photo: Friends of the Chicago River

What is Chicago Wilderness?

Chicago Wilderness is a regional nature reserve that includes more than 225,000 acres of protected natural lands. It stretches from southeastern Wisconsin, through northeastern Illinois and into northwestern Indiana.

The protected lands in Chicago Wilderness are forest preserves, state parks, federal lands, county preserves, and privately owned lands. There are also many unprotected natural areas that offer refuge to native wildlife.

This network of wild spaces contains globally significant natural communities. The prairie communities within the Chicago Wilderness region are important to global prairie conservation, because the region contains some of the best remaining examples. This region also holds valuable forests, streams and wetlands. Plants and animals ranging from colorful songbirds and tiny orchids to impressive great blue herons and magnificent oak trees find their homes in Chicago Wilderness.

photo: Fermi National Accelerator Lab

Chicago Wilderness is also a place for people to explore, relax, learn, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Our woodlands, wetlands, and prairies are as much a part of our region's identity as our art, music and architecture. They help make the Chicago region a great place to live and work, and they provide solace and inspiration, much needed in our busy lives.

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