Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is a 1,215-acre natural area located in Lake County, Illinois.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are plenty of reasons to visit this preserve, including its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, and horseback ride on the preserve's many trails or take a leisurely stroll through its restored prairies and wetlands. The preserve also features several picnic areas and a playground for families to enjoy.

One of the main points of interest at Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is the Savanna Trail, a five-mile loop that winds through the forest, wetlands, and prairies. Along the way, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and birds of prey.

Another interesting feature of Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is the Lake County Discovery Museum, which is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of the area. The museum features exhibits on local Native American tribes, early settlers, and the growth of Lake County over the years.

Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is also home to several rare plant and animal species. The preserve's wetlands provide habitat for endangered Blanding's turtles, while its prairies are home to the state-threatened Hine's emerald dragonfly.

The best time of year to visit Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers a unique experience in every season. In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski or snowshoe through the snowy landscape.

Overall, Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is a great destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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
View more

Featured Parks

View more

Nearby Fishing