April showers bring May flowers and this May we are recommending floral and prairie featured hikes. Get yourself outside and smell the flowers even if it means taking allergy medicine. These hikes are worth your time and hopefully you can do more that one. As we accumulate our portfolio of hikes, we discover how unique each location’s history and ecosystem can be. So join us and take a weekly hike. Here are 5 Chicago area hikes that are perfect for May.
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Chicago Botanical Gardens
We start with the obvious, the Chicago Botanical Gardens. We were just there a few weeks ago and flowers are in bloom. If you are not a member, this is the year and membership provide reciprocal entry into the Morton Arboretum.
REI Offer
Crabtree Nature Preserve
Crabtree Nature Preserve is short and packed with changing ecosystems. Good for the whole family with birds on display and child friendly options. Bring a picnic and spend some time at the habitat of your choice. See our story about Crabtree Nature Preserve here: https://www.hike360vr.com/crabtree-nature-center/
KÜHL Clothing Offer
Dick Young Forest Preserve
We loved Dick Young Forest Preserve in the winter with snowshoes. I can only assume the spring prairie will provide for a great day. Catch our post about Dick Young FP: https://www.hike360vr.com/dick-young-forest-preserve-il/
Osprey Offer
Marengo Ridge
This is an interesting hike with a lot of geological history. There are several loops and we recommend the full hike experience. We are selecting this for May so that the forest portion has not yet been populated with bugs. The prairie portion of this hike should be in full bloom. For more information about Marengo Ridge visit https://www.hike360vr.com/marengo-ridge-il/
MSR Offer
Waterfall Glen
Waterfall Glen is a hike we continue to do. It’s the longest of the May hiking suggestions at almost 10 miles but worth every moment. The spring river flow should be up, so take a dip if its a hot day. The prairie will be alive and so will the forests. If you’re lucky, maybe some RC airplane enthusiasts will be doing aerial tricks. This was one of our first hikes and you can see what we write at https://www.hike360vr.com/waterfall-glen-il/
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