Situated in northwestern Cook County, Deer Grove was the first preserve acquired by the Forest Preserve District, beginning with 500 acres in 1916. With its long, rich history and extensive trails, the 1,800-acre Deer Grove has attracted generations of visitors, from serious botanists to weekend joggers. Deer Grove’s significant and varied acreage makes it a premier destination for a suite of activities, from hiking and birdwatching to cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
Enjoying Deer Grove
Deer Grove’s rolling upland forest is interspersed with wooded ravines and wetlands. Picturesque creeks meander through this tract, draining upland woods dominated by oak and hickory. Miles of trails make it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to access the preserve’s diverse habitats. Runners, cross-country skiers and cyclists can cruise the four miles of paved trail, while ten miles of unpaved trails appeal to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The vast, looping trail system creates ample space for extended runs or hikes and is heavily used year round.
Deer Grove West is primarily wooded, while Deer Grove East is more open, with recently restored wetlands and prairie, including 23 wetlands restored by disabling drain tiles that drained former farm fields at the isite.
Because of its hills and turns, Deer Grove has become popular with cyclists. The Deer Grove Trail links with the Palatine Trail at Quentin and Dundee Roads, offering bicycling opportunities beyond the preserve boundaries. Cyclists can access the trail at both Deer Grove West and Deer Grove East parking lots. Unfortunately, the ravine areas of Deer Grove have been severely damaged by illicit off-trail use, primarily by mountain bikers. To preserve natural vegetation and stop soil erosion, bicyclists and equestrians are asked to use only marked, designated trails. Use of unauthorized trails for these purposes is subject to ticketing and a fine.
Deer Grove is also home to a sledding hill, located near the main Deer Grove parking lots off Quentin Road. Also near these parking lots is the five-acre Deer Grove Lake, which can be fished all year. A model airplane flying field at Deer Grove East is dedicated to the exploration of flight.
Nature at Deer Grove
Deer Grove is home to a variety of habitats, some of which are protected within a state-designated nature preserve. Throughout the preserve, numerous small wetlands attract wildlife such as turtles, frogs and salamanders, including several rare species. Large swaths of wetlands, upland forest, woodland, savanna and prairie are maintained and restored with the help of Friends of Deer Grove East and Deer Grove Natural Areas Volunteers.
In the spring, look for vernal ponds (temporary springtime wetlands), which support many local amphibians, including blue-spotted salamanders and chorus frogs. Spring is an ideal time to see woodland wildflowers such as Dutchman’s breeches and wood anemone. The spring woodland offers cover and food for migrating birds. Listen for veeries and hooded warblers in the deep woods and savannah sparrows along the edge. Summer hikers can spot jewelweed along the ravines and beneath the trees, which is a favorite plant for hummingbirds.
Anglers can find largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and bullhead in Deer Grove Lake.
Please enjoy the preserve from the existing trail system as much as possible, and avoid walking off trail when conditions are muddy. The best way to explore Deer Grove off trail is to join one or more volunteer workdays held in both Deer Grove East and West. You will get to know Deer Grove up-close and personal while restoring the land!