Getting outside during summer is one of the greatest joys of the warm season here in Illinois, and here at Farmington Lakes, we want to share with you just how much we love the outdoors. While Lake Michigan may be close enough for a day trip, there is plenty of outdoor fun right here in Oswego. Local parks abound, and the Fox River offers fun on the water for everyone.
Oswego offers an array of outdoor activities for those looking to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Part of that is the abundance of local trails that run along the Fox River and up and down the Fox Valley. With over 40 miles of trails to offer, including a portion of the 43-mile Fox River Trail the Oswego parks district has you covered for hiking and biking in the area.
Mountain Biking Heaven
The local Saw Wee Kee Park is a haven for mountain bikers, offering 134 acres of extensive nature trails with wildlife viewing such as deer and bald eagles. The trails offer horseback riding, hiking, BMX biking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing in the winter.
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This is a great spot to launch your canoe and kayak for a day on the water.
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You can fish in Saw Wee Kee as well, and it is catch and release only.
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The park runs along the southern shore of the Fox River on Sundown Lane off of Orchard Road.
The Fox River
Biking and hiking along the Fox River are beautiful, with the opportunity to see bald eagles and native birds nesting in the trees. Bare branches offer the best viewing opportunities from January through March.
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities along the river, especially at Violet Patch Park where you can put in as well as reserve picnic shelters, cook on the grills, and connect to the Fox River Trail.
Further upstream you can start your adventure from Hudson Crossing Park in the heart of Downtown Oswego.
A Community Park
If you prefer more of a day at the park with sports fields or cooling off from the hot weather, Prairie Point Community Park offers 66 acres of fun. There’s a Splash Pad for romping around in the water, and a skate park big enough for everyone to ride. The park features soccer and football fields, sand volleyball, baseball/softball, and reservable tables.
In winter, Prairie Point also has an ice skating rink and sledding hill.
With so much opportunity for outdoor activities in Oswego, it’s easy to see why we love living here at Farmington Lakes apartments!
How do you enjoy getting outside here in Oswego? Tell us about it in the comments.