The best MTB trails around Warrenville

Step back in time as you explore the historic farmsteads dating to the late 1800s at this site. A rare gabled-roofed farmhouse remains, one of the last of its style in DuPage County, along with a massive wood-planked German barn dating back to 1890, if not earlier. The worn fieldstone foundation of another vintage barn can still be spotted. In the 1920s, Chauncey and Marion McCormick acquired the property, pursuing their passion for horses by building colonial-style red brick stables with imported English iron posts. To support their award-winning herd of Guernsey cows, they constructed an innovative dairy barn with spacious stalls and various outbuildings that set the standard for Midwest farmers. Later, their son Brooks and wife Hope erected the indoor arena that hosted equestrian events and a therapeutic riding program. Today, this charming arena with idyllic river birch views can be rented out for small gatherings, letting you experience the rich agricultural history of this special place.

The total length of the Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail is about 8 miles long and is a popular path for mountain biking, hiking, and running. This crushed gravel path visits beautiful spots in the suburb area like Rice Lake, Herrick Lake, Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, and Danada Forest Preserve.

St. James Farm Bike Trail is a wide gravel path that weaves through St. James Farm, passing natural beauties like forests, fields, and streams, as well as some interesting man-made features like the "Horse and Hound Cemetery", some naturally planted woods with trees all in a neat row, and even a railroad car on a display can be found on the north end of East Pond.

At 1,829 acres, Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville beckons as a birder's paradise, revealing trails, picnicking spots, and an off-leash dog area. This haven, designated as the Springbrook Prairie Nature Preserve and Land & Water Reserve, boasts vibrant summer blooms and shelters diverse bird species, including meadowlarks, woodcocks, and state-endangered northern harriers.

The Springbrook Prairie Trail is a 5.8-mile loop on a wide dirt trail that takes bikers through the Springbrook Prairie. The trail can be pretty exposed, as the park does not have a thick forest to provide shade. Instead, visitors can enjoy the sunshine, the fields, and the small ponds and streams along the way. Be aware not to go into the grass, as ticks can be a threat here.

Sanctuary Pond is a small pond that forms from the West Branch Dupage River. It is calm and surrounded by thick woods.

This elevated viewing platform over McKee Marsh gives visitors a good look into the marsh. There is also a trail map here, and the set of stairs to get up the platform is pretty short.

Blackwell's McKee Marsh is a year-round haven for birdwatchers. A viewing platform near the water's edge offers close-up views of wetland species like blue herons, wood ducks, blue-winged teals, and sandpipers.