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Bellwood

Attractions and Places To See around Bellwood - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Bellwood include a variety of natural areas and trails. The region features forest preserves, multi-user paths, and river-side trails, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. These areas provide natural escapes with diverse flora and picnic spots. Bellwood's landscape is characterized by its proximity to waterways and wooded environments.

Best attractions and places to see around Bellwood

  • The most popular attractions is Brookfield Woods, a forest that features winding trails, diverse flora, and wildlife. This nature reserve provides a peaceful escape.
  • Another must-see spot is Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail, a cycle way. This 25-mile multi-user path follows Salt Creek and connects to a larger trail network.
  • Visitors also love Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River, an unpaved trail that follows the Des Plaines River. It offers enjoyable views and sounds along the river.
  • Bellwood is known for its natural areas, extensive trail networks, and forest preserves. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from paved cycle paths to unpaved river trails.
  • The attractions around Bellwood are appreciated by the komoot community, with 18 upvotes and 6 photos shared.

Last updated: June 25, 2026

Brookfield Woods

Highlight • Forest

Brookfield Woods outside of Chicago is a serene nature reserve with winding trails, diverse flora, and wildlife. This wooded haven provides a peaceful escape for locals and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Salt Creek Greenway trail is a 25-mile-long multi-user path which follows the creek from Busse Forest in Elk Grove Village to the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. It links into a 210-mile trail network in northeast Illinois. The trail was built to national bike path standards and is suitable for all styles of bike.

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This area offers a nice unpaved trail that follows along the Des Plaines River, providing enjoyable views and sounds as you ride. The park is named after Alexander Robinson, the English name of Potawatomi chief Chee-chee-pin-quay, born in 1787.

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Bemis Woods North Trail

Highlight • Trail

There are some paved and some dirt trails in the Bemis Woods Nature Preserve. Some trails are open to bikes (some aren't), and the ones that are open to bikes are fairly smooth and can be done on a gravel bike.

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North Island

Highlight • Natural

North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is a charming small island nestled in the midst of Salt Creek. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings with available picnic shelters, offering a perfect setting to relax, take in the views, and even set up your fishing pole.

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Popular around Bellwood

Hiking around Bellwood

Road Cycling Routes around Bellwood

Running Trails around Bellwood

Cycling around Bellwood

MTB Trails around Bellwood

Gravel biking around Bellwood

Tips from the Community

oliviakellis
January 25, 2024, Brookfield Woods

Brookfield Woods outside of Chicago is a serene nature reserve with winding trails, diverse flora, and wildlife. This wooded haven provides a peaceful escape for local.

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oliviakellis
January 25, 2024, North Island

North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is a charming small island nestled in the midst of Salt Creek. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings with available picnic shelters, offering a perfect setting to relax, take in the views, and even set up your fishing pole.

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The Salt Creek Greenway trail is a 25-mile-long multi-user path which follows the creek from Busse Forest in Elk Grove Village to the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. It links into a 210-mile trail network in northeast Illinois. The trail was built to national bike path standards and is suitable for all styles of bike.

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oliviakellis
December 31, 2023, Brookfield Woods

Brookfield Woods outside of Chicago is a serene nature reserve with winding trails, diverse flora, and wildlife. This wooded haven provides a peaceful escape for locals and nature enthusiasts alike.

1

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This area offers a nice unpaved trail that follows along the Des Plaines River, providing enjoyable views and sounds as you ride. The park is named after Alexander Robinson, the English name of Potawatomi chief Chee-chee-pin-quay, born in 1787.

0

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There are some paved and some dirt trails in the Bemis Woods Nature Preserve. Some trails are open to bikes (some aren't), and the ones that are open to bikes are fairly smooth and can be done on a gravel bike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of outdoor activities can I enjoy around Bellwood?

Bellwood is a fantastic area for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities. You can explore extensive trail networks for running, cycling, and gravel biking. Popular spots include the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail, a 25-mile multi-user path, and the unpaved Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River, which offers scenic views along the water.

Are there any family-friendly attractions in Bellwood?

Yes, Bellwood and its surrounding areas offer several family-friendly options. Brookfield Woods features winding trails suitable for walks with children, and North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve provides picnic shelters and opportunities for fishing, making it a great spot for a family outing. Additionally, Bellwood-Antis Park in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, offers playgrounds and picnic areas.

Where can I find natural features and scenic views near Bellwood?

The Bellwood area is rich in natural beauty. You can find serene forest environments at Brookfield Woods, known for its diverse flora and wildlife. The Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River provides enjoyable views and sounds along the river, while North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve offers picturesque surroundings by Salt Creek.

What are the best places for cycling around Bellwood?

Bellwood is a great destination for cyclists. The Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is a 25-mile multi-user path that follows Salt Creek and connects to a larger trail network, suitable for all bike styles. The broader area also provides access to the 58-mile Prairie Path Bike Trail, offering extensive cycling opportunities. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Bellwood guide.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit?

While Bellwood, Illinois, is primarily known for its natural areas, it holds historical significance as the childhood home of astronaut Gene Cernan, the last person to walk on the moon. For a more extensive historical experience, the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, about 40 minutes from Bellwood, Pennsylvania, details the first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains.

Where can I go for a peaceful walk or hike in Bellwood?

For peaceful walks and hikes, consider Brookfield Woods, a serene nature reserve with winding trails. The Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River offers an unpaved path with pleasant river views. Additionally, Bemis Woods North Trail provides both paved and dirt trails, some of which are open for walking and gravel biking.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Bellwood?

Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful escape offered by natural reserves like Brookfield Woods, with its winding trails and diverse wildlife. The multi-user paths like the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail are valued for their accessibility and connection to wider networks, while river-side trails provide enjoyable views and sounds.

Are there any accessible trails or attractions for wheelchairs?

Yes, the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is built to national bike path standards and is suitable for all styles of bikes, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs. Its paved surface and multi-user design ensure a smooth experience.

Where can I find picnic spots or places to relax outdoors?

North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is an excellent spot for relaxation, offering charming surroundings by Salt Creek and available picnic shelters. Bellwood-Antis Park in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, also features picnic areas and sports fields under mature trees, ideal for family outings.

What dining options are available near Bellwood attractions?

While the guide focuses on outdoor attractions, Bellwood, Illinois, offers local culinary spots such as Stacy's Cafe, known for steaks, and Mickey's Drive-In, famous for Italian beef sandwiches. These can be good options for a meal after exploring the trails.

Can I go birdwatching or observe wildlife in the Bellwood area?

Absolutely. Brookfield Woods is a serene nature reserve known for its diverse flora and wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and observing local fauna. Canoe Creek State Park, near Bellwood, Pennsylvania, is also highlighted as a great place for birdwatching.

Are there any specific trails for gravel biking?

Yes, the Bellwood area has options for gravel biking. The Bemis Woods North Trail includes both paved and dirt sections, with some trails open to bikes that are fairly smooth and suitable for gravel bikes. For more routes, check the Gravel biking around Bellwood guide.

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