St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville, IL

St. James Farm Forest Preserve covers 595 acres in Warrenville, with 12 miles of crushed-limestone trails that connect to the Illinois Prairie Path. Riders can use the 10-stall equestrian center, dressage arena, and three round pens; the 1870s barn is open for public events. Anglers have access to a 3-acre stocked pond, and two picnic shelters sit near the main parking area off Butterfield Road. The preserve borders the 440-acre Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory grounds, giving visitors views of restored tallgrass prairie and oak savanna that change with the seasons. A 1.3-mile fitness loop with exercise stations runs along the eastern edge, and the preserve lies within a five-minute drive of downtown Warrenville shops and the Metra Union Pacific West Line station.

Biking Paths Cross-Country Skiing Fishing Hiking Paths Horseback Riding Picnic Area