Oak Forest Heritage Preserve - Oak Forest, Illinois

Alfonso C.

Muy buen lugar para caminar

Jasmina G.

Hermosa vistas rico naturaleza

Tom C.

Review of Oak Forest Heritage Preserve

Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is a hidden gem tucked away in Cook County, Illinois. Spanning over 176 acres, this preserve offers not only a scenic retreat but also a deep connection to the area’s rich ecological, cultural, and historical heritage. Situated on 159th Street, just east of the Oak Forest Medical Center, it’s a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, while also exploring a site with historical significance.

What makes this preserve special is its layered history. Acquired by the Forest Preserve District in 2010, the land’s story stretches back centuries. In the 1950s, an archaeological investigation revealed the first Native American village ever discovered in northeastern Illinois, marking the land as a place of early human settlement. Later, under Cook County ownership, the site transformed into a poor farm and a tuberculosis treatment center, serving the indigent population of the area. It even became a burial site for those who could not afford funeral services. These diverse roles make Oak Forest Heritage Preserve not just a place to hike, but a location steeped in the histories of many generations.

The nearly 2-mile paved loop trail is perfect for birding, walking, and wildlife watching, offering a peaceful escape year-round. During our hike, we took the east entrance to avoid the construction on the west side and immediately found ourselves surrounded by natural beauty. The paved path led us into a wide-open marshland, with reeds and cattails swaying gently, providing a striking foreground to the vibrant fall colors in the distance. Along the way, we encountered a variety of birds—blue jays, robins, sparrows, mallards, and Canadian geese—all busy gathering their morning meals from the surrounding juniper and berry bushes.

However, the highlight of our wildlife spotting was an unexpected visitor: an Anhinga, often called the Snake Bird for its long neck that resembles a serpent when swimming. This bird, typically found along the southern coastlines of the United States and much more commonly in tropical environments, was a surprising and rare sight in the preserve. Anhingas are not native to Illinois, and we can only guess that recent hurricanes in the Gulf or southern regions must have thrown this bird off its normal migratory course. It perched in a dead tree overlooking a small lake on the property, possibly resting before attempting to find its way back south. The sighting was both exciting and puzzling, as it’s not every day you encounter a bird so far removed from its usual habitat.

Beyond the wildlife, the preserve is home to deer, albeit smaller than the white-tailed deer we’re used to seeing in Wisconsin. The does quietly foraged in the more forested areas beneath a canopy of oaks and scrub brush, adding to the peacefulness of our hike.

Overall, Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is an excellent place for both novice and seasoned nature enthusiasts. Its paved trail is easy to navigate, making it accessible for all ages, whether you’re walking, running, or biking. The preserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with both the natural world and the deep historical roots of the land. The peaceful ambiance, combined with the thrill of unexpected wildlife sightings, ensures that every visit is memorable. Whether you're a local resident or just passing through the area, this preserve is well worth the visit.

For those with an interest in history, ecology, or simply a quiet walk in nature, Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is a must-see destination. The bonus of spotting rare wildlife, such as the wayward Anhinga we encountered, only adds to the allure of this beautiful and storied place.

Thomas Corrao
Stray Compass Life

#straycompassreviews

Yesi E.

Beautiful place 😍 you can walk. You can relax and you can have a picnic.

Vincent C.

2.5 mile walk on a paved path. You can start from several locations, but I like to start by the pond at the shuttered Oak Forest Hospital. Lots of wildflowers and some denser woods. You pass through the old Potter's Field. It was the graveyard for the Poor Farm and Cook County. They estimate 90,000 are buried in the fields, so not a great area if you are superstitious. Also was a Native American camp ground. The hospital is huge with many buildings, all unused.

Gabriel G.

Great place to go biking, walking and or running!
Be ready to take your camera out and see large herds of dear all over the park. I must have seen 40 or 50 deer the one time as was there!
Will surely be coming buck again. Pun intended. 😊

Melissa F.

Beautiful and quiet path to walk with a lot of history. A little upsetting to see the massive amount of shotgun shells in the corner of the parking lot. As for the rest of the path, it is pretty clean and quiet.

Anthony M.

Beautiful!!! Very peaceful. Stock with blue gills & catfish. Nice for a family picnic.