Winter 2000

Largest preserve in county features winter sports, bat colony, North America's largest postcard archive

Lake County, Illinois

Lakewood Forest Preserve is a great winter sports destination with a sled hill, an ice skating pond, and three miles of trail for cross-country skiers. At more than 2,000 acres, Lakewood is also the largest forest preserve in Lake County, home to 17 endangered species, a bat colony, one of the best spots in the county for migratory birds, a nine-mile horse path, and, for some reason, an archive housing the largest public collection of postcards in North America.

At first glance, the entire site resembles a quaint rural estate owned by a wealthy farmer of simple taste. Set between two cornfields, a driveway leads to a cluster of buildings all painted white: a barn, a brick silo, a museum, and a small two-story cottage. Further out, open fields give the impression of a park atmosphere. But out along the trails — used by hikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers — pockets of oak woodland and evergreen groves mix liberally with wetlands and open fields. Along the western edge is the Wauconda Bog Nature Preserve, designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Guarded naturally by poison sumac, this 67-acre bog harbors more than 100 plant species and attracts many birds. (Note: the wet, unstable soil makes trekking here problematic. Contact the Lake County Forest Preserve before visiting.)

In the early to mid-1800s, this site was owned by local prairie farmers who harvested firewood and lumber. Later, in the mid-1900s, it became Lake County's largest farm, complete with livestock, orchards, gardens, and crops. In the early 1960s, it became a dairy farm and, in 1968, began to be acquired by the County.

For a little indoor education followed by some outdoor fun at Lakewood, check out the Coyote Howl or the Knee High Naturalist programs. Prepayment is required and more information is available at Ryerson Woods, (847) 948-7750.

Admission to the Lake County Museum is $2.50 for adults; $1 if under 17; free on Tuesday. Museum hours are 11am-4:30pm Mon-Sat.; 1pm-4:30pm Sunday. Winter sports area hours: 6:30 am-7pm when conditions allow. Winter sports hotline: (847) 367-3676 x165.

— Christopher Percy Collier