Sometimes, there are days when you just want to get away from it all. Those who are lucky enough to live in Palatine, Illinois can find an idyllic escape at Deer Grove Forest Preserve.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve has been catering to a wide range of visitors since 1916. With over 1,800 acres of beautifully preserved land, there is much to see and experience here.
A Land Untouched
Deer Grove is actually split into two distinct areas. The west is primarily the wooded area—a rolling upland forest of oak and hickory, replete with ravines and wetlands. There are numerous creeks that run through this area. The east is mainly wetlands and prairie—offering wide open spaces. All of this has been left relatively untouched.
Something for Everyone
The main targets of Deer Grove are those with an active streak. But those leaning towards relaxation are most welcome. There are miles and miles of trails with moderate climbs. This makes it perfect for hikers, equestrians, and cyclists alike. Four miles of trails have been carefully developed to provide for an easy hiking experience. Another ten miles remain unpaved, though these are clearly marked and safe.
Dogs Are Welcome
Deer Grove also encourages photographing its wildlife. They even post signs and fact sheets to guide visitors. Dog lovers are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends along for the trip where they can roam and run free.
Bringing Together Nature and Technology
Deer Grove encourages those who are into technology to take their favorite toys out to play. The open fields make excellent areas to take model planes out for a quick fly. Their vernal ponds are perfect for RC boating in the springtime.
A Preserve Before Anything Else
At its core, however, Deer Grove is all about nature. After the picnics and calm walks, one can also join one or more volunteer workdays that are very popular in both East and West Deer Groves. Not only does this give a unique and close-in perspective on the area’s conservation efforts, it allows visitors to help in restoration of the land.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois offers everything from basic creature comforts to spaces to engage in one’s technological passions. If you wish to access the center of the preserve where the sledding hill and lake is located, make sure you enter via Quentin Road. You can also rent shelters near the parking area for a quick picnic or even much longer gatherings.
You can easily get to Deer Grove by heading north along Route 53 until you get to Lake Cook Road. Turn south onto Quentin Road which divides the preserve into east and west. There are many different parking lots providing access to different areas of the preserve—try a different one each time you visit to take it all in.
More places are waiting to be discovered in Illinois. For more information about the area, give Unique Realty a call at (847) 971-0674 or email in your questions to rjames(at)askunique(dotted)com.