When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk
Why Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Des Plaines River Trail has recently undergone significant renovations making it an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts and friends looking for a scenic, accessible trail experience. Spanning over 12 miles upon completion of all phases, the trail now features a new 1,000-foot elevated boardwalk traversing a previously flood-prone section, enhancing both safety and enjoyment. The addition of a pedestrian bridge over Lawrence Avenue provides a safer and more convenient crossing, seamlessly connecting popular spots like Robinson-Woods Forest Preserve and Catherine Chevalier Woods. Upgrades including resurfacing, widening of paths, ADA-compliant improvements at six road crossings, and traffic signal enhancements collectively make this trail ideal for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Located on the border of Chicago and suburban Schiller Park, the Des Plaines River Trail blends natural beauty with modern design, offering visitors picturesque river views, lush woodlands, and abundant wildlife sightings such as songbirds and squirrels. This revitalized trail system is perfect for a casual walk with friends, a challenging bike ride, or a nature-focused day trip, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier forest preserve trails in the Cook County area.
Here's what people think of Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk
As of recent, Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk holds a 4.6-star rating based on 20 reviews.
User reviews of the Des Plaines River Trail reflect strong appreciation for the recent enhancements, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 20 reviews. Visitors have praised the improved trail conditions, particularly appreciating the new elevated boardwalk and pedestrian bridge which greatly enhance safety and accessibility. Many highlight the scenic diversity along the trail, describing the peaceful river vistas and the charming local wildlife, making it a favorite spot for hiking and canoe launching. TripAdvisor users emphasize that the trail sections are well-maintained and suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. Positive reviews also note that the upgraded crossings and widened paths improve the overall experience by making the trail easier and safer to navigate, even for families and less experienced bikers. On the other hand, some users have mentioned occasional flooding issues in certain low-lying trail areas before renovations and minor gaps along the southern sections that are in the process of study for future connectivity improvements. A few review comments express that more wayfinding signs and lighting could further enhance trail usability, especially during low-light conditions. Overall, the reviews celebrate the trail as a valuable public asset that has benefited greatly from recent public investment, offering a refreshing and accessible outdoor recreation space for communities across Cook County. The trail's blend of natural beauty and thoughtful infrastructure upgrades has made it a favored meet-up and activity hub for nature lovers and casual users alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Suzan Altwal
Follow my instagram at lostlens.jo
Kaan Erbaydar
I recently hiked this trail and was captivated by the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings. I was lucky enough to visit during the Cicadapocalypse and experienced the unique, beautiful sound of these insects, which added a magical touch to the already stunning landscape. A truly unforgettable experience!
edi madi gabi
Not a fan of the new boardwalk to be honest. The trail doesn't flood often enough to warrant the construction of such an eye sore. Expect lots of homeless underneath. And what if a tree falls on it? Before you could just move the tree, now you have to get a whole construction crew to fix the boardwalk.
Liam Gainey
This is a lovely walking area near the Hyatt. Plenty of birdsong, chipmunks running around, and a deer even sauntered across the path ahead of me.
Robert
Best place for walk if you leave nearby
How to reach Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk
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Why Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk with your friends?
Gathering with friends at the Des Plaines River Trail, especially with its new boardwalk and recent renovations, stands out as an excellent choice for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and thoughtful infrastructure upgrades, ensuring both scenic enjoyment and comfort. The newly added 1,000-foot elevated boardwalk ingeniously addresses issues of seasonal flooding, allowing visitors to enjoy uninterrupted access even in wet conditions. This means your meetup won’t be spoiled by soggy trails or detours, making it more enjoyable and reliable. The scenic stretch spans 4.4 miles between Lawrence and Touhy Avenues and includes a brand-new pedestrian bridge over Lawrence Avenue, replacing a once frequently flooded underpass, which improves safety and convenience greatly.
Moreover, the Des Plaines River Trail is surrounded by diverse landscapes—from oak woodlands and expansive wetlands to picnic groves—so it naturally fosters a relaxing and invigorating outdoor atmosphere conducive to socializing, hiking, or just simply soaking up nature. The trail’s extensive 50-mile reach, running through both Lake and Cook counties, offers ample space and options for groups of all sizes without crowding worries. For friends looking to reconnect away from the usual urban bustle or indoor venues, this revitalized and well-maintained natural corridor provides a refreshing, healthy environment that feels both private and accessible. Finally, its excellent connectivity to nearby trails and community hubs enhances its appeal as a meetup spot where adventure and community converge, ensuring a memorable outing for your friends and family.
