Best attractions and places to see around Summit include natural reserves, scenic trails, and serene lakes. This region offers diverse outdoor experiences, from winding forest paths to multi-user cycle ways. Visitors can explore natural havens, enjoy water activities, and discover various trails suitable for different outdoor pursuits.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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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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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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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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This is one of the larger lakes in Paw Paw Nature Preserve, which is threaded through with fun singletrack trails. The water sparkles a brilliant blue on sunny days. If you're looking for an easy ride, a mellow, unpaved trail goes most of the way around the lake but isn't a complete loop. (Sorry, pet owners: no dogs allowed.)
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With sweeping vistas and fresh air, the trails around Bullfrog Lake provide the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating hike. The shimmering waters invite canoeing, fishing, and serene contemplation, while the surrounding forested paths offer adventure, discovery, and abundant wildlife sightings. An oasis of natural beauty just half an hour from Chicago, Bullfrog Lake promises an unforgettable hiking experience.
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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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The Summit region offers diverse natural landscapes. You can explore Brookfield Woods, a serene nature reserve with winding trails and diverse flora. Bullfrog Lake provides sweeping vistas and opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Additionally, North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is a charming spot nestled in Salt Creek, perfect for relaxing and enjoying picturesque surroundings.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find trails with both paved and dirt sections at Bemis Woods North Trail. For a more extensive experience, the trails around Bullfrog Lake offer a rejuvenating hike with abundant wildlife sightings. For a comprehensive list of routes, explore the Hiking around Summit guide, which includes options like the Salt Creek Greenway Trail.
Cyclists can enjoy the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail, a 25-mile multi-user path suitable for all bike styles, linking into a larger trail network. Bemis Woods North Trail also has sections open to bikes, suitable for gravel bikes. For more cycling routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Summit guide.
Many attractions cater to families. Brookfield Woods offers a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts of all ages. North Island provides picnic shelters and scenic views. In Summit, New Jersey, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum offers educational programs and activities for children, especially during its Daffodil Days. For a unique historical experience, Summit County, Utah, features the Frisco Historic Park & Museum with interactive displays and the Country Boy Mine offering guided underground tours and gold panning.
Depending on the specific Summit location, you can find various historical and cultural sites. In Summit, New Jersey, The Summit Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the U.S. In Summit County, Utah, you can explore historic settlements like Wanship, Hoytsville, and Peoa, or visit the Summit Historical Society for artifacts and preserved buildings like the Old Dillon School House. More information can be found at summitcountyutah.gov and summithistorical.org.
For natural vistas, North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve offers picturesque surroundings. The trails around Bullfrog Lake also provide sweeping views. If you're looking for an urban panoramic experience, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York City offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from over 1,100 feet up, with unique mirrored rooms and glass skyboxes.
Yes, the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is a multi-user path built to national bike path standards, making it wheelchair-accessible. In Summit County, Utah, the Blue River Recreational Path is also a paved, mostly flat, and family-friendly path.
While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's important to check specific regulations. For instance, the trails around Bullfrog Lake in Paw Paw Nature Preserve explicitly state that dogs are not allowed. Always look for signage or check local park rules before bringing your pet.
Nature reserves like Brookfield Woods are known for diverse flora and wildlife, providing a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts. The forested paths around Bullfrog Lake also offer opportunities for abundant wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for various bird species, small mammals, and aquatic life in these natural settings.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Easy hikes around Summit guide lists routes such as the Salt Creek Greenway Red Paved Trail and the Salt Creek Trail Loop. These routes are generally shorter and have less challenging terrain, making them suitable for beginners or families looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.
For a truly unique and immersive experience, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York City is a must-visit. It blends art, technology, and architecture across three floors, offering mirrored infinity rooms, the 'Affinity' room with silver balloons, and 'Levitation' skyboxes that allow you to stand 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue. The 'Ascent' glass elevator provides an additional thrill with breathtaking views.


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