Steven Rosenberg Photography

Do you want to escape from the busy city life and immerse yourself in nature's beauty? Look no further than the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The forest offers over 69,000 acres of wildlife, outdoor recreation, and environmental education opportunities. Whether you have just one hour, a full day, or a night to spare, you can explore the stunning natural landscapes spread over 70,000 acres. The Forest Preserves offer something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. You can attend a camping basics workshop, take your children to a concert in the woods, or try activities such as "forest bathing," owl prowling, or nature photography. Additionally, you can go cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, and check out the aquatic centers and golf courses. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even spend a night under the stars and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature at one of the five campgrounds.

History and nature enthusiasts must visit the Field Museum in Chicago. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 21 million specimens that showcase the history of human and animal life in different regions. One of the museum's key attractions is Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton worldwide. The Field Museum offers permanent and rotating exhibits that provide an insight into the world's natural history. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including Mammals of Asia, Mammals of Africa, the Grainger Hall of Gems, Underground Adventure, Inside Ancient Egypt, Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, DNA Discovery Center, McDonald's Fossil Prep Lab, and the Regenstein Laboratory. The Field Museum Library is home to over 275,000 volumes of research collections, which are fundamental for the museum's scientific staff. The Library provides information on biology, anthropology, botany, geology, archaeology, museology, and other fields of study.