Forest Preserves of Cook County Offers Cornucopia of Fall Festivities

The Forest Preserves of Cook County are offering a cornucopia of fall festivities on public forested lands across the county. Residents and visitors will find numerous opportunities to experience the beauty of nature's warm autumn hues and cool air in the Forest Preserves.

Throughout the fall, visitors can enjoy hikes through groves of golden sugar maples, relaxing paddles beneath a sky full of migratory birds, and an evening with family and friends around campfires while spending a night under the stars at the Forest Preserves five campgrounds.

The Forest Preserves’ six Nature Centers are a great place for free educational fun along with a number of other events and activities which are planned in the Preserves throughout the season.

With nearly 70,000 acres of land and various habitats such as forest woodlands, wetlands, prairie and savanna, fall also provides an excellent opportunity to bird and wildlife watch, practice photography, and appreciate the variances of Cook County’s different landscapes as they make their seasonal transition. For a complete list of fall events in the Forest Preserves of Cook County or to download the seasonal brochure, visit fpdcc.com/events.

MAJOR EVENTS:

A River Thru History, Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous
Saturday, Sept 10, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, Sept 11, 10 am – 4 pm
Columbia Woods, Willow Springs Rd & Corcoran Rd, Willow Springs

Look back 200 years to frontier life and enjoy food, music, crafts, reenactments, canoe races, games and more. Park free at UPS parking lot at Willow Springs Rd and 75th St and take the shuttle bus to event site. Adult admission $10; family pass $25; senior (over 62) $5; children (6- 17) $5. Free for kids under 6. Cash only. Check out RiverThruHistory.com.

Fishin’ Buddies Fall Fishing Derby
Saturday, Sept 10, 10 am – 2 pm
Wampum Lake, I-90/94 and Thornton Lansing Rd, Thornton-Lansing

This annual family fishing derby is perfect for all skill levels. Register at fishinbuddies.net/fishing.

Migrating Monarchs Celebration
Sunday, Sept 11, Noon – 3 pm
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest

Learn about this amazing globe-trotting butterfly and trace its migration route through fun activities, crafts and displays. See how monarchs are raised and tagged for tracking. Learn how you can help monarchs and other pollinators. Family event.

Archaeology Day
Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 am – 3 pm
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton, South Holland

Join us for a day of activities to promote appreciation of Native American culture. Enjoy local archaeology displays, guided hikes, activities and crafts.

63rd Annual American Indian Pow Wow
Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 am – 7 pm; Grand Entries at Noon and 5 pm; Sunday, Sept 18, 10 am – 5 pm.
Grand Entry at Noon Busse Woods South, Groves 17 & 18, Higgins Rd east of I-290, Elk Grove Village.

This event features Native American dance, drumming, food, art wares and fun. Don’t miss traditional dance competitors from all over the country. In partnership with the American Indian Center of Chicago. Admission $10–15.

Art in Nature
Sunday, Sept 18, 10 am – 4 pm
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills

Watch artists as they paint along our scenic trails. Listen to live music, view additional artwork for sale and vote for your favorite artist. Try your hand at drawing or painting your own watercolor, materials and instruction provided. Children can sculpt with clay, paint or draw.