You’re driving down Milwaukee Avenue in Mettawa, and honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might just cruise right past the entrance. It's tucked away. But once you pull into Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve, the hum of Lake County traffic basically evaporates. It is 225 acres of high-quality woodland that feels way bigger than the map suggests. Most people just call it "Daniel Wright," but the history behind the name is actually pretty cool—it’s named after the first non-native settler in Lake County, a guy who lived to be over 100 years old.
The place is a local legend for a reason.
If you’ve lived in northern Illinois for more than a week, you know our "forests" can sometimes feel like a thin line of trees between two subdivisions. This isn't that. This is part of a massive, contiguous block of green space. It connects directly to the Grainger Woods Conservation Preserve and Captain Daniel Wright Woods via the Des Plaines River Trail. You can start here and basically hike until your legs give out.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Trails
Look, I’ve seen people show up here in flip-flops thinking it's a paved city park. It’s not. While there are about 4 miles of trails within the preserve itself, they are a mix of crushed stone and dirt. If it rained yesterday, you’re going to get muddy. That’s just the reality of the Des Plaines River floodplain.
The main loop is roughly 2.2 miles. It’s easy, flat, and great for a quick afternoon reset. But the real magic is the connection to the Des Plaines River Trail. This massive artery of the Lake County Forest Preserve system runs for 31.4 miles. You can literally bike from the Wisconsin border down to Cook County through this corridor.
People think Daniel Wright is just for a Sunday stroll. Actually, it’s a logistical hub for serious long-distance cyclists and cross-country skiers. In the winter, the trails aren't salted—they're kept natural for skiing. If you try to walk them in boots after a fresh powder, you're going to annoy the skiers who worked hard to set those tracks.
The Des Plaines River Connection
The river is the lifeblood here. It's slow, murky, and incredibly important for the local ecosystem. You’ll see people launching canoes nearby, though the access points within Daniel Wright specifically are more about the view than a formal boat ramp.
The bridge. You have to talk about the bridge.
The heavy-duty bridge crossing the Des Plaines River here is a landmark. It links Daniel Wright Woods to the Half Day Forest Preserve. Standing on that bridge in the middle of October is arguably the best fall color viewing spot in the entire Chicago suburbs. No hyperbole. The way the maples reflect off the water makes it look like the river is on fire.
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The Wildlife is Actually Wild
I’ve seen deer here that don't even flinch when you walk by. They’ve basically claimed the preserve as their own sovereign nation. But if you're quiet—really quiet—you’ll spot the stuff most people miss.
- Great Blue Herons: They stalk the riverbanks like prehistoric statues.
- Barred Owls: Listen for the "Who cooks for you?" call near dusk.
- Spring Ephemerals: If you visit in late April or early May, the forest floor is covered in Trillium and Dutchman’s Breeches. It’s a literal carpet of flowers.
The Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) does a ton of restoration work here. You might see "prescribed burns" or crews clearing out invasive buckthorn. It looks a bit scorched-earth when they first do it, but that’s why the native oaks are still standing. Without that intervention, the buckthorn would choke out everything within five years.
Fishing and Picnicking: The Practical Stuff
There’s a 3-acre pond right near the entrance. It’s stocked. Most days you’ll see a few people perched on the edge with a line in the water. It’s mostly bluegill and bass. Is it world-class fishing? No. Is it a great place to teach a kid how to cast without getting tangled in a tree? Absolutely.
The picnic shelters are another story. They are massive. If you’re planning a graduation party or a family reunion, you have to reserve these months in advance through the LCFPD website. They have 12-foot long tables and heavy-duty grills. Just remember: there is no booze allowed without a permit, and the forest rangers do actually check.
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Why the History Matters
Daniel Wright arrived here in 1834. Back then, this wasn't a "preserve"—it was a wilderness. He built a cabin near what is now the intersection of Route 22 and Route 21. When you walk these trails today, you’re walking through the same oak-hickory groves he saw nearly 200 years ago. There’s something humbling about that. In a county that has been paved over with shopping malls and office parks, this 225-acre slice of the past is still breathing.
The Seasonal Reality Check
Don't come here in July without bug spray. Seriously. The proximity to the Des Plaines River means the mosquitoes are basically the size of small birds. It’s a wetland.
- Spring: Best for wildflowers, but prepare for flooded trails near the river.
- Summer: Great canopy shade, but high humidity and heavy bugs.
- Fall: The gold standard. Peak colors usually hit the second week of October.
- Winter: Peaceful, silent, and perfect for cross-country skiing.
The parking lot fills up fast on weekends. If you get there at 11:00 AM on a Saturday, you’re going to be circling like a hawk. Try a Tuesday morning if you can swing it. It’s a completely different experience when you’re the only soul on the trail.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Stop treating Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve as just a place to walk the dog. To get the most out of it, you need a plan.
First, download the Avenza Maps app. The Lake County Forest Preserve maps are georeferenced, meaning you can see exactly where you are on the trail even if you lose cell service. It's a lifesaver when you realize you’ve wandered onto the Des Plaines River Trail and are suddenly three miles further than you intended to be.
Second, check the trail status online before you leave the house. The LCFPD is great about updating trail closures due to flooding. If the river is high, the underpasses on the DPRT are the first things to go underwater.
Third, bring binoculars. Even if you aren't a "birder," the sight of a Bald Eagle—which are increasingly common along this river corridor—is worth the extra weight in your pack.
Finally, respect the "Carry In, Carry Out" policy. There aren't trash cans every ten feet. If you bring a granola bar, put the wrapper in your pocket. Keeping this place "human-quality" depends entirely on the people using it. Pack some water, wear sturdy shoes, and leave the Bluetooth speakers at home. The woods sound better without them.