Did you know that Somme Prairie Grove is home to one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth? This 85-acre black soil savanna in Northbrook, Illinois represents a habitat type that has been reduced to less than 0.01% of its original extent in North America. Once nearly lost to history, this ecological treasure was rediscovered and meticulously restored through decades of dedicated conservation efforts, now showcasing over 300 native prairie plant species that have rebounded from the brink of extinction.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Somme Prairie Grove Nature Preserve is located at the northwest corner of Waukegan and Dundee Roads in Northbrook, Illinois, approximately 40 km (25 miles) north of downtown Chicago.

Closest Airports:

• O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 24 km (15 miles)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 48 km (30 miles)
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) – 113 km (70 miles)

Access & Parking:

The preserve entrance can be slightly challenging to find. The official parking lot is located across the street in Somme Woods preserve (north side of Dundee Road, just east of Waukegan). After entering the Somme Woods gate, look for the information kiosk on your left about 45 m (150 feet) in. From there, follow the mowed path to the left, which will lead you to the northeast corner of Waukegan and Dundee Roads. Cross Waukegan Road to reach the Somme Prairie Grove entrance.

Alternative parking is available on side streets west of Waukegan Road, such as Laurel and Juniper Lanes. From there, walk northeast to the entrance at Dundee and Waukegan.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Summer brings a spectacular display of wildflowers throughout the preserve

Recommended Seasons:

Seasonal Highlights:

• Spring (April-May): Woodland wildflowers emerge under the oak canopy
• Summer (June-August): Prairie in full bloom with diverse flowering species
• Fall (September-October): Beautiful autumn colors and seed heads
• Winter (November-March): Quiet beauty with snow-covered prairie and wildlife tracking opportunities

Weather Considerations:

Summer temperatures typically range from 21-30°C (70-86°F), while winter temperatures can drop to -12°C (10°F) or lower. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures between 10-21°C (50-70°F). Be prepared for mosquitoes during summer months, especially in the evening hours.

Getting Around Locally

The preserve features narrow natural trails that wind through diverse habitats

Somme Prairie Grove features a network of narrow, unpaved footpaths that meander through the preserve. These trails are natural soil paths that allow hikers to experience the prairie up close while observing plants and wildlife.

Trail Information:

• Trails are narrow and natural (not paved)
• Not suitable for people with poor balance or eyesight
• Proper footwear recommended (hiking shoes or boots)
• No bicycles allowed on the trails
• Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times

Connecting Trails:

Somme Prairie Grove is part of the larger Somme Preserves system, which includes Somme Woods to the east and Somme Prairie Nature Preserve to the west. Trails connect these preserves, allowing for extended hiking experiences through different ecosystems.

Where to Stay

Northbrook offers several comfortable accommodation options within a short drive of the preserve

While camping is not permitted within Somme Prairie Grove Nature Preserve, the surrounding area offers various accommodation options within a short drive:

Nearby Hotels:

Alternative Accommodations:

Several vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts are available in the Northbrook area, offering a more personalized stay experience. These can be found through popular booking platforms and typically range from $100-200 per night depending on the season.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Picnic areas near the preserve offer a chance to enjoy meals surrounded by nature

While there are no dining facilities within Somme Prairie Grove itself, the surrounding area offers excellent options for meals before or after your visit:

Nearby Dining Options:

• Downtown Northbrook – Located around the Northbrook Metra station, featuring:
  • Lou Malnati’s (famous Chicago deep dish pizza)
  • Trattoria Oliverii (Italian cuisine)
  • Little Louie’s (classic hot dogs and American fare)
  • Kamehachi (Japanese sushi and dishes)
• Northbrook Court – Shopping mall with dining options including:
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • P.F. Chang’s
  • Food court with various quick options

Picnic Options:

Picnicking is permitted in designated areas of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Consider picking up supplies at Sunset Foods in Northbrook for a picnic lunch to enjoy during your visit. Remember to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Local Farmers Market:

The Northbrook Farmers Market operates on Wednesday mornings from mid-June through mid-October at the Meadow Shopping Plaza. This is an excellent place to pick up fresh, local produce and artisanal food items.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Bird watching is a popular activity with species like the red-headed woodpecker frequently spotted

Top Activities at Somme Prairie Grove:

Seasonal Activities:

• Spring: Wildflower identification, chorus frog listening
• Summer: Prairie plant exploration, butterfly watching
• Fall: Bird migration observation, seed collection (with permission)
• Winter: Wildlife tracking in snow, winter bird watching

The preserve’s diverse plant life supports a variety of pollinators including butterflies

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Nearby Cultural Attractions:

• River Trail Nature Center – Located nearby with educational displays about local ecosystems, live animal exhibits, and themed gardens
• Northbrook Historical Society and Museum – Learn about the area’s history in the historic Northfield Inn building (1894)
• Chicago Botanic Garden – Just minutes away with 25 display gardens across nearly 400 acres
• Kohl Children’s Museum – Family-friendly museum with interactive exhibits for younger visitors

Annual Events:

• Northbrook Days Festival (August) – Community celebration at Village Green Park
• Prairie Workdays (Various dates) – Volunteer opportunities to help maintain the preserve
• Guided Nature Walks (Spring-Fall) – Led by Forest Preserve naturalists
• Ravinia Festival (Summer) – Oldest outdoor music festival in the United States, located nearby

The North Branch Restoration Project, which has been active since 1980, hosts regular events and workdays at Somme Prairie Grove. These provide excellent opportunities to learn about prairie ecology while contributing to conservation efforts.