What activities can you enjoy at Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk?
The Des Plaines River Trail caters to a broad spectrum of recreational activities, making it perfect for diverse group interests and dynamic gatherings. Hiking and walking are perhaps the most popular activities, with the freshly resurfaced trail offering smooth, reliable paths that accommodate all fitness levels. The elevated boardwalk not only ensures a dry, stable surface but also provides exceptional vantage points for wildlife observation and photography, ideal for nature enthusiasts among your group. Cycling is another favorite pastime here, thanks to the trail’s long, uninterrupted stretches and safe road crossings close to major avenues. For those who enjoy a more leisurely pace, there are picnic groves nestled alongside the path where friends and families can share meals outdoors surrounded by the peaceful forest preserve environment.
In the colder months, parts of the trail even open up opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (in designated northern areas), expanding the venue’s appeal year-round. The trail’s adjacency to the Des Plaines River also invites canoeing or kayaking at several launch points, allowing groups to combine paddle adventures with trail experiences. Additionally, horseback riding is permitted on specified sections, offering yet another layer of outdoor fun for those who love equestrian activities. Given these varied activities, the Des Plaines River Trail supports both active outings and relaxed social gatherings, fulfilling a wide range of group preferences and making it an all-season destination for meetups.
Why is this place perfect for a group meetup?
Several factors make the Des Plaines River Trail ideal for hosting group meetups, especially after the extensive $12.5 million renovations that have enhanced user experience and accessibility. One critical improvement is the resolution of frequent flooding problems, which historically limited trail usability. The construction of the elevated boardwalk and rerouted paths above the 100-year flood elevation means visitors can confidently plan visits year-round without concern for weather disruptions or muddy, unsafe conditions. This reliability factor is key to organizing group outings where contingency plans can be onerous and dampen enthusiasm.
Safety and convenience also stand out with the new pedestrian bridge over busy Lawrence Avenue, replacing a hazardous underpass. This upgrade simplifies crossing a major road, ensuring all group members, including children and elderly participants, can navigate the trail safely. The trail’s connectivity to local transportation and other regional trail systems further enhances accessibility and offers diverse options for arrival and departure, an important consideration when coordinating group logistics. The natural setting, with its vast woodlands, wetlands, and restored habitats, provides ample space to spread out for both intimate conversations and larger group games or activities without feeling crowded. Combined with picnic spaces and well-maintained facilities, it’s a setting that encourages social interaction, relaxation, and outdoor fun. Its status as a well-loved and highly rated trail (4.6 stars from 20 reviews) reflects positive community feedback and satisfaction, reassuring groups they’re choosing a quality, enjoyable venue for their gatherings.
How does the new boardwalk improve the experience?
The recently completed new boardwalk is one of the most transformative features of the Des Plaines River Trail renovation. Spanning approximately 1,000 feet in a section that was previously subject to heavy flooding, this elevated walkway raises the trail above the river’s 100-year flood elevation, solving a long-standing issue where parts of the path were underwater as much as 60% of the year. The boardwalk not only enhances accessibility but also preserves the delicate wetlands underneath by allowing water to flow naturally without damaging the trail surface. For visitors, this means fewer interruptions and safer footing regardless of the season or recent weather events, which is critical for group activities that depend on stable conditions.
Moreover, the elevated position offers scenic views of the surrounding river valley and habitats, creating unique photo opportunities and chances to observe wildlife such as herons, turtles, and beavers. This integration of environmental consideration with user convenience exemplifies modern sustainable trail design. The boardwalk’s aesthetic and functional benefits combine to offer an immersive natural experience that feels intimate yet comfortable for group walkabouts or casual exploration. This infrastructure upgrade assures that meetups at this location can be planned with confidence, highlighting the trail’s role as a premier outdoor destination within Cook County’s forest preserves.
What future improvements and trail connections can groups look forward to?
