Edgebrook Woods Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Indian Road Woods Quinn Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Edgebrook Woods Preserve is a 91-acre forest preserve located in the state of Illinois, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The preserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the main reasons to visit Edgebrook Woods Preserve is its abundance of hiking trails, which allow visitors to explore the park's diverse terrain and spot wildlife such as deer, birds, and butterflies. Additionally, the preserve is home to several points of interest, including a scenic overlook, a pond, and a historical marker that commemorates the area's Native American heritage.
Interesting facts about Edgebrook Woods Preserve include its location on the site of a former quarry, which was used to extract limestone for the construction of local buildings. The preserve also features a diverse range of plant species, including oak, maple, and hickory trees, as well as wildflowers and grasses.
The best time of year to visit Edgebrook Woods Preserve is typically in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, visitors can enjoy the preserve's natural beauty year-round, with winter offering a unique opportunity to see the park covered in snow.
Overall, Edgebrook Woods Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the city and experience the natural beauty of Illinois. With its hiking trails, points of interest, and diverse ecosystem, the preserve offers something for everyone and is sure to leave visitors feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Indian Road Woods
Quinn Park
De Julio Playlot Park
Clayton F Smith Woods Preserve
Edgebrook Park
Belleau Lake
Montrose Harbor
Skokie Ditch
Wilmette Harbor
Skokie Lagoons