Connect with Nature in and around Lemont
Lemont is known for its shopping, restaurants, and seasonal events for families—but visitors and locals alike will also find it a perfect place to reconnect with nature.
We’ve collected a few of our favorite opportunities to learn, explore, and connect at natural resources in the area.
LEARNING
Learn more about the local ecosystem and local history at the venues below. You’ll always find fun seasonal events that help you interpret our landscape and leave this place better than you found it.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
Venue | Year Round 9AM - 4PM | Learn More
The Sagawau Environmental Learning Center and classroom offer regular exhibits on geology, human and natural history, and habitat management. Through the fall and spring, they’re known for hosting some amazing events on birding, including their signature Hummingbird Festival! Take a hike around Cook County’s only canyon, or sit in for a workshop.
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Venue | Hours Vary but Generally Open from 10AM - 6PM M-F | Learn More
The Forge offers climbing and zip lining, axe throwing, kayaking, and endless trails for walking and exploring. Throughout the year, you’ll find concerts, festivals, and summer camps for kids. We love that The Forge has intentionally built their adventure park to be accessible to all, from their pathways to the design of their zip lines. Their conservation efforts among the Heritage Quarries as also admirable!
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Venue | Open Mar - Oct: 9am - 5pm, closed Fridays; Open Nov - Feb: 9am - 4pm, closed Fridays | Learn More
The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has educated and delighted generations of families with live animals, exhibits, and self-guided trails. The hybrid learning environment, accessible garden, and easy trails make a wonderful place for teachers, parents, and youth leaders to use the forest preserve as a classroom.
HIKING
On a warm, summer evening or crisp fall afternoon, moving your body through nature allows you to gain more focus and presence that you’ll carry into your everyday life.
Forest Bathing with Sarah Alvastead
Activity | Select Dates
It’s commonly said that nature is healing to the mind, body, and soul. Join Forest Therapy Certified, Sarah Alvastead, for a slow and intentional walk through the neighboring forest of Lemont for a hike focused on calming your nervous system and tapping into the sensorial properties of the Forest. Register for the upcoming workshops:
Sunday, September 10 | 8:45AM - 11:00 AM | Register Here
Saturday, October 14 | 8:45 AM - 11:00 AM | Register Here
Friday, November 24 | 8:45 AM - 11:00 AM | Register Here
Lemont Walking Club
Activity + Group | Every Morning at 9:30AM + Select Special Events
The Lemont Walking Club is a group organized by Bee Well Collective led by Danyelle Andrews, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Through regular walks, wellness chats, and monthly events, Danyelle is helping people reach their daily walking goals while building community and connection. Regular walking groups meet every morning at 9:30 and rotate stroller-friendly locations within 15 minutes of Lemont. Follow along on Lemont Walking Club Facebook for the latest news, events, and location.
On Sunday, September 17 from 8:45AM - 12:30 PM, join the LWC for the Blue Zone Wellness Walk inspired by areas around the globe that have the longest-living residents due to their sustainable health and wellness practices and community. Change starts with one step!
Cal Sag Trail from Lemont to Alsip
Activity | Always Open | Learn More
Hike, bike, or walk the 13-mile (26-mile loop) Cal-Sag Trail that connects Lemont to Palos Park, Palos Heights, and Alsip. The paved terrain is relatively easy and is available to enter along the Sag Quarries near Archer Ave/IL-83. It’s the best way to get to popular outdoor destinations like Swallow Cliff and the incredible Lake Katherine Nature Center.
Black Patridge Woods
Activity | Open Year Round | Learn More
Black Partridge Woods’ 80 acres feature bluffs overlooking the Des Plaines River, ravine forests, and spring-fed streams. The hiking trails near Lemont are a perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon. The site is a protected Illinois Nature Preserve.
I&M Canal Bike Rental
Activity | Bikes available 24/7 located just off Stephen Street in Safety Village and at the Forge: Lemont Quarries | Learn More
Cruise through Lemont Downtown with the I&M Canal Bikes. Easily accessible through an app, bikes are perfect to hop on/off the trail or park in front of your favorite shops and restaurants.
Connecting
We need fresh air to survive. Whether you’re connecting with friends and family through one of our outdoor events or bringing a telescope to explore the night sky, here are some of our favorite ways to reconnect with yourself and each other.
Stargazing in the Palos Preserves
Activity | Open Year Round | Learn More
In partnership with the Adler Planetarium, the Palos Preserves just a few minutes outside of Lemont, Illinois has been named the world’s largest Urban Night Sky place by Dark Sky International. The protected national preserve is also home to a thriving ecosystem with many plants, insects, birds, and animals benefiting from the lack of artificial lighting. Get into the night sky and ponder what else is out there. Access the Urban Night Sky Place through Willow Springs just south of Archer Ave.
Yoga with Nicole Schneider
Activity | Saturdays 9AM - 10AM | Learn More
Center yourself as the weekend begins in Village Green Park with local yoga instructor, Nicole Schneider. The 6-week series was extended through September 2 so there is plenty of time to drop-in to a class. Be sure to give her a follow for more events coming soon.
Lemont Farmers Market
Activity | Tuesdays 4-7 PM through October 17 | Learn More
There is nothing more quintessentially fall than early evenings spent strolling the local farmers market. Enjoy vendors with fresh produce, burgers, crepes, micro greens, dog treats, and goods and activities for the entire family.
Camp Bullfrog
Activity | Open Year Round | Learn More
Camp Bullfrog Lake offers year-round camping, group activities, and water-based recreation such as kayak rentals and fishing. Enjoy days filled with hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching adventures just outside of Lemont.
Restoration Stewardship Weekend
Activity | Saturday, August 26 from 9:30-11:30AM | Learn More
Enjoy the fresh air and put your muscles to work as you restore ecosystems. Tools and safety gear provided.
Hummingbird Festival
Event | Saturday, August 19 | Learn More
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
Delight yourself with a full day of activities, viewing, and demos of how the hummingbirds are banded for tracking and research.
What are your favorite ways to connect to the environment in the area? Drop us a note in the comments!
