DAY HIKES
Openlands Lakeshore Preserve
Highwood, IL
May 27, 28, 29, 31, 2025
May 27, 28, 29 & 31
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
2.75 miles
Terrain
We are walking on both paved paths and rocky ground. At the top of the bluff, the paths are paved, while by the lakeshore, we encounter crushed rock. Be prepared for 60 stairs up to the path, 80 stairs down to the lakeshore, and a long paved hill back to the parking lot through a scenic tree-filled ravine.
The Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is a 72-acre Illinois Nature Preserve in the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. This area encompasses wooded ravines and some of our region’s most magnificent views of Lake Michigan. It has three unique ecosystems — ravines, bluffs, and lakefront. These rare and fragile ecosystems exist together in only a few places in the region. Our hike includes walking on top of the bluff enjoying the restoration of native plants and then down to the lakeshore for a walk closer to the water. Our return route takes us up the Bartlett Ravine and the 5 interpretative art pieces that seeks to “give voice” to aspects of the natural landscape that may go unnoticed. This hike is only 2.75 miles, but very”hilly” when taking into account the stairs and path up the ravine.
Washroom
There are no outhouses at the parking lot. One may either use the Mobile, Starbucks, or McDonalds off Sheridan that is near our parking. There is an outhouse on our route, after 1/3 of a mile and the stairs.
What to Bring
Water
Hiking sticks are optional
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Clothing layers as needed
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Boots will most likely get muddy.
Bug spray just in case.
Sack lunch if desired
Optional lunch this week
There are no picnic tables in this parking lot., so we will need to bring out own chairs for sack lunch.
Times
We meet at 9:45 am to begin hiking at 10:00am
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, you will receive an email before 8am on the day of your hike.
You Will Learn
About the Salmon in Lake Michigan
Driving Directions
Address: Parking lot at the eastern intersection of Westover road and Lyster road in Highwood, IL
Please use Google link to find parking lot. (We are NOT meeting in the small parking lot for Openlands Lakeshore Preserve)
We will meet in the Parking lot at 9:45am
Lake County Forest Preserve
Discussion Starter Question
In spring, the salmon in Lake Michigan are in deep waters, eating the invasive alewives fish. This was not always the case, as the “exotic” salmon were introduced to Lake Michigan in the 60’s to help clean the water and benfit the whole ecosystem.
Where have you found help in bringing in something outside your own normal way of life?
Guides
Kari, aka, “Lucky Duck” on Wed and Thur.
Karen, aka “Carin” on Tue and Saturday
Quote of the day
Harmony with land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left.
-Aldo Leopold
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.