Underrated and beautiful. It's got a fantastic view of the city skyline and there's a whole…read moreindustrial vibe going on but I don't mind it. It's serene and if it wasn't so warm I'd go to it more often. It's good for a long walk but there's no trees along that walk so I'll be frequenting more in the fall va the summer.

Check out this incredible transformation of a quarry into a park in Bridgeport. In between it was a…read morelandfill. Palmisano Park has went through a lot of changes to be sure. A lot of nature of course. There's trails and an interpretive wetlands among the many things to come across while going through. Best to know about the transformation before going. It used to be the Stearns Quarry. The city purchased it in 2008, cleaned it up, and opened it the next year. Has lots of nature to see and more to do. There's more than a mile of paths, including recycled timber boardwalks, and walkways. At first this was the site of a coral reef if you can believe it. Limestone was formed, and there's been fossils discovered here that are now in the Field Museum. In the 1830s it became a quarry, and operated until 1970 when it became a landfill. There's a fishing pond that still has the old quarry walls. After opening this park there was cause for celebration. The community before this had a lack of green space. Have to go here if you like parks that have been restored from abandoned areas. It's quite impressive. There's all kinds of plants and wildlife.

Want a free workout that will kick your butt? Head over to the Swallow Cliff stairs. There are…read morepeople of all fitness levels that make the trek here. Stay to the right and keep your own pace. The forest preserve has done a nice job maintaining the area. There are tables to have a picnic, clean bathrooms, and seasonal café. There is a decent amount of parking too. It does get packed if weather is nice. People like to use rocks to track their loop numbers. Signs say no dogs allowed on the stairs.

The stairs provide a pretty intense workout-the east steps are rough and a little irregular while…read morethe west set is a bit easier-more flat areas for breaks, if you need them. I go up the east side, down on the west. I think it's 125 stairs on the east, and 145 on the west. All ages and fitness levels are here! Lots of parking, clean. Dogs are not allowed on the stairs. There's a snack bar, restrooms, and a fairly large room for meetings, presentations, and activities. There are also several trails if you still have energy after the stairs!

Yes, yes, yes! A must visit!! This place has been on my list for years to come visit and I finally…read morewas like let's gooooo!! Came on a nice spring day around 2 pm. The most annoying part was the line to get in. They have qr code to pre-pay in line. But not all guests choose to do this which slows down the line. They only had one staff scanning people in. Beautiful flowers and plants. We saw the turtles as well. Plan to spend about an hour here. There are some people that stop and take too many pictures to block walkways for other guests. Parking was free. Also located right on the green line for convenient public transportation option.

Beautiful conservatory, but don't trust any of the online maps. They're super outdated!…read more Be sure to check out the Fern Room :]

Earlier this month, my husband and I were in Chicago for a week-long stay in the city. One of our…read morefirst memories of our time in Chicago together were the views from the Chicago Lakefront Trail. Gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It stretches along Lake Shore Drive. This is a must visit when visiting Chicago. Plus, it's free!

The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a scenic walk alongside Lake Michigan. The lake is so large and…read moreexpansive, you forget it's a lake. It feels like you are looking out at the ocean, except that it's so filthy, with no sand. You're reminded it's freshwater because there are so many geese along the trail, on the grass, and in the water. Bird doo doo everywhere, too. The waters are choppy. I even saw a sunken boat. Someone's not going to be happy finding out that their boat sank. Since I visited during the fall season, even though it was cold and windy, the skies were blue with fluffy white clouds in the sky. Handful of joggers and a few tourists taking selfies by the water.

I love The 606. It's a living ribbon of city history, stitched into the neighborhood and still…read moreevolving with every step. On warm days it hums with life -- walkers, runners, bikes, conversations floating by with the breeze. On cold days, it offers something rarer: quiet, space, and a kind of urban solitude that feels like a deep breath. Lovely views, constant motion, and just enough stillness when you need it. A true gift to the city.

Pick any spring/summer/fall day that is warm and sunny, grab a bike and head to this elevated trail…read more(was completed in 2015). Outstanding.

Enter near the Trailside Museum, in the parking lot on the south side of Chicago Avenue, then…read morefollow the trail south. There is a large field across Chicago Avenue, around the parking lot north of Chicago Avenue, but that area of Thatcher Woods is much less interesting. Go south instead. Along the path going south, I saw deer, ducks, chipmunks, and loads of birds. Local children have been building structures on the woods, so it is fun to grab some branches and add to those creations. The deer cane up so close, within 10 feet at times. Wear shoes that can get muddy. It was a bit soggy today, but the trails are definitely still passable.

Haven't been here in a while but I love this first preserve! Been here for a few events. It's a…read morelittle of country within the city limits. Great little place to get you in touch w nature. Check it out when you need to get away but stay close.

Beautiful walking trail. The trail is clean, well-paved and safe. Lots of people on it but not too…read morecrowded. Only one downfall for someone recouping from surgery, no places to seat for a break.

Easily my favorite trail. Growing up this used to be train tracks but since 2008 it's a trail…read more Convient to use however a woman was sexual assaulted recently so be careful. Awesome place for the neighborhood

This is probably one of my favorite hidden gem spots in Chicago. It's such a beautiful and tranquil…read morearea to relax and enjoy the nature. There's a trail that loops around the pond, so you can walk around a few times and meditate. There's so many options to sit too. It's a great spot to bring a book or a snack. Amazing spot for photos too! There's always a bride and groom here taking photos.

This spot is a hidden gem to get away from metropolitan noise located near downtown in the Lincoln…read morePark area Great for Photoshoots too