Take this entire review with a gigantic grain of salt, because I only came here once, it was cold and we didn't walk very far, and we missed out on the water element entirely. As seems to be the case these days, we* had hours to kill before our return flights to LAX and SFO (by way of LAS), respectively, so we drove around Chicago almost aimlessly. (You should know me by now; even when it seems like I'm meandering randomly, there's a pattern to my patternlessness.) I knew my mom would want to see Lake Shore Drive, so we took it from its humble southern beginnings, which I had never done before. We got to the end way quicker than I thought we would, and none of us were hungry yet, so I headed west and then north and then west and then northwest or west, and soon, we were in Lincolnwood, Illinois. I did not want to remain in Lincolnwood, Illinois, so I looked for something big and green on my map, and after a couple of missed turns, we drove right into LaBagh Woods. There was an immediate fork in the road, and seeing people walking and jogging to my right and nothing special to my left, I turned right. That would, ultimately, be a bad move. To the left was a small pond. Beyond that lay the Chicago River's North Branch. But all of it was obscured by trees, so I went right, and there were trees, winter-dead grass, plenty of parking spots, and a path. The cold (about forty-two, according to the rental car's external thermometer) was too much for my dad, who wasn't really dressed for the cold and who doesn't enjoy being outside in the cold anyway, so after we got to the end of the path, we doubled back and drove away. If I had known about what turning left could do, I would have at least driven back that way for the water element. I'm sure it's beautiful and four-star-worthy in the summertime. What bothered me, though, was the absolute lack of benches in any and all directions. Yes, there are covered picnic areas with tables and benches, but all parks--especially parks this large--should have benches interspersed throughout so that people can sit down and take a load off. I might come back, but how often am I this far northwest in Chicago? OK, OK, I've been near here two out my last two visits, but really, I don't normally venture up this far. *My dad, mom, and I. read more

LaBagh Woods - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a piece of nature heaven at Cicero and Foster. For an idea of how beautiful just look at the photos. You'll probably see deer as people like to feed them. Don't do that, they are smart and can find their own food. Also the fpdcc volunteers at this location are some of the nicest people. They treat volunteers like rock stars, (which they are) are organized and have snacks. read more

This is a nice park that's part of the North Branch trail system. Paved paths for biking are pretty easy to find. Much harder to find walking trails into the woods (not marked) and along the river, and they are somewhat disjointed (in and out of the woods). Park areas are plentiful and lots of people were enjoying them. Street parking. read more

LaBagh Woods is the Forest Preserve on the east side of Cicero Ave directly across the street from where I live in Forest Glen. The woods are a nice relaxing way to get away and back to nature. It's kind of nice living so close to this area as you always see wildlife that come out of the woods into our neighborhood. In the past it was easy enough to get there by crossing Cicero Ave. Uhhh you just had to be careful so you didn't become road kill. This morning I got on the continuation of the trail that just opened last year. From my house I walked back along Edens parkway (frontage road along Cicero Ave). to the trail that goes under Cicero Ave to the east through LaBagh Woods to the Chicago Park district building along Foster Ave. if you follow the trail the other way to the west & north this trail goes all the way to The Botanical Gardens. Yesterday I took a northern route through Bunker Hill all the way to the trail that runs behind the LA Fitness in Morton Grove where I'm a member. I was walking along Edens Parkway this morning. There are homes on the south side of the road, on the north side is an easement of trees and grass. I was just walking along with my headphones on, I looked up & there's a young buck standing no more than 5' away from me just watching me as I walked by. I have no idea how he got over the chain link fence that separates Edens Parkway from the exit off of the Edens expressway at Cicero. One minute he's on the residential side. I looked away for about 30 seconds & he was on the other side of the fence. read more

LaBagh Woods - Young buck along Edens Parkway - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Definitely not going back alone at night after finding out there's been a history of Satanic Cults, Hauntings and Crime here. I did get a weird vibe from this forest that I haven't gotten from others. Also I came across some shot gun shells near the river, and there were spots littered with booze bottles. So put 2 and 2 together and you get a recipe for disaster. I've been looking for a place to go out and make a little campfire and have some coffee, but I don't know if this is the spot. Firstly, I didn't see any signs forbidding campfires, but I don't really know the laws around here. As people have said, don't come here alone. There's definitely something afoot here. Otherwise It's nice to have some nature nearby. read more

LaBagh Woods - Contra Jour of the trees at LaBagh Woods - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

