Skokie Lagoons
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Skokie Lagoons offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with nature in an urban setting, featuring accessible trails ideal for walking, running, and biking, alongside kayaking opportunities for an additional fee. It's particularly notable for its abundant birdlife, especially in spring, and serves as a peaceful escape for wildlife observation and photography.
Key Highlights
- ✓Excellent, friendly staff for kayak rentals.
- ✓Abundant birdlife (e.g., blue herons) visible, particularly in spring, making it great for nature observation and photography.
- ✓Smooth, paved, and accessible trails suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, running, and biking.
- ✓Beautiful views and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere for reflection.
- ✓Offers a 'nature feel' hidden within an urban environment.
Standout Features
- ⭐Free parking is available on-site.
- ⭐Dedicated, friendly staff for watercraft rentals.
- ⭐Proximity to Chicago Botanic Garden's pedestrian entrance (accessible from the Tower Road lot).
- ⭐Opportunities for wildlife photography due to diverse bird population.
- ⭐Variety of activities: walking, running, biking, kayaking, bird watching, and quiet reflection.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →If kayaking, inspect rental equipment (e.g., seats) before heading out to manage expectations.
- →Check recent weather forecasts; heavy storms can make the lagoon swampy with felled trees, impacting kayaking conditions.
- →Arrive early on weekends for kayak rentals to avoid long wait times, as online reservations are not offered.
- →Bring blankets or mats if you plan to sit on the ground, due to prevalent goose droppings.
- →For direct access to Chicago Botanic Garden, park at the Tower Road lot and walk north to the pedestrian entrance.
- →Visit in spring for the best bird watching opportunities, as the lagoons are 'brimming with birds'.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Many rental kayaks and canoes are not in great condition, with broken seats reported.
- ⚠The lagoon can become swampy and have felled trees after heavy storms, potentially affecting kayaking conditions.
- ⚠Long wait times for kayak rentals are common on weekends due to no online reservation system.
- ⚠Grounds can have significant goose droppings, especially in grassy areas near the water, requiring caution when sitting.
Price & Value
Kayaks and canoes rent for $30 per hour, with additional time billed at $5 per 15 minutes. This is generally considered a good price by reviewers despite the reported condition of some equipment. Entry to the preserve and parking are free.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Smooth, paved, and accessible trails are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring ease of movement for all family members.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in reviews; assume standard public park rules apply regarding outside food and picnicking.
🚗Parking Info
- •Free parking is readily available, including a specific lot at Tower Road which provides convenient access.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Weekends can experience long wait times for kayak rentals, indicating higher crowds around the rental area.
- •Trails might be less crowded, especially on weekdays, offering a quieter experience.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The area is generally perceived as 'relatively safe' by visitors.
- •No specific child-focused safety measures (e.g., staff supervision for kids' play, wristbands) are mentioned beyond general park safety.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Kayaking immediately after heavy storms, as the lagoon can be swampy with felled trees.
- • Weekend kayak rentals if you are on a tight schedule or dislike long queues (no reservations available).
- • If you expect pristine, brand-new kayaking equipment, as rentals are noted to have broken seats.
- • If you are highly sensitive to natural elements like goose droppings on the ground.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
🍎Food Policy
- • No alcohol or glass bottles.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • A properly fitted life vest must be worn by every paddler for the duration of the rental period.
- • Dogs are welcome at the owner’s risk and the operator’s discretion.
📅Booking Policy
- • Boat rentals operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- • Call 847-414-5883 to confirm boat rental availability before visiting.
- • Permits for events can be applied for online or by calling 800-870-3666, option 1.
- • In-person permit purchases available at General Headquarters & Permit Office and Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center (valid federal or state-issued ID required).
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking available.
- • Accessible parking available (30 ft distance to accessible parking noted).
- • Equestrian parking available at Tower Road Boat Launch.
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Matthew Parrilli
2 weeks agoA beautiful trail even in winter. Smooth, paved and accessible trails throughout. I recommend parking in the lot at Tower Road and walking north to the pedestrian entrance to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Recommended.
Zara
3 months agoBeautiful forest preserve. The lagoons are usually brimming with birds in spring. It's a quiet and relaxing place to walk and reflect.
Lori Hess
6 months agoRented 6 kayaks. Staff is awesome. Many of their kayaks & canoes, however, are not in great shape. Broken seats, etc. price otherwise are good - $30/hour and then $5/15m thereafter… The lagoon right now is pretty swampy after the storms with felled trees. We saw blue herons and other beautiful birds along the route! Would be great if they offered online reservations to avoid long wait times on the weekends.
Alex Ernst
8 months agoFree to park, get relatively safe. Bring blankets for the ground, lots of goose droppings. Worth visiting if you’re looking for a nature feel hidden within an urban environment.
Sam Hempen
6 months agolovely trails for running and biking, beautiful views and easily my favorite spot for wildlife photography in skokie.
Contact Information
N, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
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