Background

Busse Woods: A Suburban Oasis

Explore ancient forests, tranquil waters, and diverse wildlife in this expansive suburban nature preserve. A perfect escape near Chicago.

4.7

Busse Woods, also known as the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, is a sprawling 3,558-acre natural area in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. It offers a diverse landscape of ancient forests, a large reservoir, and an elk pasture, providing a haven for recreation and wildlife.

A brief summary to Busse Woods

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as popular spots like the Elk Pasture can get crowded.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, particularly during the summer months.
  • Visit during different seasons to experience the changing colors of the trees in the fall or frozen trails in the winter.
  • Check the Forest Preserves of Cook County website for trail closures and alerts before your visit.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve areas near Busse Woods, including the 208, 223, 226, 600, 606, and 697. From the nearest bus stops, such as Martingale/Higgins, it's typically a 12-minute walk to the preserve. A single bus fare within the Chicago area is around $2.00 - $2.50.

  • Driving

    Busse Woods is easily accessible by car, located off Higgins Road (Route 72) between Arlington Heights Road and I-290. There are multiple parking lots available throughout the preserve. Parking is free. Note that in the past, there have been weekend parking restrictions on nearby streets.

Unlock the Best of Busse Woods

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Busse Woods

Busse Woods, officially the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, is a cherished natural escape located in the bustling Chicago suburbs of Rolling Meadows and Elk Grove Village. Named after conservationist Ned Brown and Cook County Commissioner William Busse, this expansive 3,558-acre preserve has been a vital part of the community for decades. The preserve boasts a diverse ecosystem, including ancient upland forests, flatwoods, and the 457-acre Busse Lake. The Busse Forest Nature Preserve, a 1,213-acre section within Busse Woods, is recognized as a National Natural Landmark, showcasing a well-preserved example of lake-flatwoods habitat. These flatwoods, characterized by poorly draining soils, support unique plant life such as red maple, swamp white oak, and sensitive fern. The upland forests feature tall red oaks, hickories, and ironwoods, many predating European settlement. Visitors can explore nearly 13 miles of paved trails, perfect for biking, walking, jogging, and rollerblading. Busse Lake offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with boat rentals available from April to October. A highlight for many is the 17-acre elk pasture, home to a small herd of elk since 1925. The preserve also provides picnic areas, accessible facilities, and volunteer opportunities. Throughout the year, Busse Woods hosts various activities, including ice skating and cross-country skiing in the winter. The Friends of Busse Woods, a non-profit organization, actively works to improve biodiversity and restore habitat within the preserve. Whether seeking outdoor recreation or a peaceful connection with nature, Busse Woods offers a valuable escape for residents and visitors alike.

Popular Experiences near Busse Woods

Popular Hotels near Busse Woods

Select Currency