forest Preserve
One of DuPage County’s most popular forest preserves, Blackwell has been repeatedly voted among the best in Chicago’s western suburbs. Spanning more than 1,300 acres of gently rolling terrain, the preserve offers scenic trails that connect to the DuPage River and the Illinois Prairie Path, making it a great option for hiking and exploring the outdoors in DuPage County.
5. St. James Farm Forest Preserve
Once a retreat for the famed McCormick family, this nearly 600-acre forest preserve is now home to some of the most scenic trails in DuPage County. The versatile trail system connects to the Illinois Prairie Path and is popular with bikers, cross-country skiers, horseback riders, and hikers alike. Along the way, visitors can discover preserved farm structures that share the rich history of the property.
6. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
Scenic lake views and peaceful natural surroundings make this preserve a favorite for outdoor recreation in DuPage County. The seven-mile trail system at Herrick Lake connects to Danada Forest Preserve as part of the Danada–Herrick Regional Trail and links to several nearby forest preserves. Visitors can also enjoy canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals on the lake, making it easy to turn a hike into a full day outdoors.
7. Kline Creek Farm
Nestled within Timber Ridge Forest Preserve, this unique destination pairs scenic trails with living history. The preserve’s two miles of trails lead to Kline Creek Farm, a living museum that brings 19th-century farming to life. Visitors can see farm animals, historic buildings, and demonstrations of traditional farming activities, offering an interesting change of scenery along a peaceful walk through nature.
8. Waterfall Glen
Known for the scenic Rocky Glen Waterfall and the Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, this popular forest preserve features 11 miles of trails winding through gently rolling to hilly terrain. Consistently ranked among the best places for hiking near Chicago, the preserve is also home to more than 300 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles, making it a great destination for both hiking and wildlife spotting.
9. Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve
Covering more than 3,000 acres, this forest preserve is the largest in DuPage County and connects to James “Pate” Philip State Park. More than 1,000 plant species create an ever-changing landscape as visitors hike, ski, bike, or ride on horseback along more than 12 miles of trails. The preserve’s trail system also connects to the Illinois Prairie Path, making it a great option for extended outdoor adventures.
10. Greene Valley Forest Preserve
Spanning more than 1,300 acres, this scenic forest preserve offers wide open landscapes and miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can climb the preserve’s scenic overlook mound, one of the highest points in DuPage County, for sweeping views of the surrounding prairies and woodlands. With peaceful trails and expansive natural areas, Greene Valley is a great place to explore the outdoors in DuPage County.
If you are taking your furry friend(s) to a local forest preserve, please check the preserve website for dog-walking and off-leash dog area rules. Make sure you also share your adventures with us by tagging @discoverdupage on Instagram and using the hashtag #dogsofdupage and #discoverdupage.