An escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, West Ridge Nature Park offers an idyllic retreat from the everyday. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the Park is a nature preserve that spans 109 acres of natural woodland and prairie habitats. With strolling trails, picnic areas, an outdoor amphitheater, nature-based programs, and several species of wildlife that call the Park home, this is a well-loved spot for both locals and visitors alike. Learn more here.
Established in 1978 by the Chicago Park District, West Ridge Nature Park was created to conserve and protect the area’s unique environmental and ecological resources. Filled with beauty and wonder, the Park is a great place to explore and appreciate the delicate balance that unites the natural and urban landscapes. Upon entering the Park, visitors will first notice the winding network of trails that lead throughout the landscape. The trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty, making them perfect for walking and exploring. Many of the trails provide stunning views of the Park’s two main ponds and the nearby Lake Michigan shoreline. At the heart of West Ridge Nature Park is the Indian Boundary Prairies, a seven-acre preserve of tallgrass prairie that has been kept in its original condition since its establishment in the late 1800s. The Prairies are home to a variety of native plants, wildflowers, and grasses that blanket the landscape and provide a lush habitat for the Park’s thriving animal residents. Learn more about Loyola Park in Chicago, IL.
