Fall 1999

A destination free from urban noise and traffic

Lake and McHenry Counties, Illinois

One of the greatest benefits of living in the Chicago Wilderness is its many hidden, natural treasures. Chain O'Lakes State Park is, without a doubt, one such wild gem.

Heading west on Rte. 173, one passes a few taverns, a handful of bait and soda shops, several farms, even a rock quarry and a housing development. Not a single hint of undisturbed natural wilderness is detectable.

But Chain O'Lakes State Park is just ahead, over the land bridge that separates Channel Lake and Lake Marie. Approaching the Fox River, nature begins to show me her cards. Entering the park from Wilmot Road, I drop down into the magnificent rolling hills of a vast grass and wetland valley. At the end of the winding road up ahead, the woods await.

I follow the signs to the Fox Den Camping Area and find a secluded site overlooking Turner Lake. About 80 acres near here have been set aside as a state Nature Preserve to protect the rare bog community and the plants there. Just as I finish pitching my tent, two sets of geese have set up their shop right in the center of the water. Ever increasing numbers of their airborne friends answer their invitation. By the time I have finished lunch, there are dozens of them floating around.

Just 60 miles northwest of Chicago, I find the adventure I sought. No sirens, just birds‹and lots of them. No traffic noise, just the wind taunting the peaceful trees. Located in McHenry and Lake counties, about four miles south of the Illinois/Wisconsin border, the 6,023 acres of Chain O'Lakes State Park awaits those who are ready to venture, into the wild. The park has several trail systems: 2 1/2 miles of Nature's Way hiking trail; 8 miles of equestrian trail; and another 5 miles of biking/hiking trail. In winter, all are used by cross-country skiers. In addition, Chain O'Lakes offers boating, canoeing, horseback riding and camping. There are 150 class A campsites (with electricity, $11 per night) and 87 non-electric, class B campground sites ($8) of which the park allots 25 percent for advanced registration.

In addition, there is an impressive array of playground equipment for the young explorers, canoe and rowboat rentals, and 6 class A accessible campsites for the physically challenged, including adapted restrooms and showers. (Both of which were meticulously clean).

I found it difficult to leave the surrounding wilderness with its extensive array of wild flowers in every shape and color and nearly 200 bird species that have been seen there. That being said, I did enjoy my short, indoor adventure at the park's main office. Its' museum section, with numerous exhibits, offers a great look at the indigenous wildlife and history of this amazing area. Next I looked for the newest addition to the park, a migrating American bald eagle. He's been seen recently fishing the banks of the Fox River along Gold Finch Trail. But not by me.

In speaking with a local human fisherman, I learned he and his family have spent their summer catching large-mouth bass, muskies, walleyes and catfish.

Note: In the fall, the park is closed from the beginning of November until mid-December for all activities except hunting (permitted by registration only).

— Brian Brawdy