West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve

Closed for the winter season but the website states it’s open. Waste of a drive.

Gorgeous section of prairie just west of West Chicago along the Geneva Spur of the Illinois Prairie path. Plants and birds here that are not found elsewhere in the county, a true gem of an ecosystem. It is a true nature preserve. No bike paths or accesible trails just small footpaths that wind through the incredible plants, grasses, and tree. Come prepared for narrow tracks and lots of vegetation. Bike riding, skiing, not allowed. That means it is a very quiet place and you feel like a part of a true wilderness once you get into the prairie. Parking area off industrial drive has parking, port-a-potty, picnic table, and informative signs. Highly recommend you visit this gem of an ecosystem.

Nice trails on a former roadbed. Lots to see along the way. Enjoy

Not for pets. A preserve, very primitive trails. Wear long pants, but great for birdwatching. This is a remnant prairie. A gem!

The trail goes about 100 feet with room for 1 person single file and just stops. Don’t bring your dog here, he/she will be brushing up against tall weeds and may get a tick. Where it ends is completely overgrown with weeds.
We had a meetup scheduled to hike here and glad I went here the day before with my son. I cancelled the meetup to not waste people’s time on this place.
I have no idea why this trail is still shown on website and paper maps.

To be fair, there is a good trail available to locals who live next to it. Public cannot park on cul de sac.

There is only 1 parking lot and it has this dead end trail.

A burned 4 cylinder Ford, next to the Geneva Spur path.

Did I just go at the wrong time of year? I went in the entrance by the parking and the path just stops. Looks like there was kind of a cleared small path at one point but it's completely overgrown. Drove out and brought our one year old for a walk but it was too overgrown to get through with him.