Check out these websites for nearby nature in the Chicagoland area! 

Illinois Nature Preserves and Illinois Land and Water Reserves
Forest Preserves of Cook County lists all state designated nature preserves and land and water reserves of Illinois.

​Nature in Chicagoland
Great blog by Andrew Morkes, outlining 15 best nature spots in Chicago, complete with photos and descriptions.

Find A Park: Illinois
The National Parks Service lists all National Parks in Illinois, with an interactive map.

Explore the Great Outdoors
​Chicago's North Shore features lots of well-landscaped parks and natural areas, check them out here

South Chicagoland Nature
Andrew Morkes' favorite South Chicagoland Nature Areas

Openlands
Explore the Midwest Region's Trails, Waterways, and Outdoor Spaces