On one sunny afternoon this week, my wife and I decided to go for a walk along the 5.1 mile loop in the Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve.

We are new to the area and had to look up directions online to the parking lot before heading out. There are 3 different parking areas around the forest preserve, but be careful to verify that the directions you have leave you at a parking lot rather than the end of a dead end road. The lot we found is located at the corner of N. Atkinson & W. Washington in Gurnee (http://www.tinyurl.com/rollins-savanna-parking).

Upon arrival, we learned that the forest preserve is a haven for birds, which creates a very peaceful surrounding. The birds' chirping makes the road noise fade away, and the birds do a good job keeping the insect number down.
Right up front near the parking lot stands a like-new bathroom facility. It is kept in pristine condition with little cracks showing the only signs of age. The building even has a drinking fountain.
After scoping out the facilities, we started our walk along the large, circular, 5.1 mile long, packed dirt path. The path allowed for both a comfortable walking surface and biking path. There are also plenty of benches along the route to take a break and watch the birds.
Since we didn't have enough time, we didn't walk the entire path. Nonetheless, we enjoyed each other's company, watching the birds flitting about, and observing people exercising while others walked their dogs. It felt refreshing to get out into nature. The next time the weather spikes to a hot moment in-between rain, this will be the first place we go.

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