Between Chicago And Rockford Is A Former Quarry That's Now An Idyllic Nature Escape With Trails And River Fun

Although Chicago and Rockford are no strangers to green spaces, sometimes you just want to get out of the city and really feel like you're in nature. After all, the health benefits of being in a natural rather than urban environment are seemingly endless. So, while Rockford is Illinois' "City of Gardens," there's something to be said for taking a drive to an idyllic nature escape. Enter the Knute Olson Jr. Forest Preserve, 26 acres of a peaceful wooded area along the Kishwaukee River located between Chicago and Rockford.

A former gravel quarry, this preserve is now home to an easy and well-maintained 0.8-mile loop trail and has river access for those who want to fish, kayak, canoe, or just enjoy the riparian views and wildlife. Smallmouth bass and northern pike populate the river for those who want to cast a line, while turtles and frogs can be spotted around the fish ponds located in old gravel pits. Signs of the site's former identity populate it, if you know where to look. Besides the ponds, you'll also find overgrown quarry mounds now covered in lush vegetation.

While the Knute Olson Jr. Forest Preserve has a hiking trail, those looking for a longer challenge can continue north to connect with the Riverwood Forest Preserve, 103 acres on an old golf course with a network of trails. As one user writes on Google Maps, the connection between these two preserves creates "holistically just a solid experience" because the "beautiful river ecosystem there is elite." 

Just be aware that this preserve can get buggy, so bring bug spray and pants or long-sleeve shirts if you tend to get bitten in a way that makes you wonder if your bloodline was cursed at some point (it wasn't; it's likely your pheromones and body temp). It can be muddy too, so that's another reason to cover up, leave the Tevas at home, and bring an extra towel for your dog, since this is a great pet-friendly location. There's a small parking lot that can hold a handful of cars, but considering this is a lesser-known site, you likely won't hit a big crowd. Other amenities include picnic tables and restrooms, and the site is open from sunrise to sunset.

The Knute Olson Jr. Forest Preserve is about an hour and 15 minutes by car from Chicago. So, if you've had your fill of the world's first floating eco-park and want to see what other natural experiences the Prairie State has to offer, you can easily take a half-day trip to this preserve. Rockford is full of family-friendly outings, and since it's only a 40-minute drive away, you could also add a visit to the Knute Olson Jr. Forest Preserve to that list. Kids can enjoy the wildlife and easy hike that includes an artistically carved tree.