The recent upgrades are part of a broader $70 million plan aimed at enhancing the entire 28-mile segment of the Des Plaines River Trail system. Future projects include trail improvements between Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road, beginning in spring 2025, which will further extend and improve the usability of this well-loved corridor. These enhancements are designed to add another boardwalk, reroute flood-prone sections, and resurface the trail for even better walking and biking experiences. Importantly, plans include establishing new trail connections linking the Des Plaines River Trail to other prominent local paths such as the Illinois Prairie Path, Salt Creek Trail, and direct access to transit hubs like the CTA Blue Line, increasing regional accessibility and options for longer group excursions.
Such expansions not only promise safer and more enjoyable trail conditions but also foster greater community connectivity. For groups, this means easier access from wider geographic locations and the ability to explore interconnected trails during multi-stop meetups. These ongoing projects reflect a strong commitment by local governments and forest preserve authorities to maintain and grow the trail as a vibrant public asset. With continued development, the Des Plaines River Trail will increasingly become a central outdoor hub for social gatherings, recreational activities, and nature appreciation throughout the Chicagoland area.
What are some tips for making the most of your meetup at Des Plaines River Trail?
To ensure your group meetup at the Des Plaines River Trail is enjoyable, planning ahead can make all the difference. Start by selecting a trail segment or picnic area that matches your group size and activity preferences, considering the new boardwalk and bridge sections for easier walking and safety. Packing essentials like water, snacks, and suitable outdoor gear is wise because while the trail offers picnic groves, there are limited commercial facilities on site. If your group includes diverse ages or fitness levels, opting for flatter, well-maintained trail sections near parking or transit stations will help everyone stay comfortable.
Consider bringing binoculars or cameras to capture wildlife sightings or the beautiful river valley views, which are highlights of the trail experience. For larger or mixed-activity groups, dividing into smaller sub-groups focusing on different activities—such as hiking, biking, or canoeing from one of several river launch points—can keep everyone engaged and entertained. Always follow trail etiquette: keep dogs leashed, pack out trash, and respect the natural environment. Lastly, check the Des Plaines River Trail status online before your visit to ensure no unexpected closures or maintenance work will impact your plans. Careful preparation maximizes the enjoyment and safety of your gathering in this revitalized green space.
Why is the Des Plaines River Trail considered a valuable community resource?
Beyond its recreational appeal, the Des Plaines River Trail functions as a crucial environmental and community asset. It preserves and protects land along more than 76% of the Des Plaines River in Lake County, conserving vital wildlife habitats and natural flood protection areas. The oak woodlands, wetlands, and prairies that the trail passes through represent diverse ecosystems supporting native flora and fauna, reinforcing the trail’s role in regional biodiversity conservation. As a greenway, it contributes to cleaner air and water quality by maintaining natural buffers along the river.
Additionally, the trail supports active transportation by connecting neighborhoods and key destinations, encouraging healthy lifestyles and offering alternatives to car travel. Its integration with public transit and other trail networks enhances inclusivity and accessibility for a wider range of community members. The recent improvements and ongoing investments underscore local governments’ recognition of the trail as an irreplaceable public space where social, ecological, and health benefits intersect. For groups meeting here, it means enjoying not only a beautiful outing but also participating in a shared stewardship of this vibrant, living corridor.
How accessible and safe is the trail for groups with varying needs?
Safety and accessibility have been prominent focuses of the recent Des Plaines River Trail renovations. The construction of the pedestrian bridge over Lawrence Avenue replaced a once hazardous underpass that was prone to flooding, greatly improving safe passage over a busy road. The new boardwalk raises the trail above flood levels, reducing risks associated with wet and slippery surfaces. Trail crossings have been enhanced to meet ADA standards, and the resurfaced trail sections offer smoother, more stable terrain suitable for a variety of users including strollers, wheelchairs, and less mobile participants.
These improvements make the trail more accessible for families with young children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, broadening its appeal as a meeting spot for diverse groups. Parking and transit access points near trailheads facilitate easy arrival and departure for larger gatherings. Moreover, the openness and visibility along the trail improve personal safety, while the presence of multiple entry and exit points allows flexibility in planning routes. Overall, these thoughtful design and safety upgrades ensure the Des Plaines River Trail is welcoming and inclusive, making group meetups hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.