Although the visitors center is closed due to the pandemic, the outside trails are well groomed and marked, giving us an upfront encounter with the natural flora and fauna of the Illinois prairie long ago paved over and developed into the village of Downers Grove we know today. My wife, grandkids, and I spent a beautiful fall day leisurely walking the many trails and learning about the original and current plants and animals described on informational boards strategically placed along the way. I told the kids we would see and hear a variety of birds and deer; we werent disappointed.

Beautiful woodland. Lovely place to hike. They have snowshoe rentals for $5/2hrs! So much fun.

This was my first time visiting. It was lovely. The trails were all really well maintained and it was fun to explore. I went with my two sons (1 year and almost 3 year-old) and they had a lot of fun exploring. My mom came with us, too. I was able to push a stroller over all the trails - although not 100% recommended. It is possible, if needed.

This is a place that I am now obsessed with. I stopped here on a whim and explored quite a bit. There is a nice little center for learning that is currently closed due to covid, but all of the trails are open. The trails are super nice with lots of space to keep 6ft apart. Most of the trails are paved but some are just wood chips which is actually nice for a change. The wildlife especially the birds are immaculate!! If you have an afternoon free or even an hour, I suggest going here.

Did the lyman woods honey and alter brewing tour. Great experience! Education was pretty well done.

A beautiful park in the midst of a suburb...but walking its magnificent trails youd think that you were somewhere far away. Well worth a visit.

I have no clue why, but these particular woods creep me out!!! What is with the carpetting?!?!?! And what is crunching under the carpet when you walk on it?!!! Sounds like bones! Lol! Its a beautiful spot but def gives me weird vibes like people do satanic rituals there or something!!

Beautiful reserve great to walk jog take the kids on a trail many signs detailing the types of animals plants truly a beautiful place to experience the outdoors

Beautiful place and youll usually see some deer

Scouts met here for a community project.The amenities building is open just on Saturdays to public.See pics.Parking is limited off 31-st

Best place to hike!! Been coming here for years and will continue for years! Birds and wildlife are so amazing. Today we saw 3 turkeys there. Awesome!!!Don’t be misguided by any “negative nellies” leaving bad reviews (like Miranda), none of what she said is true, and the hours to which staff are there on the grounds are very very minimal, that’s how I know she was “one hit wonder” at Lymans Woods.

Today saw so many beautiful dragon flies!

Thanks for the great tour, Ryan Maywin.

Great spot for nature photography.

Beautiful trails and wildlife! Highly recommend.

Spectacular. Multiple ecosystems in a small space.

I love to take nature walks, but it is difficult to find nature around this area. This is a convenient place to get a taste of a nature trail when you dont have time to make the drive elsewhere. I loved the nature signs throughout describing the birds, trees, and a bit of the history. I will definitely be back.

Great place to camp

Awesome group of trails. Makes you forget you’re in the big city!

Gorgeous place to visit in fall, with all this changing leaf colors it is beautiful.

Nice trails, rarely crowded, wonderful staff in the nature center. My grandson and I go regularly, at his request! Check out the beehives, which produce honey for Alter Brewing.

This place is amazing! I’ve been coming here since I was a young kid. It has been beautiful seeing the landscape change over the years from woodlands to wetlands and back again. They have improved upon some of the paths but sadly abandoned others that were quite beautiful to walk. If you look for them you can still follow them but be prepared to get a little dirty. The paths can sometimes be a little muddy but I have never walked around Lyman Woods and not seen at least one wild animal. Small Birds, deer, ducks, swans, geese, heron, fish, turtles, frogs, squirrels, beaver, muskrats... there is always some action going on there. Additionally, the classes and events that they organize there are very cool. Not just for kids either!

On field trip, the staff gave great information and wonderful tour along paths!

Lyman Woods has a lot of cool programs for both kids, adults, and families. My son is in a program now (winter) where the kids need to dress warm, because they are outside most of the time. They cool classroom activities too.... but it is really good to get the kids (and adults) outside. Friendly staff too.

Nice woods to walk

We had our daughters eighth birthday party here, in February, and it was fantastic. They got the kids outside building shelters and then we had cake inside... Much more fun than a bouncy house.

Staff not friendly at all.

A beautiful place to walk any time of year. The trails can be wet and muddy in some areas so be prepared for that. There are several different trail types here which is nice.

Trails are often muddy, but is a nature preserve so what do you expect. Center has nice displays and plant / animal books theyll pack up for you to borrow on your hike.

Extremely woodsy!!! Didnt even feel like I was in the city. Lots of hiking trails. Lots of shade. Benches falire. Be sure and check out the honey bee farm just be sure to stay a good distance back.

I was in the area for business and found this place to be a good area to stretch my legs. If you have an hour of time and need some fresh air this is a good place to do that.

A wonderful park in Downers Grove with an activities center for people of all ages. The staff is very friendly and there are events year round. Its also available to just walk through the woods, but FYI, no dogs or bikes.

This place is spectacular! Plenty of land and woods for hiking in. The staff is always friendly and helpful. There are all kinds of items to take on a hike inside. Especially for kids. Binoculars, magnifying glasses, etc... They also have wonderful events and classes.

So great to have pockets of natural areas among the suburban jungle.

Had a great day birding at Lyman Woods. Some of the trails have been improved nicely. There are unparalleled spotting opportunities between the different parts of the park, including wetlands, woods and meadows.

Fun place for a birthday party or class. Nice staff. Yummy honey sold here (when in season) from their hives.

I was in town for a few days and was looking for a nice running trail to get around 4-5 miles in. This location showed up in my search. I arrived there Sunday evening not knowing anything about it. There is a small interpretive center there that was closed due to the time. The grounds are left natural which gives the impression that it is overgrown and closed. I did not see any signs for a hiking/nature trail. Due to this I almost left but decided to walk around to see if I could find the trail. I found the trail and decided to hit the loop. Unfortunately a portion of the loop was blocked off for repairs making it impossible to complete the loop. Not sure how long the trail has been blocked off. Once that an better markings are on place will make this a much nicer place

Love this little preserve. My husband and I got married herenlast year.

Fun place, great events here

Nice little gem . They sell honey thats delicious and Im a fanatic over good honey

Great make out spot for your lunch break

Went there for a cub scout hike with the troop. Nice trails for a quick after work hike

Great trail. Beautiful scenery.

Wild Night Out great for kids. Very friendly staff.

Beautiful forest reserve in an unexpectedly busy suburban business area. You will be absorbed in nature and getting lost in its serene views.

Pleasant walking paths through glade and forest, with a few benches sprinkled throughout the woods.

Great place to take grandkids.

Great place for a walk in nature

Great place to see nature close to home.

Very friendly staff and fun nature classes for kids.

Volunteered here and it was such a hidden gem!

Love nature

Great classes/camp for summertime for the kids

Wildlife everywhere

Nature :-)

Not crowded and very nice trails

Awesome nature walk!

Great place to enjoy nature.

Wonderful nature preserve

Nice trucking place & must visit

Son loved going to camp here

Swampy from time to time but a little slice of heaven