oakdale nature preserve

When entering the woods next to the parking lot - if you go right you can stay on a more compact/gravel surface. Going left takes you back into the looping trails, more of a mulched surface which later turns into a run-down grassy path. Going left also starts you at marker #1 - not sure how many there are total, or what they represent, but it's nice to have them so you don't get lost. If it's your first time there you really can get confused as to where you're at (being there were no trail maps in the mailboxes when we went). It would be nice if they had a large map posted at the beginning of the trails, and maybe a few places throughout. There are a few park benches here and there if you need to sit down. Wear closed toed shoes, there were lots of 'daddy-longleg' spiders on the trails when we went. Make sure to stop by the big round building and see the carved tree stump- very cool and creative. This place isn't much for hiking as we thought it would be - it's pretty flat throughout, but you could easily spend an hour or more here. There is a small stream towards the back. Currently they are doing a lot of work with preserving the trees so don't expect it to look like a state park. Very nice place to have in Freeport.

Lots of "wild life" to see if you look. Buildings are spacious so you can have family gatherings and the main lodge has a nice kitchen you can use. People do not know about this place and it is soooo peaceful there

If you like taking a walk in the woods this is it. You can go from woods to meadow to walking in a stream bed to a pine grove. They loop and loop so when you are ready to leave it is only a short walk to the car but if you want to keep going you can. Call the park district if you have a group. The education building in interesting. Nice building to rent for outdoor functions also. I love going after a nice rain and smell the nature. Leave the Ipod in the car and listen to nature all around you. Just wonderfull