Blue Star Memorial Woods

Blue Star Memorial Woods, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is one of several preserves connected by the North Branch Trail, which links together green spaces along the North Branch of the Chicago River from the northwest side of Chicago all the way to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.

While the trail is relatively flat, it’s an excellent option for walking, hiking, biking, and trail running. A 13-mile stretch of paved trail connects Caldwell Woods to Skokie Lagoons, with additional unpaved natural trails weaving through woodlands and scenic natural areas. A 4-mile paved trail loop around Skokie Lagoons connects to the Botanic Garden, making this route especially popular for long-distance cyclists.

Blue Star Memorial Woods features accessible picnic shelters, making it a welcoming spot to relax and recharge along your journey. While there are several street crossings along the trail, the North Branch Trail provides a relatively seamless experience, offering a scenic tour of forest preserves and river landscapes throughout the region.