Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles25 reviews
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illinois travelere
1,760 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
Lately I have become interested in a Japanese outdoor wellness practice called "shinrin-yoku". It translates as "to bathe in the atmosphere of forest" and provides stress relief and relaxation. The tranquil paths of Ryerson are the perfect location for this.

Park at Brushwood or the Visitors' Center and choose a path into the Conservation Center. You will immediately find yourself in quiet surroundings where you can easily expand your connection to nature through your senses.

I have been coming to Ryerson for decades, but COVID-restricted lifestyle changes have made me appreciate this place even more.

Perhaps I'll see you there. I'll be the one in the "Ryerson helped me survive the pandemic" T-shirt.

See my earlier reviews (January 12, 2013; October 39, 2016; October 14, 2019; and April 16, 2020) for more details.
Written 28 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

illinois travelere
1,760 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2020
Some of the paths here are narrow, so it is suggested that trail users break into single file and move to the right shoulder when approaching/passing others -- as we keep a safe distance from each other.

There is a wonderful temporary (painted on grass) labyrinth on the lawn in front of Brushwood Center -- with bilingual mindfulness prompts (Be, Explore, Love, Breathe).

At the moment, North Chicago Rotary Club is co-sponsoring a cloth face mask drive -- Ready, Set, Sew! -- to benefit local healthcare providers. There is a supply station and a donation bin for the finished products on the front porch of Brushwood. Right now there are pick-up and drop-off dates posted through April 24. Check the facebook page for future dates.

Brushwood is also the site of one of six castings of the very famous statue by Sylvia Shaw Judson," Birdgirl". Yes, the one connected with the book and movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

There is a lovely Trail Tale, "Winter is Coming," in Spanish and English. There is also a COVID-CLOSED Little Free Library on the path. When it is safe to reopen, it will again be a free book exchange location.

Buildings, restrooms, etc. are closed and on this visit we didn't see any of the farm animals. Also there are no maintenance crews, so take out whatever you've brought in.

See my earlier reviews for more details:
January 12, 2013; October 29, 2016; October 4, 2019.
Written 16 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeff S
Deerfield, IL62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Big parking lot and nearby walking trails in lovely fall colors. We always enjoy a nearby walk on sunny fall days.
Written 4 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

illinois travelere
1,760 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
I have been coming here for years and years. It's rustic, quiet, and beautiful -- and soothes my soul.

My only complaint is that the signage isn't very good and we have occasionally ended up hiking more than we had originally planned as we attempted to find our way back to the parking lot. As in, "Didn't we already pass this cabin? Twice?"

Also, keep an eye on where you're walking. There are many roots and other "bumps in the road."

If you're a leaf looker, Ryerson is especially lovely in the fall when its brilliant oak and maple trees are on display.

See my earlier reviews (October 29, 2016 and January 12, 2013) for more details.
Written 14 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EdithSie
Tostedt, Germany276 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018
Beautiful grounds. Been there with birding folks and had some wonderful tour guides who knew where to see the birds based on their calls. Enjoyed the Riverwoods nature photography club meeting. Always informative - these are some of the best nature photographers in the Chicago area.

Seasonally we have taken the kids to learn about maple sugar making. One of my favorite spots.
Written 19 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

M.W.
196 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Couples
Miles of trails. I got in about 7,000 steps in less than 2 hours. Great surroundings with DesPlaines river running around it. Plenty of out buildings and cabins to check out. Would def. go back.
Written 7 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tele21
Chicago57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2016 • Couples
Although this nature preserve is surrounded by busy roads and highways, it feels like you are at a quiet summer camp. Several trails are available for hiking; bikes allowed on the paved areas only. The paths go past the Des Plaines River, through woods and meadows, so with even a brief walk there is a fair amount of natural diversity. This is a good place to see orioles and bluebirds.
Written 17 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RickMIusa
Grand Rapids, MI2,443 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Family
A nice area that was near where we stayed. We had an hour to wait before a meeting and we spent it in the conservation area. A nice preservation area for this region.
Written 3 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stan K
Mundelein, IL724 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Solo
I was just at Ryerson to take in Fall Foliage and walk on the paths. An outstanding place. Plenty of parking. I have been to a Photography talk at a camera club that meets at Ryerson
Written 14 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

illinois travelere
1,760 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Friends
We saw quite a few families enjoying the many activities at Ryerson....especially all the gorgeous fall photo ops!

Today the resident screech owl was meeting and greeting in the Welcome Center, Because of an eye injury, she cannot survive in the wild, so she lives at Ryerson. Her protective coloration is striking -- and watching her turn her head 270 degrees is fascinating. Owls have fixed eye sockets, so since they can't move their eyes, they have to turn their heads, Exorcist-style.

Another great activity was to get a free container of food (limit one per family per visit) at the Center to feed the chickens and sheep.

It was a perfect day to hike the leaf-covered trails to the Des Plaines river.
Written 29 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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EDWARD L. RYERSON CONSERVATION AREA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area