Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve image

Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve

Tourist attraction Park Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Lake Forest


Address

1275 Gilgare Ln, Lake Forest, IL 60045, United States

Website

www.lcfpd.org

Contact

+1 847-367-6640

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Friday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Saturday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Sunday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Monday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trails (11) beach (11) beautiful (10) parking (10) Beautiful (8) lake (8) walk (7) views (7) nice (7) area (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Tatiana B. 6 months ago on Google • 251 reviews
    This preserve is such a gem. I wish I discovered it earlier to enjoy it in the summer time but fall here is absolutely stunning too. I did a 1,7m hike but would love to come back to explore more trails. Bathrooms could use a little cleanup but otherwise it’s really well maintained and marked. Great getaway!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea B. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful walk, gorgeous views of the river. I love how secluded it is. Such a wonderful gem. Never too crowded which is always a plus. Some parts are pretty open so high chance for some good sun if it's out. Some parts have some decent incline/declines so be prepared for that. Handled the walk in slides so don't need Hiking boots or anything like that. Good change of scenery!! Highly recommend to visit!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy G. 2 years ago on Google
    Ended up shooting an engagement photography session here when my initial location fell through and I'm happy that I did! Beautiful place, so much variety. Now I regularly go here with my wife and dog for nature walks. If you are looking for a bit or serenity and a great nature vibe, check out Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve! :)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin S. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots of really nice and not difficult hiking trails. Could be done with a wheelchair, though probably difficult at points, it's not all paved. There is a beach, that technically has no swimming. However, there are some beaches to the side just out of the park that careful swimming could happen in. Know that parking is limited.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Outlaw Rebel G. 1 year ago on Google
    Been here numerous times to relax and enjoy nature with my husband. With the renovations its getting better but still needs more. This past time we went on 7/17/2022 the whole bathroom building was gone and the portapotties were closed. So nowhere to go to the bathroom. The walkway along the beach needs improvement as its a thin path and what little concrete is left is crumbling and unsafe. From what I've heard there are still live rounds of ammo in the lake so hopefully that will be cleaned up before somebody gets hurt. Its still a beautiful place though with the many species of birds and plants and wildflowers. The views of the lake are amazing of course. Its cool they put out nature info and the old military vehicle is still there with info. The extra large hawk nest is still there and thats a cool attraction to check out. The campus is beautiful too, old mansions they converted into apartments and rooms for military members. Hopefully once this next restoration phase is done everything will be in much better condition. Just like anywhere it needs upkeep that has been put off for too long, so soon it will be in good shape.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy H. P. 9 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    This park is easily on my top 10 scenic parks in Illinois. Whenever I need a peaceful getaway and relax, this is the place. The park isn't huge, but it offers beautiful lake views. The trails are well-maintained and great for walking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew P. 7 months ago on Google • 47 reviews
    This spot’s got everything—beach, prairie paths, and ravine paths. There are both paved and grass trails. Beautiful restored vegetation and vistas of Lake Michigan which make for excellent butterfly & bird watching. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clark M. 1 year ago on Google • 38 reviews
    If you want to see a remnant of oak forest - grassland savannah along Lake Michigan, this is it. The beautiful landscape meets the blue waters of the Lake in the same way it has for thousands of years. Birds like it. Plants and wildflowers like it. Small mammals like it. Families willing to hike a bit to reach the beach like it. You might like it too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcella C. 5 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Beautiful and kept trail :) dress warmly if going during chilly days. Lots of open areas so when the wind blows, it is extra chilly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christa 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park and view!. So many trails and it was so nice and quiet... just the sounds of the waves and the birds.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J M. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a small preserve with very limited parking space. Only opened till sundown, after which they ticket all the cars left. There is no beach. Only little bit of sand and stones and rocks. I say maybe max for 20people abd that would be a crowd. Also short hiking trail near by. Very nice to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zev G. 9 months ago on Google • 115 reviews
    This is hands down the most beautiful Fort in the Nort Shore. The trails above the lake are beautiful in spring and summer. Walking down to the beach is also such a treat and for children, theres no better place to experience a nice and doable walk. Swimming is discouraged and probably for good reason. No lifeguards or anything, but getting your feet wet is totally doable. The new bathrooms are also a huge plus!

  • 5/5 Joe W. 1 year ago on Google • 73 reviews
    Very clean area with ample parking. Modern restrooms at each parking areas. The trails are paved with a few unpaved and dog friendly. Just a lovely walking area.

  • 5/5 Zev K. 1 year ago on Google • 52 reviews
    Believe it or not, this was my first time at Fort Sheridan since moving to Chicago 25 years ago. It was stunning. Wide open spaces, beautiful vistas over the lake and so peaceful. I can't wait to go back again.

  • 5/5 Astrid D. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful preserve with trails that take you to the shoreline. Not a gigantic beach, but I don't think that's necessary with the minimal number of people we saw going through.

  • 5/5 FSU J. 2 years ago on Google
    This remarkable historic preserve area has quickly become one of my regular go-to spots for a relaxing walk. The paths, actual preserve areas, and beach are all very well maintained, and its overall a wonderful place to visit regularly. Just make sure to arrive early! Parking is sometimes hard to find.

  • 5/5 Maria Enmanuel (. 6 months ago on Google
    Place for go. If you are looking for a relaxed place, that is amazing. You can stay a long time in a meditative moment, breathing and making nature connections. The air, water, rocks, and sand are amazing.

  • 5/5 FitGal 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️ clean, friendly quite no swimming but views are amazing.

  • 3/5 Lori G. 2 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed learning the history of the area from this perspective. Wish there was more access to the beach. Far too much of the shoreline is privately owned.

  • 5/5 Rico G. 1 year ago on Google
    very good place to walk and enjoy the landscape of nature and enjoy the shore of the lake and if I knew also a very nice shower the landscape I recommend

  • 5/5 Charles F. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park full of walking trails, along with great views on the lake shore. Only about a 5 minute walk to the lake shore from the parking area, public bathroom on site in parking lot.

  • 4/5 Jorge G. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool place to go for a relaxing walk. There's beach with some rocks spread throughout. Not allowed to swim but there's trails that are paved and a grassy one that loops back toward the parking lot. Parking is scarce so you have to get in early or during the week to find a spot. Very safe as well there's always police presence. All in all nice place to get some peace.

  • 5/5 Tiffany T. 11 months ago on Google
    Love this place, such a great place for a stroll. So relaxing and u get a beautiful sight. I loved seeing how there was parts where u can learn and get some insight on the war.

  • 5/5 Hanley C. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful spot for walking and biking. Ocean and prairie views. Certain paths are certainly wheelchair accessible, though some steep slopes!

  • 4/5 Grant F. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice paved walkways, some steep down hill if lakeside but the rest are flat encircling the savanna. Nice views lots of birds. Bathrooms at parking area, lots of parking. I only give a 4 because there is very little shade if hot and sunny out and the picnic area I saw had no shade either. Also on windy days no protection here.

  • 5/5 Chandini V. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, clean beach. Gorgeous and lush Forest. Great place if you're a bird watcher!

  • 5/5 Y Mo (. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice place to hike but the parking lot is so small that you probably won't be able find one.

  • 4/5 Satish R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very scenic trails with the blue shore line of Lake Michigan. Small Beach good enough for family fun..


Call +1 847-367-6640 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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