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Harwood Heights

Attractions and Places To See around Harwood Heights - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Harwood Heights, a village in Cook County, Illinois, offer a blend of local charm and access to broader natural and cultural sites. This area provides green spaces and trails for outdoor activities, alongside cultural landmarks. Its proximity to Chicago expands the range of available points of interest. The region features diverse natural landscapes, including flatwoods and oak woodlands.

Best attractions and places to see around Harwood Heights

  • The most popular attractions is North Shore Channel, a trail that supports fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and is a popular rowing venue. It also features notable sites like the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and the Evanston Ecology Center.
  • Another must-see spot is North Branch Trail, a trail system offering a choice between paved and unpaved paths. Visitors can explore over 20 miles winding through various preserves and along the North Branch Chicago River.
  • Visitors also love North Shore Channel Trail, a multi-use trail along the North Shore Channel canal. This trail is suitable for hiking and cycling, with the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park en route.
  • Harwood Heights is known for its trails, forests, and river-side paths. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural preserves to multi-use pathways.
  • The attractions around Harwood Heights are appreciated by the komoot community, with 32 upvotes and 4 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

North Shore Channel

Highlight • Trail

The North Shore Channel, constructed between 1907 and 1910, was originally built to flush sewage from the North Branch of the Chicago River into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Today, the Chicago Deep Tunnel handles most of the sewage. Stretching from Wilmette to the North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago, the Channel supports fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and has become a popular rowing venue. The North Shore Channel is a walking and biking path that runs along nearly the entire length of the channel, and notable sites include the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and the Evanston Ecology Center.

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Caldwell Woods

Highlight • Forest

Caldwell Woods, situated on Chicago's northwest side, offers diverse recreational features including picnic groves, activity spaces, a warming shelter, sledding hill, and access to the well-loved North Branch Trail. Despite its compact size, this preserve boasts rich biodiversity, encompassing flatwoods, floodplain forests, open savanna, and oak woodlands, providing visitors with a varied and enjoyable natural experience.

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North Branch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail system provides a choice between paved and unpaved trails, offering over 20 miles winding through various preserves and along the North Branch Chicago River.

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This area offers a nice unpaved trail that follows along the Des Plaines River, providing enjoyable views and sounds as you ride. The park is named after Alexander Robinson, the English name of Potawatomi chief Chee-chee-pin-quay, born in 1787.

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North Shore Channel Trail

Highlight • Trail

This is a multi-use trail along the North Shore Channel canal. You start at Lincoln Square and finish in Evanston. Don't miss the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park en route which has more than 60 huge sculptures.

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Popular around Harwood Heights

Hiking around Harwood Heights

Running Trails around Harwood Heights

Road Cycling Routes around Harwood Heights

Cycling around Harwood Heights

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Tips from the Community

Pink🌷Petals
July 9, 2025, North Shore Channel Trail

Pretty well paved, watch for flooding after heavy rains

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oliviakellis
January 28, 2025, Caldwell Woods

Caldwell Woods, situated on Chicago's northwest side, offers diverse recreational features including picnic groves, activity spaces, a warming shelter, sledding hill, and access to the well-loved North Branch Trail. Despite its compact size, this preserve boasts rich biodiversity, encompassing flatwoods, floodplain forests, open savanna, and oak woodlands, providing visitors with a varied and enjoyable natural experience.

0

0

Alex
September 19, 2024, North Shore Channel Trail

The North Shore Channel, constructed between 1907 and 1910, was originally built to flush sewage from the North Branch of the Chicago River into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Today, the Chicago Deep Tunnel handles most of the sewage. Stretching from Wilmette to the North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago, the Channel supports fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and has become a popular rowing venue. The North Shore Channel is a walking and biking path that runs along nearly the entire length of the channel, and notable sites include the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and the Evanston Ecology Center.

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This trail system provides a choice between paved and unpaved trails, offering over 20 miles winding through various preserves and along the North Branch Chicago River.

