Chicago is a world class city with a population of nearly 3 million people, some of the world's tallest skyscrapers and a beautiful shoreline along Lake Michigan. The suburbs of Chicago extend through seven counties in all directions. Traveling northwest from Chicago, you will find suburban destinations ranging from cosmopolitan to commercial to quiet countryside.
Ride Along the River
Biking on the Fox River Trail, which follows a continuous path for more than 30 miles from the suburbs of Algonquin to Aurora, leads riders through tall trees and small towns, past homes, around parks and over bridges The trail also connects to the Prairie Bike Path, which extends east all the way to Chicago.
Walk in the Woods
Tens of thousands of acres of natural woodlands and prairies serve an integral role providing dense green landscape in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Take advantage of the lush Cook Country Forest Preserve system by walking, picnicking, fishing and exploring the 3,700 acres of Busse Woods, also called Ned Brown Preserve, in Elk Grove Village. Look for the mature herd of elk that roam these woods.
Year-Round Skiing
The far northwest suburb of Fox River Grove boasts the oldest continuous ski club in the United States, the Norge Ski Club, founded in 1905. The natural hills of the Fox River valley offer ski jumpers a top-notch training facility, which is used for practice and competitions year-round. Hike out to the slope to cheer on skiers in one of many international events held there. If the weather is fair, head up and away in a hot air balloon with the Windy City Balloon Club, also in residence at Norge.
Farmers Markets
Once a vast farmland area, now populated with suburbanites, the area northwest of Chicago stays true to its roots by offering several farmers markets on weekends in the summer. Heading further north and west delivers goods from the edge of the farm belt to markets in Barrington, Crystal Lake and East Dundee.
Sporting Life
Chicagoans love their sports and the suburbs are no exception. Arlington Park Racetrack in Arlington Heights is a beautiful thoroughbred racing facility where you can bask in the sun while watching the races, and listen to free live music in the grassy family play area and enjoy Family Days each Sunday in summer. Take yourself out to a ballgame and cheer on the Kane County Cougars minor league baseball team in their hometown of Schaumburg. The Chicago Slaughter indoor football team plays at the Sears Center, a sports and performance arena in Hoffman Estates.
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