Graceland Cemetery – “Graceland Cemetery is one of Chicago’s finest hidden treasures. On the North Side, amongst the everyday hustle and bustle, lies a serene yet vibrant park-like cemetery. Located between two major Chicago cross streets, Clark & Irving Park, Graceland Cemetery is the final resting place to many prominent Chicago figures, including athletes, politicians, industrialists, and many of the finest architects of the last century. Designed by visionary landscape architects, including O.C. Simonds, Graceland both serves as a glimpse into the past and a beautiful place for the future. Even with all of its 150 years of history, Graceland Cemetery is still an active cemetery and arboretum.”
Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum
Rosehill Cemetery – “Founded in 1859, the 350-acre Rosehill Cemetery is the largest—and one of the older—cemeteries in the city of Chicago. When you walk through the magnificent Gothic-style entry gate, you will feel transported away from the hustle and bustle of the Windy City into a serene and beautiful place. As you meander through the vast property, you’ll notice historic Victorian-era architecture and monuments, a grand mausoleum, incredible statuary, statuesque trees, and lovely shade-providing trees.
Our history combined with our park-like setting and modern amenities and products make Rosehill Cemetery one the more dignified memorial parks in the Chicago area.”
Rosehill Cemetery | Cemetery| Dignity Memorial
Schiller Woods – “Located along the Des Plaines River Trail, Schiller Woods is home to a diverse array of natural habitats including wooded areas, remnant prairie, sedge meadow and wetland. With wide-open spaces and a pond, visitors can enjoy easy access to outdoor activities such as picnicking, fishing, kite flying and more.”
Schiller Woods – Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)
Thatcher Woods – “Nestled along the Des Plaines River, the 245-acre Thatcher Woods is home to a diverse range of bird species and plant life, making this combination of floodplain forest, savanna, and prairie a hot spot for bird watching and nature exploration. A network of primitive walking trails connects visitors to Trailside Museum of Natural History.”
Thatcher Woods – Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)
Matthiessen State Park – “Canyons, streams, prairie, and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing.
The park has five miles of well-marked, well-surfaced hiking trails for a relaxing walk or a vigorous hike. Large trail maps are located at all major trail intersections so visitors can choose a variety of routes. The upper area and bluff tops are easy hiking paths for the novice, but the trails into the interiors of the two dells may be difficult to negotiate, particularly during spring and early summer. Hikers must stay on marked trails, as steep cliffs and deep canyons can be dangerous. Hikers will marvel at the plant and animal life along the trails, and have an unparalleled view of geological wonders as they travel through the park.”
Matthiessen State Park – Utica (utica-il.gov)
Galena, Illinois – “Galena Country is an area with a rich and storied past and just like the area it represents, it is full of great stories and colorful characters. While it’s many years in the making, our story only gets better with time! We have a history of seeing things others don’t. And when you’re here, you’ll see and do things you won’t see anywhere else. We call it being original. Explore the 11 unique locations that makeup Galena Country with this adventure-filled, 4-day itinerary!” Read more about all of the historic fun on Galena’s official website!
Forever Original Galena Country (visitgalena.org)
More places to be added in the future so check in for updates!!