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

The rare black soil savanna ecosystem features scattered oak trees among diverse prairie plants

Somme Prairie Grove represents one of the finest examples of restored black soil savanna in the Midwest. This rare ecosystem type features scattered oak trees among diverse prairie plants, creating a unique habitat that supports remarkable biodiversity.

Ecosystem Highlights:

• Plant Diversity – Over 300 native plant species have been documented, including rare and endangered prairie plants
• Wildlife – Home to coyotes, deer, various amphibians, and numerous bird species
• Restoration Success – A testament to what dedicated conservation efforts can achieve, having been restored from degraded land

Notable Natural Features:

Volunteer stewardship has been crucial to the preserve’s restoration since the 1970s

Conservation Story:

Somme Prairie Grove has benefited from a vibrant stewardship community led by the North Branch Restoration Project since 1980. This represents one of the oldest and most comprehensive savanna and woodland restorations in the Midwest. The recovery of this ecosystem is credited to dedicated community volunteers who have worked tirelessly to remove invasive species and reintroduce native plants.

In 2021, the Forest Preserves of Illinois’ Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution recognizing Somme Prairie Grove as the 27th dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Staying on designated trails helps protect sensitive prairie plants and habitats

Visitor Guidelines:

• Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive plant communities
• Dogs must be leashed at all times
• No collecting of plants, seeds, or wildlife without permits
• No bicycles on the trails
• Pack out all trash (no garbage cans on site)
• No smoking or open flames

Safety Considerations:

• Ticks – Check for ticks after your visit, especially during spring and summer
• Poison Ivy – Learn to identify and avoid this plant (leaves of three, let it be)
• Weather – There is limited shelter in the preserve; check forecasts before visiting
• Hydration – Bring water as there are no drinking fountains on site
• Navigation – Trails can be confusing; consider taking photos of trail maps at kiosks

Facilities:

Portable restrooms are located in the Somme Woods parking area along Dundee Road, just east of Waukegan Road. There are no water fountains or other facilities within the preserve itself.

Visitor Comments About Somme Prairie Grove

Additional Nearby Destinations

The Chicago Botanic Garden is just minutes away and offers 25 display gardens across nearly 400 acres

While visiting Somme Prairie Grove, consider exploring these nearby attractions:

Within 10 km (6 miles):

• Chicago Botanic Garden – 400 acres with 25 display gardens and four natural habitats
• Skokie Lagoons – Chain of seven interconnected lagoons ideal for kayaking and canoeing
• Other Somme Preserves – Somme Woods (woodland) and Somme Prairie Nature Preserve (open prairie)
• North Branch Trail – 20-mile bicycle trail connecting multiple forest preserves

Within 20 km (12 miles):

• Des Plaines River Trail – Long green corridor with hiking and biking opportunities
• Ravinia Festival – Oldest outdoor music festival in the United States
• Techny Prairie Park and Fields – 114-acre park with the Trail Through Time interpretive walk
• Kohl Children’s Museum – Interactive exhibits for families with young children

Practical Travel Tips

Essential items for a successful visit include proper footwear, water, and binoculars

What to Bring:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots (trails can be uneven)
• Water bottle (no drinking fountains available)
• Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching
• Camera for photography
• Insect repellent (especially in summer)
• Sunscreen and hat
• Field guides for plant or bird identification

Planning Your Visit:

• Allow 2-3 hours for a complete exploration of the preserve
• Weekday mornings typically offer the quietest experience
• Consider joining a guided walk for the most educational experience
• Check the Forest Preserves of Cook County website for current conditions and events
• Visit different seasons to experience the changing prairie landscape

For Families:

The narrow trails may be challenging for very young children or strollers. Consider visiting the more accessible Somme Woods first if traveling with small children. Bring a simple scavenger hunt list to engage children in observing nature (e.g., find an oak leaf, spot a butterfly, hear a bird call).

A Living Testament to Conservation

Somme Prairie Grove Nature Preserve stands as a remarkable example of what dedicated conservation can achieve. From nearly lost to thriving, this rare black soil savanna offers visitors a glimpse into Illinois’ natural heritage and the incredible diversity that once covered the Midwest. Whether you’re a passionate naturalist, casual hiker, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the preserve rewards visitors with seasonal displays of wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and the quiet beauty of a restored landscape. By visiting with respect and appreciation, you become part of the ongoing story of this special place, helping ensure it continues to flourish for generations to come.