Schiller Woods

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Schiller Woods, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County near Chicago, Illinois, is known for its serene woodlands, open picnic areas, and easy access to the Des Plaines River Trail.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It’s famous for its “Tree of Life” shrine, attracting visitors year-round. Popular for birdwatching, biking, and hiking, it offers flat, paved trails ideal for all skill levels. Open daily from sunrise to sunset with no entry fee, Schiller Woods is most scenic in fall. While it lacks waterfalls or dark skies, its peaceful nature and wildlife sightings make it a local favorite for outdoor recreation and family gatherings.

       

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