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Winter Sports

Cross-Country Skiing

This popular winter sport is permitted upon the trails and open areas of the District -- except special use areas as Nature Centers and Golf Courses -- area maps available upon request.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is permitted at designated sites throughout the District. Many areas are scraped free of snow. Ice thickness must be 4 inches. Information about ice skating areas available upon request.

Sledding and Coasting

The District has designated areas for coasting and sledding when snow conditions are suitable. Some have lighting and shelters -- contact the General Headquarters far information and locations.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is restricted to designated areas in the District. Snowmobiles must be registered with both the State of Illinois and the Forest Preserve District. Designated areas are open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., when 4 inches of snow base exists an frozen turf. Listing of areas available upon request.

Tobogganing

The District operates a total of fourteen slides at five locations (see below). Slide surfaces require 4 inches of snow and a constant temperature of 20 F. to maintain the ice film. Slides are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily when weather conditions permit. Use of personal toboggans is permitted following inspection.

• *Bemis Woods -- Ogden Ave., west of Wolf Rd.
• Dan Ryan Woods -- 87th and Western Ave.
• Deer Grove -- Grove No. 5. north of Dundee Rd. west of Quentins Rd.
• Jensen Slides -- Devon Ave., east of Milwaukee Ave.
• *Swallow Cliff -- Rt. 83 west of Mannheim Rd. (Rt. 45).

*Toboggans can be rented at these slides.

DEPOSIT REQUIRED -- NO RESERVATIONS

Special Activities

Botanic Garden and Brookfield Zoo

Although Brookfield Zoo is administered and operated by the Chicago Zoological Society and the Botanic Garden by the Chicago Horticultural Society, bath are located on Forest Preserve District lands and are cooperative functions of the District.

• Brookfield Zoo -- 31st Street and 1st Ave., Brookfield. Information available by contacting the zoo at (708) 485-0263.
• Botanic Garden -- 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Information available by contacting the Botanic Garden at (847) 835-5440

Bird Watching

Of special interest are the spring and fall migrations of waterfowl and song birds. However, the District is renowned for its resident bird life especially in the Palos area and at The Nature Centers.

Group Camping (Youth Only}

There are seven (7) overnight camping areas far properly supervised youth groups of either boys or girls, mixed groups of bays and girls are not permitted. Tent camping sites for youth are available at each of the seven areas.

Three camping sites have heated cabins, indoor plumbing and electnc lights, these are suitable for year-round use. The cabins also have kitchen facilities including refrigeration. However, no utensils or dishes are provided.

All camping is subject to reservations and permits which can be obtained by contacting the District Headquarters.

There are no facilities for adult or trailer camping.

Model Airplane Flying

There are nine "fields" designated far model aircraft fiying located throughout the District -- location listing available. These areas are maintained on a par with picnic areas. Refined mowing by individuals or groups is permitted.

Model Water Craft

Two areas are designated for model watercraft use.

• Lake Ida -- 1/2 mile S. of Highway 66 an W. side of U.S. 45.
• Potawatomi Pond -- 1/2 mile E. of Wheeling on Dundee Road.

Source of this page: Cook County Forest Preserve District, Cook County, Illinois.

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