Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: nature (16) pond (13) park (12) walk (10) deer (9) city (8) kids (8) hidden (7) area (7) play (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Yolanda G. 3 years ago on Google
    This location is absolutely stunning. We had no idea it was even there. It's definitely a hidden gem in the city. All along we thought it was part of the cemetery but we were wrong, it was a beautiful hidden nature reserve. It's awesome for walks, runs, bird watching, photography, the kids. It also has a little lake and a saw lots of people fishing. They also have a kid area where they can play and explore and get dirty. It's small, perfect, and did I mention free. While we were there we saw lots of animals too. We saw deer, different kinds of birds, chipmunks, a huge falcon, squirrels. I can only imagine how stunning it looks there in the fall so I can't wait to be back. Also right across the street from there is VPT Grill that has awesome food so make a day out of it.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan D. 9 months ago on Google • 711 reviews
    For the small space it is allotted, this really is a wonderful park to spend a few tranquil minutes in a busy part of the city. The trail around the pond is a paved sidewalk which they request all visitors stay on while walking. A few sections are composite boardwalk in order to stay off the marshy areas. In addition, there are a few areas with benches for sitting and enjoying the surroundings. Most of the areas are nicely shaded. No dogs are permitted, but fishing in the pond is allowed, with even a hook/lure disposal. You can access the park at the gate at Western and Ardmore. Free street parking is available near the entrance, or the 49B North Western CTA bus has a stop right there.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 4 Pots L. 10 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    Small loop trail…flat and paved, so great for limited mobility, families w youngish children, elderly, etc. Pleasant enough for being corned between busy avenues…there is some street traffic noise. You’ll find a pond with turtles, perhaps deer, a variety of birds. If you have less than an hour to get out and take a quick walk and get back, then this fits the bill.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little spot to relax and see some nature! Had a wonderful time walking around during migrations season. Tip: the eastern paths, located towards the cemetery and away from Western Ave. had, by far, the best birding spots.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 szingery 3 years ago on Google
    I’m afraid if I tell you all how sweet this little corner hidden away in the middle of an urban area is, you’ll flock there like all the geese. During the pandemic it has been my safe space, my way to connect with nature safely as it’s never been really crowded when I was there.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike M. 8 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Great little piece of hidden nature in Chicago. Easy trail with interactive posts throughout the walk that circles around a pond. Lots of birds, butterflies, and small wildflowers along the way
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carol C. 1 year ago on Google • 119 reviews
    If you are fond of nature, then you should definitely visit here! It is quite hidden but you won't regret visiting this amazing park! You hear birds all the time here. You can even spot a baby deer here! It is so beautiful over here. Definitely a place you want to visit if you want to relax and take a walk or even sit down and observe the beauty that nature has to bring! I see parents coming with their kids here a lot. It is definitely kid friendly!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Devesh K. 7 months ago on Google • 77 reviews
    West Ridge Nature Park is a hidden urban oasis. The vibrant sunflowers that adorn the pond add a burst of color and cheerfulness. The trails meander through lush greenery, offering a serene escape from the city's hustle. The pond is a tranquil spot to relax. The park's community spirit is welcoming, and it's well-maintained. It's a refreshing, family-friendly natural space within the city, and the sunflowers are a highlight, creating a cheerful and picturesque atmosphere.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ruth K. 8 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    Unbelievable to have this resource where it is. Truly a gift. Definitely worth a visit. I live nearby and other than the fact that there is only an entrance off Western, I still manage a visit once a month. If you have young children the play area is a treasure. I wish we had it when my kids were little ones. Now we just need some buffer from Western Ave. .
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a great park for this area of town. Unfortunately they do not allow dogs anymore, but since there are deer, I guess that's ok. Lots of kids fishing in the little pond. Very cute area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beth C. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely little nature walk within the city. I appreciate the benches along the loop path. It’s very peaceful and the fall colors were popping when I visited at the end of October. Parking can be stressful, but that’s the only downside. And no dogs allowed!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 fiona l. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm so glad this place exists. It's a nice little sanctuary near home that I can go to to feel more connected to nature. I almost always see deer, the flowers are growing more abundant each year.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eugene 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful relaxing location in the middle of the north side of Chicago. You can get different feels coming here at different times. In the winter it can look like a winter wonderland in the summer look like a beautiful Forest preserve that you would not expect to find in the middle of the city. Definitely a must visit at different times of the year.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Morgan K. 1 year ago on Google
    I love coming up here for a dose of nature. It’s beautiful every time of year, but especially in the spring and summer for bird watching. I’ve seen orioles, warblers, indigo buntings, pewees, and even a belted kingfisher by the pond once! So peaceful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 V V. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretend like you left the city for a bit. Fun walking loop around a pond. I’ve seen fishing and ice skating happening here, I think the fishing is encouraged, not sure about the ice skating. Kids love the nature play space.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 chintot 2 months ago on Google • 203 reviews New
    Decent low-effort mile loop walk in the winter next to the cemetery.

