Your Forest Preserves

Half Day

About Half Day and Wright Woods

Half Day and Wright Woods forest preserves are peaceful oases among the bustling suburbs. These quiet, clean and safe preserves are linked by a footbridge spanning the Des Plaines River. Their combined 750 acres offer some of southern Lake County's most scenic outdoor recreation opportunities. Facilities at Half Day are designed for gatherings both large and small, while those at the more fragile Wright Woods are best-suited for small groups.

The Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT) passes through both preserves. Its gravel base is perfect for hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Half Day has other trails that branch off the DPRT and are open to hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers.

In the early 1960s, these acres were some of the first acquired by the Lake County Forest Preserves. The old farm fields west of the river remained fallow for many years until Half Day was developed in the late 1980s. This preserve was named for Chief Half Day of the Potowatomi.

Half Day provides the opportunity to see the powerful effects of water and fire. Prior to settlement by the Europeans, wildfires regularly swept eastward across Lake County and were stopped by the Des Plaines River. As a result, Half Day supports the oaks and prairie plants that thrived under fire’s influence. Though many natural areas at Half Day were degraded by farming, some survived and others are being restored.

In spring, the bridge between Half Day and Wright Woods is a popular place to spot migrating songbirds such as the yellow-throated warbler or Baltimore oriole. Later in the summer, look for nesting field birds in the restored prairie. Eastern bluebirds, tree swallows and red-tailed hawks are common.