Forest Preserves and Parks Along the Fox River, Tri-City Area

As our kids were growing up, we looked for inexpensive, entertainment, so we turned to exploring parks and forest preserves. We are very fortunate to live in an area that looks for ways to preserve our woodlands and waterways. Cities have made constant improvements making these special places more accessible for everyone. Every season brings forth new discoveries from flowers pushing up the forest floor to identifying tracks in the snow in the silence of winter. Hopefully, you will find new treasures, like we have, at these local parks.



Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville, Illinois

Spring fed crystal clear ponds stocked with bass and trout.  The spring is so clear you can see the blue gill,  bass and turtles in the water.  While sitting in the shade of the mighty oaks, we listen to the chorus of croaking frogs along the water's edge.  My son, continuously casting in hopes of catching a bass.  An unexpected splash encourages him to throw out his line in another direction or try a new spot.  My family likes to hike along waterways.  We, not only explore along rivers, but follow the little creeks that feed into the river.  In the creek, we find beautiful rocks and little springs, here and there, churning sand granules forming perfect little circles in the water. Silver Springs State Park is a nice outing for the day. There is a little concession stand that serves hot dogs, burgers and ice cream and live bait for the fish. Silver Springs State Park is located in the northeast region of Illinois. If interested in spending the day outdoors, look up Silver Springs State Park.

Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia, Illinois

Red Oak Nature Center is part of the Fox Valley Park District. Our family has enjoyed this park in every season for years. We never get tired of the interactive, educational nature exhibits and live animals. Also, the many programs they offer throughout the year, such as maple tapping, nature walks, and talks. There are stools to sit on in front of a huge picture window to watch the very active bird feeders. I check the sightings list for birds and animals, who have been spotted at Red Oak. Down by the Fox River is a viewing area to see the river and water fowl. Winter is our favorite time to visit Red Oak because eagles are often found south of Devil's Cave. One winter when we were down by Devil's Cave, an eagle flew silently past us. It was absolutely amazing!! We love looking for eagles. It's exciting to know that they are re-inhabiting the Fox Valley area. The walking paths are both paved and covered with bark chips. In the fall, the colors of the oak trees are breathtaking. The walking path becomes illuminated with brilliant yellow leaves. This would make for a perfect outdoor setting for family or graduation portraits.

Lippold Park

Lippold Park is located on the bike path adjacent to Red Oak Nature Center. This was an archery range and then it had become run down with overgrown marsh. This park has been beautified! They created a bog walks that serpentine through the little marsh where you can see frogs, turtles, ducks, bass, and muskrat. Also, a beautiful structure with seating, fire pit, and natural playground could make for a nice afternoon at the park.

In my searching for links for the above parks, I had found Go West Young Moms. It is specifically geared toward the Chicagoland area. Check it out!  

If you have a favorite park that you enjoy going to in the Fox Valley Area, I would love to hear about it, especially if it has access to marsh lands or bodies of water.