The Great OUTDOORS D
eKalb County boasts an abundance of forest preserves and parks. Among our three major trails is the Great Western Trail. Over 17 miles long, it is a favorite for biking or snowmobiling. It connects with another trail system that runs close to Chicago. If you are looking for a local excursion, the DeKalb/Sycamore Trail connects local parks for convenient rest stops or for picnic and play. The Kiwanis Pathway Trail starts in DeKalb’s beautiful Prairie Park and passes along the West side of NIU campus where it connects with the DeKalb/ Sycamore Trail. Other local parks, such as Lions Park in DeKalb, offer play areas and shelters to host a party or picnic. Several offer winter ice skating. For sledding and cross country skiing, Russell Woods in Kingston is a favorite. It hosts a Winterfest every January which includes horse-drawn wagon rides and plenty of entertainment and activities.
Forest Preserves Adee’s Woods
4106 Old State Rd., Kirkland
Afton Forest Preserve
13600 Crego Rd., DeKalb
Chief Shabbona Forest Preserve
4490 Preserve Rd., Shabbona
County Farm Woods 2305 Rt. 23, DeKalb
Hoppe Heritage Farmstead/ 1835 Miller Elwood Cabin/ South Branch Prairie 31966 Pleasant Hill Rd., Kingston
Knute Olson Jr. Forest Preserve 12595 Baseline Rd., Kingston
MacQueen Forest Preserve 3640 Scout Rd., Kirkland
Merritt Woods Prairie
14401 Keslinger Rd., DeKalb
Natural Resource Education Center
Russell Woods Forest Preserve • Genoa 784-2000
All Area Codes 815 Unless Noted
20
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