moraine hills state park

HippieBob

This natural reserve is a gift to all people with beautiful grounds and wildlife. I come here often and have for years. Sadly though this park has permitted an annual culling (slaughter) of deer for a permit group (hunting Pals) and after about 20 years of going here they have eliminated most of the beautiful deer. To add insult to injury they all but ignore my inquiry's on this important issue...Hippie Bob

Roseans

Great place if your looking to get away and go and relax in the great outdoors. Great for walking picnicking and relaxing. Small lake for enjoying.

Ndomagata

I took my dog Roxy here for a walk and we loved going thru the trails ... Would be a great place for a picnic in warmer weather

MaureenL795

We love taking walks or riding bikes in this very scenic area. It is a gem. You can walk among the native plants and flowers growing everywhere or walk in the snow and witness nature at it's strongest. My favorite is Spring and you can see the progress from day to day or week to week.

BZSTEPHAN

Moraine Hills may not offer the spectacular scenery that mountain or seaside parks offer but it is a lovely wooded Midwestern Park close to suburban Chicago. We live nearby and are able to drive there whenever we want. We love taking our dog there and sometimes enjoy a picnic breakfast in the peace of quiet of nature. It is really nice having a free park close by. I only wish they did not close the park for Hunters during deer season.

137julier

It was a nice day to see the Marsh land they have and quiet enough to walk trails. The have a beautiful bike trail that takes your throughout the entire park. Very nice. Would go there again.

IngridW965

I was at the Grand Opening of the Park in 1976. From that time until now the park has undergone many changes. The unique pathways through the woods were changed to wide pathways to accommodate rescue vehicles. Later many of the pathways were blacktopped in sections. Many trees were cut for visibility as many walkers/hikers were irritated with bikers, thus creating better vantage points for walkers and bikers to spot each other. Trees were also cut down to re-create more of a prairie look as was done in neighboring Glacier Park. Trails were never managed to make cross-country skiing enjoyable as all trails were open to hikers and skiers with hikers always walking in the ski-tracks--at least one of the circular trails should be for skiing only. Yes, it's still an enjoyable park today for walking, biking, fishing, bird watching, etc., but much of the original beauty, including many of the open waterways, has disappeared. The park office commented one time that unlike parks in Wisconsin which are strictly considered for recreation, Moraine Hills State Park is viewed and maintained as a park in an industrial state. Oh well, go and enjoy!

631suzannec

The beauty goes on and on. It is like a place time has forgotten. Drive in and enjoy any number of outdoor activities and the scenery changes with the seasons. Whether driving, biking or walking there is something wonderful for everyone!

patrickw195

Moraine Hills State Park is not only the McHenry Dam along the Fox River (a great place to fish either above or below the spillway) but add miles of bike/walking paths; small lakes; birds of all shapes & sizes - Sandhill Cranes included; deer and other animals; plus picnic sites; and plenty of parking! Free unless fishing on state managed lakes.

S1138

Nice for biking and walking many trails. Would not recommend going alone though, there has been a few problems with people at the park in the past, a person was accosted and another incident of folks having sexual relations, all printed in the local paper. But it is a really nice park. Too bad people have to spoil it.

sillydog56

Bird walks in the morning, bogs, walking trails and more. International Migratory Bird Day activities end of April. Bike paths. Fishing at the dam. Spend a few days exploring or attending events.

TravelBuddy0406

There are many trails to choose from at Moraine Hills State Park, but they are all very nice. Nicely groomed, different terrains to choose from, separate trails for horses and pedestrians. Also many places to stop/relax and take in the view or get refreshments.

Ashoken

Great state park in our backyard! Have been here different times of year & each time has been very enjoyable. Parking can be an issue at times, go early in am!

jcmacsue

it is a nice park to go to if you are in the area. The paths are easy and relatively flat (not paved, so not good for wheelchair). Great place for morning run, or family biking.

Valedia

I have been hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing in this park for about 25 years. There is something to see and do in every season! One of the other benefits of this park is that you can connect with the McHenry Dam trail which is different and has it's own special natural areas. You'll be treated to views of egrets, ducks, geese, Sandhills cranes, turtles, deer and more. If photography is something you enjoy, this park is the place to go for beautiful nature shots.