News

Trail Opens at Fort Sheridan

For the first time in more than a century, Fort Sheridan — formerly an Army base — now offers public access to its natural beachfront along Lake Michigan. In November 2005, the Lake County Forest Preserves opened a new 1.6-mile asphalt trail from Old Elm Road at Sheridan Road through the preserve to the Lake Michigan shore.

The trail includes a bridge over an ecologically sensitive ravine and an educational loop around the preserve’s historic parade grounds. Visitors can bike, hike, and cross-country ski on the trail, but swimming and boating are not yet permitted on this section of Lake Michigan since officials have swept only the land and not the water for explosives that might remain from the site’s former use.

Work is underway on ecological restoration and interpretive exhibits. A recent vegetation survey in the ravines and shore revealed several endangered and threatened plant species. The area is also a stopover for migrating birds.

Fort Sheridan is one of the few places in Illinois that offers public access to undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. “We are very excited to see the Lake County Forest Preserves opening this trail and starting ecological restoration of the very rare and fragile bluffs and ravines,” said Joyce O’Keefe, deputy director of Openlands Project. Openlands has been working with the U.S. Army, Lake County Forest Preserves, and Congressman Mark Kirk to ensure that much of the site becomes open space.

To reach the temporary parking lot, take Old Elm Road in Highwood east from Sheridan Road, turn left on Leonard Wood Circle North and left again on Gilgare Road.

— Barbara Hill