LaBaugh Woods is a happy discovery. As people who love getting out & walking through the woods, finding this little spot very close to our house is a win. Located right off Cicero Avenue just north of Foster you enter by driving over a bridge that crosses I-94. Unfortunately parts of the trails are fairly close to the interstate, so you hear that in the background. The local deer seem to ignore it pretty well and we've seen them every time we've walked the paths. The Forest Preserve bike/walking path runs through here, there are open fields, picnic shelters and all of it is surrounded by woods. The paths in the woods aren't particularly well marked but they meander just a few feet from the edges of the trees. There's a decent network of hiking paths, sometimes blocked by fallen trees. You're never far from the parking areas & you'd really have to be paying zero attention to get lost. The wooded paths are a great spot to take your dog and there are woodsy creature smells all around to entertain them. We've brought our daughter's Bulldog here and she loves it. There is signage that leashes are required. read more

LaBagh Woods - Stella was tracking a deer - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great area despite the sordid (and haunted) history. Go during the day and you'll be fine. Lots of asphalt trails as well as many trails off into the woods. We went around 2PM during the week and saw multiple deer. If you're looking for a place to get out into nature, I definitely recommend! read more

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While it's nice to experience nature in the city, it's hard to tune out the city when you're hiking this particular part of the North Branch Trail. I couldn't find any garbage cans, which could account for the inordinate amount of litter along parts of the route. At times the trail runs close to the expressway, so there's also a noise factor to deal with, and then there are gang signs and graffiti for you to ponder what kind of neighborhood you're passing through. Actually, I did appreciate one stretch of tunnel underpass that looked like it had commissioned art work; otherwise, au revoir, see ya, muah. read more

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I flipped my lid when I saw this ~forest in the city~ at Foster & Cicero. Sauganash is the neighborhood. I'd been to Sauganash before and saw deer hanging out on the streets at night. Now I know where they live. That sounds ominous, but I'm pretty sure hunting is not allowed anytime, anyplace, in the city, even if you're cool and discreet about it. Go to KFC! Hiking, jogging, and animal watching are popular here. People who go alone are stupid. Don't be stupid. Trails add up to 20-30 miles depending on which Chicago PR site you believe. Nobody needs to exercise that long. I just enjoy the sun at the picnic area. The picnic area can be rented via their website and the bathrooms are nice, clean, and modern. I'd bring a gallon of bleach and cleaning supplies if I was hosting a party -- just in case. People do birthday parties, weddings, and company picnics. There are solid-roofed picnic table areas, and open grassy fields for running around and sports. Lots of free parking on site. It's best to not be alone. Paranoia is healthy. Rest assured: It would only be a few days before a jogger & their dog would find your corpse after you got murdered. Don't run alone! Welcome to the woods in the city! It's a very beautiful place to visit in any season. read more

Places that are free to go are often underestimated. If you like nature, if you like photography or videography, if you like to go out with the whole family, if you advocate social distancing during this time of pandemic then this is the best place to start. There is enough scenery to appreciate, the park is wide so it is easy to avoid crowds. Best of all, it is free. read more

LaBagh Woods - Labagh - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had my wedding reception at picnic grove #1 I was pleased with the ease of getting my permit online, and found the reservation process to be an easy one. I also ordered an additional port-o-let just in case, but even mid August on a Wednesday their permanent restrooms were immaculate, and it was redundant. They provided a sufficient amount of tables and trash cans. The rest was up to us. Scenic views and a lot of space for friends, family and dogs to run around is all you can ask for. It's really a lovely little grove of forest right in the city. read more

Who knew you could find wooded hiking trails and relatively peaceful surroundings without venturing far from the city? Not only that but wide open fields, great walking paths, and ample parking! And I can be there in less than 10 minutes from my house??? That's awesome! We often take our daughter's English Bulldog there when we pet sit and she loves getting out to sniff all the great smells you can't find in the city. We've seen many deer and other wildlife as we've hiked around. Given that this place borders the freeway it does restrict the areas available for hiking in the woods. You will see and hear the traffic at times but that's a small price to pay for the convenience of having this available. There are restrooms available so you could spend hours here enjoying sunny summer days, fall colors, or just some respite from the daily grind. It's worth checking out! read more

Great area For walking with trails including crossing a branch of the Chicago River. We went in winter and it was mostly traversable In regular walking shoes. Boots if you want to get adventurous! read more

LaBagh Woods - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Charming pocket of green, accessible with ease via stone and dirt paths. In my visits I have met volunteers who clear invasive growth and built housing for Prothonorary warblers. Wildlife abounds despite we ever present human visitors. I have even seen Police patrol a half mile into the woods. Which I presume speaks to safety rather than threat. This morning's walk led me to trail a small heard of deer for 15 minutes only to be fully surrounded for a half hour by a group of 9 that included 4 yearlings whom recklessly bounded around an acre of soft yellow clover and bare trees boasting early buds. A cardinal sang for my exit from the woods today. When I paused to sight him in my binoculars... I saw him and his mate sharing a perch with a horned owl, neck turned 180 degrees, who had been looking at me longer than I at him. The owl danced along the 5 foot perch as I less gracefully withdrew from their woods. read more

