5 Adventures in 5 Miles: The Local's Guide to Outdoor Explorations

Article & photos by your neighbor, Linze Rice, Pink House Media

From forest preserve trails, to historic walking tours, architectural admiration, and more — we’ve rounded up five of the best ways to experience the outdoors from a safe social distance.

Self-Guided Berwyn Bungalow Tour (1 mile)

https://www.chicagobungalow.org/post/20-chicago-bungalow-site-seeing-destinations?fbclid=IwAR2Xc7jOOvSKxQROzQ6MegpMlHbRZOImA1xSly9t190tJ79ijzxaoDOmOqc

Known as the “City of Homes,” Berwyn proudly showcases a wide range of residential architecture — particularly the bungalow style home. One of the most concentrated collections of these residences in the United States lies within the Central Berwyn Bungalow Historic District, a neighborhood bound approximately by Cermak Road, Ridgeland Avenue, 26th Street, and Home Avenue that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Take a self-guided tour through the district and see how many types of bungalows can you identify!

Appreciate Art in the Depot District (1 mile)

Berwyn Public Art Initiative Walking Tour, begin at Harlem and Stanley Aves; FREE; see more at berwynpublicartinitiative.org/public-art-walking-tour.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the public art on display throughout the Depot District is a novel that tells the story of Berwyn. Organized by the Berwyn Public Art Initiative, a mixture of murals, displays, sculptures and installations can be found throughout one of Berwyn’s most unique commercial districts. Check out BPAI’s website for an easy-to-follow walking tour map that makes for a perfect outdoor activity. Want to continue mural-spotting around town? Each school in North Berwyn has murals on their property!

Take the Train to Brookfield Zoo (3 miles)

Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St. in Brookfield; $24.95 (adults), $19.95 (seniors 65 and over), $17.95 (children 3 to 11), FREE for children 2 and under, and FREE on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Reserve a spot at czs.org/KnowBeforeYouGo.

Just 3 miles to the east, Brookfield Zoo offers an exciting look into the lives of wild animals. Berwynners can easily access the zoo by hopping on Metra’s BNSF train line toward Aurora from any of the city’s three stops: LaVergne, Berwyn, or Harlem Avenue. Hop off at the Hollywood stop, then take a brief walk north straight to the South Entrance. Although the zoo’s indoor facilities are closed due to COVID-19, its sprawling outdoor spaces remain open. Want to feed some goats? Just bring two quarters to Hamill Family Wild Encounters and you’ll have them eating out of the palm of your hand! Before you go, make sure to reserve your entrance time online.

Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District in Oak Park (4 miles)

Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District, Oak Park; FREE or paid; See a walking tour map at www.chicago.curbed. com/maps/oak-park-frank-lloyd-wright-walking-tour. See a map of the district at www.oak-park.us/sites/ default/files/historic-preservation/historic-landmarks/ map_districts-landmarks_2018-04-10.pdf

Just north is the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District in Oak Park. The area, roughly defined by Harlem Ave, Ridgeland Ave, Lake St and Thomas St, is dotted with historic homes built, renovated or lived in by the famous Prairiestyle architect, who called Oak Park his home from 1889 to 1909. The suburb holds the country’s largest concentration of architecture in the Prairie School design, including 25 designs by Wright himself. There are 36 notable locations with a connection to the architect, with a favorite being Wright’s home and studio at 951 Chicago Ave. and the Nathan G. Moore House at 333 Forest Ave. While paid, guided tours are available, the district also makes for an ideal self-guided tour setting.

Hit the Cook County Forest Preserve Trails (5 miles)

Cook County Forest Preserve Trails, various locations; FREE; Plan your route at https://map.fpdcc.com.

From Buffalo Grove to Chicago Heights, the Cook County Forest Preserve has an extensive network of parks and walking trails designed to keep you active and inspired in the outdoors – including many in nearby areas such as Riverside, Forest Park, Lyons and more. Trails are available as both paved and unpaved, with plenty of room for cycling, walking, running, hiking, or just spending leisure time outdoors.