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Cook County

Cook County

The Top 11 Natural Monuments in Cook County

Cook County’s landscape is a beautiful place to explore — something that you can best experience by visiting one of our 11

beautiful natural monuments in Cook County. To help you find the one for, you can see all the details you need to explore the best natural monuments, and better plan your next outdoor adventure!

Last updated: October 25, 2025

Buckingham Fountain

Highlight • Monument

Discover the enchanting Buckingham Fountain, a Chicago landmark that mesmerizes with captivating water displays. Operating every hour, the fountain's major show features a central jet soaring 150 feet high, creating …

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Wrigley Square & Millennium Monument

Highlight • Monument

Wrigley Square is a public square in the northwest corner of Millennium Park. It houses the Millennium Monument, an almost full-size replica of the semi-circle of paired columns in the …

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Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Crown Fountain, Millennium Park

Highlight • Monument

Step into the captivating world of the Crown Fountain in Chicago's Millennium Park. Designed by Jaume Plensa, this innovative masterpiece features two towering 50-foot glass block structures, each projecting the …

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Milton L Olive III Park

Highlight • Monument

Milton Lee Olive Park, a 10-acre sanctuary on a 61-acre peninsula, honors the first African American Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, Milton L. Olive III. Designed by Dan Kiley …

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Montrose Beach Dunes Natural Area

Highlight • Natural Monument

This area was originally a landfill, but over time, nature has reclaimed it. The site now features a beach, foredune, and globally rare panne habitat, contributing to the presence of …

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Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful haven for over 150 different species of birds. The sanctuary was saved from demolition in the 1960s, and it was restored …

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The Grove

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

The Grove is a popular attraction in the Glenview Park District, featuring 150 acres of diverse land. Established by Dr. John Kennicott in 1836, it became home to his son, …

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Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens

Highlight • Lake

Discover gardens, a waterfall, lakeside trails & native trees in the beautiful nature center and botanic gardens.

The lake and gardens are free to enter and provide a beautiful location for a family-friendly stroll.

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Elmwood Dunes Preserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Explore the revitalized beauty of Elmwood Dunes Preserve on your run. This nearly-acre lakefront haven was restored through a collaborative effort involving the Village, grants, and dedicated volunteers. As you …

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Cal-Sag Channel SEPA Station 3 Cascades

Highlight • Structure

Built and operated by the city of Chicago metro water district, these man-made cascades are pretty and make the cal-sag a healthier place for aquatic life and the people who live near.

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Other adventures in Cook County

Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway — Cycling Along Nature’s Highway

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Des Plaines River Trail & Greenway — From Wetlands to Woods

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The rhythms of the river – road trip along the Mississippi

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Great North Music Tour – hiking in the footsteps of music legends

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Historic Route 66 – curiosities, selfie spots and diners

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On the shores of the Great Lakes

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Most popular routes in Cook County

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MTB Trails in Cook County

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Most popular attractions in Cook County

Places to see

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Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Find even more amazing natural monuments in Cook County by checking out the top Highlights region by region:

Chicago Lincolnwood Skokie Evanston

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones in Cook County:

Lasalle County Shawnee National Forest

The Top 11 Natural Monuments in Cook County

Buckingham Fountain

Wrigley Square & Millennium Monument

Crown Fountain, Millennium Park

Milton L Olive III Park

Montrose Beach Dunes Natural Area

Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary

The Grove

Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens

Elmwood Dunes Preserve

Cal-Sag Channel SEPA Station 3 Cascades

Other adventures in Cook County

Most popular routes in Cook County

Most popular attractions in Cook County

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Explore more

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