LaBagh Woods - Wild flowers. - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am elated that I discovered this great wooded area to meet my walking and birding needs. The preserve was a lot larger than I expected, with a main gravel path and many different small paths that weave through beautiful woods for the explorer in you. The variety of wildlife was astonishing to me, considering I was still in the city and walking near a major highway. A great many birds, deer, and beavers are just a few of the critters that you can see. I highly recommend this preserve if you are looking to do some mild hiking without leaving the city! read more

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Every time I think this City can't get any better, I'm proven wrong. This time it happened to be through one of the many nature preserves Chicago has to offer. I grew up some years of my childhood in woods and they are the most treasured memories I've got. Hence, I am experienced and have a very special place for them in my heart. LaBagh is beautiful lush green all summer, small but not too small (you can cover it in an 90 min tops) with clear trails unlike its neighboring woods- Edgebrook (Although, it has its own reasons to be memorable). Walk along the creek that flows inside, sit and relax, have a good conversation or just observe. It is a perfect place to bring your friends or just explore by yourself (I would recommend during reasonable hours- 12ish). It has couple free parking lots. Plenty of picnic spots- perfect for a gathering, open field if you want to play sports. I came across a lot of owners walking their dogs or hiking with them. Seemed like an ideal companion. If you're lucky you might come across couple deers. :) Get your own water bottle... taking a picture of the map in your phone might come handy. They also have an official website offering interactive maps of all nature preserves in Cook county online.. do check that out. I can't wait to come back here in fall! read more

La Bagh woods is located north of Foster and entered from Cicero Ave. On the west. Don't know what you're calling by that name in River Forest, but you ARE mistaken. There are woods located between Thatcher Rd. & 1st Ave, on the west side. Believe it's called Thatcher Woods. Runs from FULLERTON on the north to south of Chicago Ave. The woods themselves are nice. read more

Love the nature! This park is amazing lots of beautiful trails to enjoy and good spot to bring your dog with. read more

LaBagh Woods - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been to many nature preserves in Lake County, so I guess I've been spoiled. I feel like anything that could have been done with this space was passed over. For instance, where is the gravel fitness trail? You couldn't have even installed one that circled the perimeter? This is a boring park that has two giant fields. If you want, there is an open-air clubhouse with lots of grills where you can satiate your desire to char some meat. That is, if you cannot grill already at your residence. I suppose other reviewers are focusing on the positive, pointing out that the large open space lends itself to hosting birthday parties for kids. I think I even saw a day camp, or a school, using the field to have the kids play sports. I would never hike the trails through the woods. I didn't get far inside before I was sinking in wet dirt. The trails are not worn or wide enough to the point where you could think about running them. The terrain is definitely uneven. These woods are dirty. I don't know how to explain it, but I guess you have to go hiking in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before you would understand what I mean. You can kind of tell where the trails are, but they were made by visitors who got curious, not by Cook County. Someone who gets lost easily would probably not want to hike here. Cook County couldn't even make decent trials down towards the river. Visit here if you must, but I think it's a waste of time. read more

This is one of the best areas to go biking in Chicago. It starts at Foster just east of the Edens expressway, take a left into the Forest Preserve entrance and drive all the way to the back...you can find a few entrance points there. It's mostly single track riding (some of it can get fairly technical w. bumps, jumps and areas of rough terrain and changes in elevation...you can follow along the North Branch of the Chicago River, really beautiful this time of year. There are lots of ducks and other wildlife about and i've spotted a few deer as well. Highly recommended, again, esp during the Fall season. read more

What a hidden gem in the city! We went on the trail by the river in mid April, and the river banks were covered in beautiful yellow flowers. The trail was a bit muddy even though it hadn't rained too much lately, so wear old shoes. We saw some ducks, geese, and deer! After our hike, we walked to nearby Gompers park for the kids to play. There is a large free parking lot, too. Lovely way to spend an afternoon. read more

LaBagh Woods - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A great area to have a private event, if you are lucky enough to reserve a picnic house, if not you are stuck with relying on mother nature for great weather! On this date it was a picnic, but unfortunately the liquor permit was not paid for so only non-alcoholic drinks were accepted! Fun area to be and easy to access since there are only three picnic areas to choose from and there is plenty of parking all around. Entrance is on Cicero, right past Foster.The restroom area was properly stocked but you can never be too safe, pack some rolls! LOL!!! Worth the trip and open area for the children to run around!!!!! read more

its great for many a thing the thing i like to do tho is walk in the woods lots of trails . and lots of many hours of good fun . lots of animails to see too . read more