Originally formed in 1908, as an outgrowth of the Playground Association of Chicago, the Prairie Club was incorporated as a separate entity in 1911. Embodying the typical reform mentality of the Progressive era, the club emphasized outdoor recreation and preservation, and sponsored walking trips around Chicago's countryside. Captured here in over 200 vintage photographs are the footsteps of the Prairie Club as they built a constituency for exploring and preserving the forests and fields surrounding the Windy City.Like many large American cities in the early 1900s, Chicago's industrialization and waves of immigration spawned crowded, unhealthy urban conditions. The Prairie Club turned to nature for relief from these societal ills. From its first outing on Saturday, April 18, 1908, around Mount Forest District near Willow Springs, members sponsored hikes and outdoor activities from Palos and Tinley, through Hinsdale and Downers Grove, and up to the North Shore. With each of these walks, public support grew for what ultimately became victorious efforts to establish the forest preserves, Indiana Dunes, and other nature spots around the burgeoning cityscape.

In this completely revised, expanded, and updated edition, Walter G. Zyznieuski and George S. Zyznieuski describe sixty-nine trails that total more than eight hundred miles. Thirteen new trails have been added in this edition. All but four of the original maps have been revised and updated and many new photographs are included. Since the first edition was published, there have been many changes along the trails or at the parks or forests where the trails were located. In order to update their book, the Zyznieuskis contacted the headquarters of each park and forest to obtain detailed and up-to-date information. In the appendixes the Zyznieuskis provide information on obtaining trail maps, hiking organizations, and rules and regulations for Illinois state parks and recreation areas. As in the first edition, the authors have hiked each trail they describe. It is their firsthand experience that makes it possible for them to provide reliable, detailed, and up-to-date information on each of these trails for Illinois hikers and backpackers.

Indiana Dunes State Park Visitors to Indiana Dunes State Park can hike the massive sand dunes that tower over beautiful Lake Michigan and see the city of Chicago in the distance. Bird watchers can find a copious number of waterfowls, songbirds and other avian treats in the marshes in the park. Sun worshipers can swim and lounge along the immense sand beaches that line the Lake Michigan shoreline. Visitors will also discover camping, fishing and picnicking opportunities in this Indiana travel guide. Hiking Hikers will find over 16 miles of trails of varying length and difficulty. Most are moderate trails, however there are easy and rugged ones as well. Dune State Park provides an access point for the longer Calumet Trail as well. Camping The 140 site campground has two comfort stations that are heated year-round and equipped with flush toilets, hot water and showers. Lake Michigan and the Sand Dunes Many of the trails traverse the massive sand dunes that tower over beautiful Lake Michigan. Visitors may swim on the expansive beach, hike the trails or simply enjoy a glorious sunset over the lake. Indiana Dunes National Park Visitors to the park can also visit Indiana's only National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park for additional hiking, birdwatching and biking possibilities. Porter County The book includes an extensive listing of day trip destinations in Chesterton and Porter County, Indiana. Porter County, Chesterton, indiana travel, sand dunes, hiking, lake michigan, guidebook