9 Places to Reconnect with Nature Around Campus
If you’re like me and can’t stop thinking I just spent all week inside studying and need to spend some time with plants, look no further! Here is your guide to places on or near campus to connect with nature this spring.
1. The Lakefill
Photo by Emma Belanger
Perfect spot for: lounging with a group of friends after a morning midterm, going for a late night walk, watching the sunrise
Where: Along the east side of campus from Bienen to Kellogg
Pros: trees for hammocking, beautiful views, lots of dogs being walked, well-lit at night, lots of space, has cool events sometimes, on campus
Cons: can be very crowded on a nice day, not very private2. Underground Deering Garden
Photo by Emma Belanger
Perfect spot for: eating your lunch outside, reading a book
Where: down stairs on the south side of Deering library, a little west of the entrance to Main
Pros: secluded; vines growing up the side of the building, plants, and a badass statue make you feel like you’re in a castle’s garden; benches; on campus
Cons: small, kind of scary at night
3. Shakespeare Garden
Perfect spot for: practicing mindfulness between classes, impressing a date with a picnic dinner
Where: walking from Annenberg to the observatory, follow the path to the left; behind Ford
Pros: has many flowers and fairy vibes, usually not very crowded, makes you appreciate at least one thing about north campus, usually bunnies running around, on campus
Cons: a little harder to find
4. Weinberg Gardens
Photo by Jordan Villanueva
Perfect spot for: taking a break between classes, calling your mom
Where: just south of Deering meadow, can access from path near University
Pros: fairly secluded, usually shaded, big enough for a group, easy to get to and on campus
Cons: view of Sheridan Rd., noisy, feels as in the middle of campus as it is
Photo by Emma Belanger
Perfect spot for: Saturday plans with friends or a date
Where: North of campus in Glencoe; take the 213 PACE Bus Northbound toward Highland Park from Howard Station and get off at the Gardens
Pros: absolutely beautiful, so many plants to admire, large campus/lots of gardens to see, admission free/relatively cheap depending on what you want to see, close to forest reserves if you feel like strolling in the woods after
Cons: kinda long bus ride, can be crowded on the weekends
Perfect spot for: an adventure off campus on the weekend
Where: in Skokie off of Skokie Blvd and Howard St.; take the Yellow line to Oakton-Skokie and walk south down Skokie Blvd
Pros: large nature preserve, can really immerse yourself in a more natural landscape, trails for long walks, indoor nature center, bike trails
Cons: limited hours, off campus
7. Clark St Beach (South Beach) + Parks
Perfect spot for: bike rides, spending a day off with friends, enjoying the lake
Where: just South of campus
Pros: close to campus, lots of space, great views, good paths for walking or your other favorite mode of active transportation, can be a good spot for birding
Cons: kind of a far walk if you’re coming from North campus, can be crowded
8. Lighthouse Beach + North Beach
Perfect spot for: a thoughtful walk, swimming if the weather allows
Where: North Beach on north side of Ryan Fieldhouse; Lighthouse Beach located just north of campus behind the Water Department building on Lincoln St
Pros: can be a very peaceful place, makes you feel connected to the lake, not typically very crowded
Cons: near the construction behind Kemper so could be noisy during the day
9. Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
Image taken from: http://sculpturepark.org/self-guided-tours/
Perfect spot for: getting off campus, a long walk with your best friend
Where: 2 mile stretch along McCormick Blvd starting on Dempster; if walking, take Emerson west to McCormick and follow it south to walk on a trail along the river; or take the 250 O’Hare Kiss n Fly bus and get off at Dempster/McCormick
Pros: wonderful trail for walking or bike riding, cool sculptures to look at, path is along the river, picnic areas, good chance of meeting dogs
Cons: kind of far off campus, runs along the road so it can be noisy with traffic
Staying grounded in nature has many benefits including reducing stress, so visiting one of these places could make the perfect study break this midterm season. While this list is not comprehensive of every green nook and cranny on campus, it might be helpful when the urge to be outside this spring overtakes you. If your favorite place is not listed, share it with your friends to help pass good vibes along or keep it as somewhere just for you. And wherever you decide to connect in nature, remember to be present in the moment.🌱