Buffalo Woods Forest Preserve, Willow Springs, IL

Buffalo Woods Forest Preserve covers 344 acres of oak-hickory woodland and prairie in Willow Springs, Illinois. The preserve includes a 2.5-mile paved trail that runs from the main parking area on Archer Avenue to the Des Plaines River, providing a level route for walking, jogging, and cycling. A separate 1.7-mile crushed-stone loop trail offers access to interior forest and open grassland areas. Picnic shelters with grills, restrooms, and drinking water are located near the main entrance, and the preserve maintains a designated dog-friendly area. The property sits within two miles of the Cal-Sag Trail and is adjacent to the 15-mile Centennial Trail, allowing extended routes for cyclists. Visitors can reach downtown Willow Springs by car in under five minutes and access the Metra BNSF rail line at nearby Willow Springs station for commuting into Chicago.