Lush forest trail with morning light filtering through trees
Chicago's Hidden Natural Retreat

Breathe in the
wildness and
make it yours

Step off the grid without leaving the city. Nestled along Chicago's greenbelt, our preserve offers cozy lodging surrounded by ancient woodlands, winding trails, and the quiet that only deep forest can provide.

Explore Our Rooms See the Experience
200+
Acres of woodland
12mi
Marked hiking trails
15min
From downtown Chicago
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Accommodations

Rest where the
forest meets comfort

Every room is thoughtfully designed to frame the surrounding woodlands. Wake to birdsong, fall asleep to the rustle of leaves — all wrapped in warmth and quiet luxury.

Spacious forest suite with king bed and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking trees
Most Popular

The Canopy Suite

King bed, private balcony, and panoramic forest views. Perfect for couples seeking a serene woodland retreat.

King Bed Balcony 450 sq ft
Charming oak-themed room with queen bed and rustic wooden accents

The Oak Room

Queen bed, garden patio, and handcrafted oak furnishings. A cozy haven for solo travelers or pairs.

Queen Bed Garden View 320 sq ft
Deluxe pine cabin with two double beds and a stone fireplace
Family Favorite

The Pine Cabin

Two double beds, stone fireplace, and a private sitting nook. Designed for families and small groups.

2 Double Beds Fireplace 580 sq ft
Call to Reserve Your Stay — (847) 244-5110
The Experience

More than a place to
stay — a reason
to slow down

Guided Nature Walks

Join our naturalist-led walks through ancient hardwood forests. Spot wild turkeys, red-tailed hawks, and the occasional white-tailed deer — all while learning about the ecology that makes this preserve special.

Cozy Lodge Common

Unwind by the stone fireplace in our communal lodge. Enjoy locally roasted coffee, board games, and the gentle hum of forest life beyond the windows.

Stargazing Deck

Far from city lights, our elevated deck offers some of the clearest night skies in the region. We provide telescopes and star charts for evening observers.

Farm-to-Table Breakfast

Start each morning with a hearty breakfast made from ingredients sourced from nearby Chicago farms. Fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, and strong coffee included.

Winding dirt trail through dense Chicago forest in autumn colors
12+ Miles

of marked trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging ridge runs.

Explore

Lace up.
The trails are calling.

Whether you're a casual walker or an avid trail runner, the Greenbelt Preserve offers routes for every pace and interest. From the shaded hemlock Hollow to the open prairie ridges, each path reveals a different side of Chicago's last great woodland.

Easy — Riverside Loop (1.2 mi)

A flat, family-friendly loop along the riverbank. Perfect for morning coffee walks.

Moderate — Hemlock Ridge (3.8 mi)

Rolling terrain through old-growth hemlock. Expect some elevation and root-covered sections.

Challenging — Prairie Summit (5.4 mi)

The full experience: open prairie, steep climbs, and panoramic views from the summit ridge.

Download trail maps
We came for a weekend and left feeling like we'd discovered something the rest of Chicago doesn't know about. The silence here is the kind you actually miss when you leave.
Portrait of a smiling guest
Sarah M.
Weekend visitor from Lincoln Park
Get in Touch

Ready to
unplug?

Give us a call to check availability, ask about trail conditions, or plan your perfect forest getaway. We're right here in Chicago — just follow the trees.

Call Us
(847) 244-5110
Visit Us
1281 W Glenlake Ave
Chicago, IL 60660-2503
Check-in / Check-out
3:00 PM — 11:00 AM

Send us a message

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