Attractions and Places To See around Highland Park - Top 20

Highland Park, Illinois, offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit Skokie Lagoon No. 3, part of the larger Skokie Lagoons nature preserve, ideal for kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. Another excellent spot is MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve, which showcases the original landscape of the Des Plaines River Valley and is home to diverse plant life and breeding forest birds. Rosewood Beach provides access to Lake Michigan with swimming and a nature cove, while Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve offers stunning lake views, woodlands, and prairies for hiking and birdwatching.

Yes, Highland Park has several family-friendly options. The North Branch Trail is a paved cycleway perfect for family bike rides, winding through forests and fields where you might spot wildlife. Hidden Creek Aquapark features a main pool, water slides, and a splash pad, suitable for all ages. Many of the forest preserves, such as Skokie Lagoon No. 3 and MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve, are also categorized as family-friendly and offer gentle trails and opportunities for nature observation.

The area around Highland Park is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on the North Branch Trail or explore the extensive network of trails for hiking and running. The Des Plaines River Trail, accessible via the Des Plaines River bridge, is popular for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in winter. For more specific routes, you can find easy hikes, cycling tours, and running trails in guides like Easy hikes around Highland Park, Cycling around Highland Park, and Running Trails around Highland Park.

Highland Park, Illinois, offers several cultural and historical sites. The Ravinia Festival is North America's oldest outdoor music festival, hosting a summer-long series of performances. You can also visit the Highland Park Historical Society, housed in the historic Stupey Cabin (built in 1847), to learn about the city's rich past. The Art Center Highland Park provides art classes, workshops, and exhibitions. For more information on the Historical Society, you can visit visitlakecounty.org.

For scenic views, the Skokie Lagoons offer picturesque vistas, especially from spots like Skokie Lagoon No. 3. The Des Plaines River bridge provides a good vantage point over the river. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, while Heller Nature Center features oak-hickory forest, tallgrass prairie, and natural wetlands, all providing beautiful natural backdrops.

If you're out on the trails, Dam Number 1 Woods is an excellent spot to rest and recharge along the Des Plaines River Trail, featuring two sheltered picnic groves. Many of the forest preserves, including MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve, also offer tranquil settings perfect for a break amidst nature.

Yes, the Chicago Botanic Garden is located near Highland Park's southern end. This extensive 385-acre living museum features 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas, showcasing a diverse collection of plant species. It's a significant attraction for those interested in horticulture and natural landscapes.

Highland Park boasts an extensive network of trails. The North Branch Trail is a 20-mile paved cycleway that follows the Chicago River. The Des Plaines River Trail offers a gravel base suitable for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Additionally, two long-distance bike paths, the Skokie Valley Bike Trail and the Robert McClory Bike Path, run through Highland Park. Forest preserves like Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve and The Preserve of Highland Park also feature multi-use and nature trails.

The Preserve of Highland Park, opened in 2022, is a natural area featuring green lawns, nature-based play areas, specialized native gardens, and restored woodlands. It offers walking and biking trails, providing a beautiful space for recreation and connecting with nature. You can find more details about it at visitlakecounty.org.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The paved North Branch Trail is loved for its wildlife viewing and easy cycling. The Skokie Lagoons are popular for their peaceful setting and water activities like kayaking. Many enjoy the preserved forests, such as MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve, for their natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities. The area's blend of accessible trails and serene natural environments is highly valued by the komoot community.

Yes, Sunset Woods Park is a 34-acre park next to downtown that includes nature reserves along with recreational facilities like tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, and a children's playground. The Park District of Highland Park also operates Hidden Creek Aquapark, which is a full-featured water park.