0

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This area offers a nice unpaved trail that follows along the Des Plaines River, providing enjoyable views and sounds as you ride. The park is named after Alexander Robinson, the English name of Potawatomi chief Chee-chee-pin-quay, born in 1787.

0

0

This is a multi-use trail along the North Shore Channel canal. You start at Lincoln Square and finish in Evanston. Don't miss the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park en route which has more than 60 huge sculptures.

1

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best natural areas for outdoor activities near Harwood Heights?

You can explore several natural areas. Caldwell Woods offers diverse landscapes including flatwoods and oak woodlands, with picnic groves and access to the North Branch Trail. The North Shore Channel is excellent for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with a walking and biking path alongside. Additionally, the Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River provides an unpaved path with scenic river views.

Are there family-friendly trails or activities around Harwood Heights?

Yes, several trails are suitable for families. The North Branch Trail system offers both paved and unpaved options winding through preserves. The North Shore Channel Trail is a multi-use path perfect for hiking and cycling, featuring the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park. Caldwell Woods also provides picnic groves and activity spaces for a family outing.

What kind of cycling routes are available near Harwood Heights?

The area offers a variety of cycling routes. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Salt Creek and Busse Woods Trail Loop' or the 'Caldwell Woods – North Shore Channel Trail loop'. If you prefer touring, consider the 'North Branch Trail and Botanic Garden Loop' or the 'North Branch Red Paved Trail – North Branch Trail loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Harwood Heights and Cycling around Harwood Heights guides.

Where can I go for a run near Harwood Heights?

There are several running trails to choose from. The North Branch Trail is a popular option, offering over 10 km of varied terrain. Other choices include the 'Des Plaines River Trail' and the 'North Branch Red Trail Loop'. For more running options, check the Running Trails around Harwood Heights guide.

Are there any cultural or historical landmarks in or near Harwood Heights?

While Harwood Heights maintains a small-town charm, the broader area offers cultural sites. St. Rosalie Catholic Church is a historic part of the community. The Eisenhower Public Library serves as a modern community hub. The Ridgemoor Country Club, originally the Irving Golf Club, also has historical roots in the area.

What are the options for easy walking trails around Harwood Heights?

For easy walks, consider sections of the North Shore Channel Trail, which is a multi-use path along the canal. Caldwell Woods also provides accessible areas for leisurely strolls. Many of the family-friendly trails are generally suitable for easy walking.

What can I expect to see along the North Shore Channel Trail?

The North Shore Channel Trail is a multi-use path that runs along the North Shore Channel canal. As you travel from Lincoln Square towards Evanston, you can enjoy the scenic waterway and should not miss the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, which features over 60 large sculptures along the route.

What kind of wildlife can be spotted in the natural areas near Harwood Heights?

Areas like Caldwell Woods and the broader Forest Preserve District of Cook County are home to diverse wildlife. You might spot various bird species, and the preserves are known for their rich biodiversity, including different plant and tree species like flatwoods and oak woodlands.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Harwood Heights?

Visitors particularly appreciate the variety of trails and natural spaces. The North Shore Channel is valued for its recreational opportunities like fishing and kayaking, as well as its walking and biking paths. The North Branch Trail is praised for its extensive system winding through preserves. The overall appeal lies in the blend of outdoor activities and natural beauty.

Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near Harwood Heights?

Yes, Caldwell Woods is categorized as having viewpoints, offering scenic spots within its diverse natural setting. Additionally, the Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River provides enjoyable views along the river as you ride or walk.

What are the main features of Caldwell Woods?

Caldwell Woods offers diverse recreational features including picnic groves, activity spaces, a warming shelter, and a sledding hill. It also provides access to the popular North Branch Trail. The preserve is known for its rich biodiversity, encompassing flatwoods, floodplain forests, open savanna, and oak woodlands.

Can I go canoeing or kayaking near Harwood Heights?

Yes, the North Shore Channel is a popular venue for canoeing and kayaking. It also supports fishing and is a well-known rowing spot, offering a great waterway for paddle sports.

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