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Master Planning Process, Advisory Committee News
For information related to the golf course at Fort Sheridan and future plans for the site, please refer to the Fort Sheridan Golf Club Web page.
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Preserve Trails and Activities
Rolling terrain, bluffs, ravines and mature trees set on the Lake Michigan shoreline make Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve a scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails wind through the preserve to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, providing the first official public access to this section of shoreline since the Fort's military operations began in 1887.
The 1.3-mile asphalt Lake Michigan Trail is designed for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing and runs from Sheridan Road through the preserve to the lake, where visitors can enjoy 3/4 mile of sandy shoreline for hiking, fishing, bird watching, picnicking or relaxing. Swimming, wading and boating are not allowed. The trail connects visitors to educational exhibits along the Fort's historic parade ground and to other walk-through exhibits and viewing stations along the route.
A shorter 0.3-mile woodchip trail is open to hiking and cross-country skiing and offers scenic views of the preserve's ravines from the trail bridge. Biking is not allowed on this trail section.
Middle School Curriculum
Fort Sheridan's rich history and unique natural resources provide an ideal backdrop for studying topics relevant in today's social studies, science and language arts classrooms. An educator's kit is available to instructors of middle school-level students at no charge. Call 847-968-3321. The accompanying Web site, ExploreTheFort.org, includes an interactive timeline, short films, panoramic views of the new trailside exhibits, and other information designed to engage students and Web site visitors.
Cemetery
The Fort Sheridan cemetery has played an important role in the site's history. It stands as a silent witness to the past. Gravestones here date back to 1890. Care and maintenance of the cemetery is provided by the Forest Preserve District as part of the land transfer agreement made with the Army. A separate, scenic entrance is provided to the military cemetery in the northern part of the preserve. The cemetery is still operated by the U.S. Department of the Army, but the Forest Preserve District maintains the property. For questions regarding burials, contact the Cemetery Supervisor at 847-615-0232.
Hours: Fort Sheridan Cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Memorial Day extended hours: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Golf Course Renovation
The golf course was constructed by the Army in the late 1960s. In 1994 the Forest Preserve District leased the golf course from the Army for $1 per year and opened the course for public play. The course is currently closed to the public. For information related to the golf course at Fort Sheridan and future plans for the site, please refer to the Fort Sheridan Golf Club Web page.
Site Photos
Click here to view images and learn more about the preserve's trails, educational exhibits, cemetery, lakeshore, natural resources and ongoing restoration efforts. |
