Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens – Palos Heights, IL

Lake Katherine Nature Center’s very presence owes itself to the geological and industrial past of this area. The Cal- Sag canal to the north of the center was excavated in 1911 to 1922 in part due to the fact it was once part of a low spot that was called Calumet-Saganashkee valley. This low area was part of the Chicago outlet, one of two water channels that drained Lake Chicago (an early version of Lake Michigan) through the moraines that lie to the west of Lake Katherine.

The low area between the moraines was a convenient and profitable location for a canal to be built, connecting Lake Michigan and the Des Plaines River and therefore connecting industry from the Great Lakes watershed and the Mississippi river basin.

Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, IL is part of the Palos Preserves and the hike is mostly along the Cal-Sag Trail. The entire area is recaptured land from industrial use and is really a great place to visit. The hike goes as long as you’d like to walk along the Cal-Sag Trail or you can stay on Lake Katherine for an afternoon picnic and paddle boat.

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We are looking at the Harry ‘Bus’ Yourell Off-Stream Aeration Pool that is across the canal and located at the Rivers Edge Golf Club. You can see, feel and hear the human intervention and engineering required to maintain natural features. This whole hike is a testament to reclaiming nature as best as possible.

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We are back to Lake Katherine and exploring the Nature Center and gardens. This is a beautiful set-up, open to all. Lake Katherine is a very impressive and comfortable place to spend an afternoon.

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A fun video for VR goggles. You’ll be able to see the fish in the water and enjoy the Lilly-pad water. Also, make sure and download the 4K version to see the best details. We didn’t film much of a recap today. Basically, it’s less than a mile around Lake Katherine and you can walk or bike as far as you’d like in either direction along the cal-sag trail. So, make this hike your own.

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