CELEBRATED OUTDOOR FALL GEMS
There’s just something about the fall season that makes us want to be outside, breathing in the crisp, fresh air around us. DuPage County has many places that are inviting during the autumn months– from natural settings in nearby neighborhoods to unique outdoor establishments. This month we’ve selected 7 Spectacular Celebrated Outdoor Gems for you and yours to visit so you can see for yourself why they are worth celebrating.
1. Herrick Lake (Pictured Above) The 887-acre Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is one of the District’s most popular preserves. It’s home to an impressive variety of wildlife and beautiful trails. Hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 7 miles of trails, including a section of nationally designated Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail (PDF). A path around the lake connects both parking lots to the picnic grounds and the trailhead, and additional trails cut through central and southern parts of the preserve. www.dupage forest.org
2. Fox River, Aurora Aurora is rich in history with several designated historic districts with their own bed and breakfast inns, theaters, museums and more. Additionally, the outdoor scenery is just breathtaking along the Fox. www.enjoyaurora.com
3. Danada Forest Preserve In Wheaton (Pictured Above) The 797-acre Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton features prairies, woods and wetlands as well as the Danada Equestrian Center, the Danada House, the Danada Model Farm, Parson's Grove and the Forest Preserve District’s headquarters. Its scenic rolling terrain offers trails, fishing and picnicking areas. It’s a beautiful place to visit in the fall, and year round. www.dupage forest.org
4. Cosley Zoo In Wheaton (Pictured Below) Taking in the beautiful fall colors at Cosley Zoo is a must do! See the animals in the crisp fall air, listen to the squeals of excitement from the children conquering the straw pyramid and take in the thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo’s lawn. Children’s rides are also available. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks, and various sizes of straw bales are available to purchase. Check out the fall merchandise in the Wild Side Gift Shop, too. www.cosleyzoo.org
5. The Riverwalk In Naperville (Pictured Middle) Built in 1981 and considered the "crown jewel" of Naperville, the Riverwalk is a place of beauty and tranquility along the West Branch of the DuPage River. It features 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture and artwork, recreational facilities, and celebratory memorials. The Riverwalk is a preferred destination and an ideal place to stroll, unwind and reflect. Come relax and enjoy the scene. The Riverwalk has something for everyone. Best of all, it’s a place to be enjoyed for generations to come.
6. Blackwell Forest Preserve (Pictured Bottom Right) Blackwell's gently rolling hilly terrain features oak and hickory woodlands, prairies, grasslands and wetlands that attract a variety of native wildlife, including wild turkeys, deer, bald eagles, great blue herons, coyotes, red foxes and muskrats. Blackwell's McKee Marsh, located north of Mack Road, features trails and ponds. www.dupageforest.org
7. Morton Arboretum The Fall Color Festival celebrates the most brilliant season at The Morton Arboretum. Take in 1,700 acres of seasonal splendor, as hundreds of thousands of trees from 40 countries blaze with fiery orange, warm gold, and vivid crimson. Hike or bike in the crisp fall air. Drive scenic roads to see spectacular vistas. Make family memories in our award-winning Children’s Garden, or enjoy fall-themed events on select weekends. www.mortobarb.org
Watch for a new, uniquely themed 7 Spectacular List inside each issue of Glancer Magazine.
