Explore Chicago
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Type: Active, Adventure, Free Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Activities - Summer, Outdoor Activities - Winter, Parks, Public Spaces, Relaxing, Romantic
10Best Says
Who says a romantic outing has to put you in debt? Forest Preserves District of Cook County offers year-round and seasonal activities for couples, most for free.
Stargaze year-round: in 2021, the... Read More
Who says a romantic outing has to put you in debt? Forest Preserves District of Cook County offers year-round and seasonal activities for couples, most for free.
Stargaze year-round: in 2021, the International Dark-Sky Association designated the Palos Preserves in southwest Cook County as the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world. You can see four times more stars there than in the city. Consider Moonlit walks for couples starting from Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs.
Stroll through the preserves year-round - there are over 350 miles of paved and unpaved trails from which to choose like the Des Plaines River Trail. When there's snow on the ground, check out snowshoes for free from the River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook. Take photos along the way and submit them to the Friends Photo Contest, hosted by Friends of the Forest Preserves. Mark your calendar for the 6th Annual Beer in the Woods at LaBagh Woods in Chicago (September 24, 2022). Sip among 40 microbrews and enjoy nature walks, crafts, live animals, music, and food trucks.
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EXPERT TIPS BY:
Jacky Runice
Chicago Local Expert
- Romantic Things to Do: "The forest preserves are closed at night, but are open for special events like the moonlit walks."
- Best for Romantic Things to Do Because: It's romance on a budget with camping, birding and fishing; sledding hills; miles of trails to see native plants and animals, from otters to orchids.