DAY HIKES
Deer Grove East
Palatine, IL
Sept. 23, 24, 25, 2025
Sept 23, 24, 25
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
3 miles
Terrain
It is a combination of a dirt path, crushed gravel, and paved path. Relatively flat trail.
Deer Grove East stands as one of the most significant success stories in wetland restoration throughout the Chicagoland area. Encompassing over 600 acres just east of Quentin Road, this area has been the primary focus of dedicated wetland and native plant restoration efforts starting in 2009. Today, the restoration has blossomed into a thriving habitat that supports more than 500 different native plant species, which in turn have attracted a diverse array of wildlife to the area.
Taking a hike through Deer Grove East offers the chance to experience a varied landscape. Our trail will go through a mix of prairie, oak savanna, woodland, and wetlands, each contributing to the rich ecological diversity. One of the highlights of this journey is the abundance of colorful fall wildflowers lining the trails.
Washroom
There is an outhouse in the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Hiking sticks are optional
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Clothing layers as needed
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots.
Bug spray just in case.
Optional lunch this week
Please join us for a picnic lunch, to continue the camroderie on the trail. Bring your own sack lunch. 12:00-12:30
Times
We meet at 9:45 am to begin hiking at 10:00am
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, you will receive an email before 8am on the day of your hike.
You Will Learn
About
Driving Directions
Address: Deer Grove East
There is not a physical street address. Best option is to use the Google Maps link below to get to parking lot.
Entrance is off Dundee road, about 1/2 mile west of Hicks road and 1/4 mile east of Smith road.
Once inside the park, follow the driveway to the left to the last parking lot, near shelter #1.
Discussion Starter Question
We (and the wildlife) are benefiting from the hard work of many people who planned and carried out this renovation of Deer Grove.
What else in your life do you enjoy because someone else planned ahead?
Guides
Kari, aka, “Lucky Duck” on Wed.
Karen, aka “Carin” on Tue. and Thur.
Quote of the day
Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree long ago. Warren Buffet
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.