  • 5/5 Maddie M. 2 years ago on Google
    Unexpectedly large walking path for the area. Kid friendly- check out the nature play space (and find the fairy houses), and take a look in the pond for fish and turtles!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helena J. 2 years ago on Google
    What a fun hidden gem... was a great break from the norm, discovering wildlife and nature with my kiddos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John V P. 2 years ago on Google
    Apart from the traffic on Western Avenue, emerse yourself with earphones in the online audio experience of tranquility offered by this ancient remnant of ancient Chicago.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grace P. 4 months ago on Google • 123 reviews
    So lovely year round, forest side is better for less slick walking, the water side has some trex walkways that can be very slippery if there is any ice.

  • 5/5 Marco B. 1 year ago on Google • 10 reviews
    You can hear the traffic on Western toward the west end of the park—which is about 21 acres with a large pond in the middle—but the further east you go, the noise fades. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit I've passed this place hundreds of times and never checked it out before. There are a ton of native plants, birds, trees, natural benches and branch-off trails, all right in the middle of the North Side of Chicago. Plus, how many nature trails can you walk, then literally cross the street to get a burrito? Probably not many.

  • 5/5 Ken C. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an Excellent place to get a shot of nature during ALL seasons. Birds, deer, frogs, fish to name a few. Paved trails make it easy to get around. There are places to stop a contemplate the beauty. Parking is easy and free. Great place to get away and get your mind on something else. Plus walking/running is good for you! Go check it out!

  • 5/5 D'Sebastian 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park, big enough to go for a walk and admire mother nature, I was able to spot a deer, lots of birds and great landscapes. This was my first time I visit this park and now it's one of my favorite spots. A park to dream with.

  • 5/5 Kassandra G. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this park! It has a bunch of trails, a pond, and a kids area. It’s a good enough size that you definitely get to stretch your legs but you couldn’t get lost. I will be back.

  • 4/5 K L. 1 year ago on Google
    This park has a pond with beautiful flowers and animals. You can see some animal like deers and ducks in the park. Bees and butterflies are around the flowers. It is kids friendly environment. They have a play space for the kids to play.

  • 4/5 Cathy P. 2 years ago on Google
    A very pleasant 20 minute walk in the city. Saw 5 deer, including one that was happy to continue eating even though I was 4 feet away.

  • 4/5 Jennifer B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is pretty neat. And they have fairy houses!

  • 5/5 Katie S. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a peaceful spot in the city, great prairie flowers, migrating bird and ducks and even the occasional deer

  • 5/5 D Rose (. 8 months ago on Google
    One of my new favorite places to walk to. Can't believe I didn't check this nature center out prior?! The flies are aggressive. They bite!

  • 2/5 Aina A. 4 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Nice place, I used to run there a lot, Today on 11/21/2023 at 6:50 am I was taking a walk and I saw a cayote or fox there. I know there is kids play ground at that park. Please be careful out there.


Call +1 312-742-7529 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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