Moraine Hills State Park

I was born and raised and still in live in Northeastern Illinois. I watched has farm fields disappeared and its place popped up shopping centers and homes. More people, more cars, more construction, more chaos. It was city chaos but still enough. So, when I find a place that is quiet and calm and nothing but wide open nature, I embrace it. The woods is where I feel the most at peace. I connect with nature on a level I don’t quite understand but it doesn’t matter.

I’m finding again the things that bring me deep joy and peace. Hiking is one of them. I’m not much of a runner, though I can, I don’t like it. Maybe later on, I will take it up again but walking through the woods is my jam. Even with a baby on my back, I’m in my happy place.

I remember as a kid loving going into the woods off the beaten track and making my own. Climbing over fallen limbs and through brush. I was an explorer. All of my intense emotions disappeared. I was one with nature.

We recently visited Moraine Hills State Park and I am amazed at the beauty that is basically in my backyard. The park was finished in 1976 and has been well kept since. The paths were clean and easy to hike.

With a baby on my back and a dog taking lead, we started out on the Lake Defiance Trail but turned to explore the Fox River Trail. This trail takes you around the marsh, through woods, and along the east side of the Fox River. We saw a lot of people enjoying fishing and Chris was ready to go home to grab his rod and join them.

The beauty all around us was soothing to my soul and had me dreaming of future explorations and taking my camera out on our next trip.

CJ walked for a short period but mostly enjoyed being in the backpack where he took a little snooze. Arms crossed and head down, the sway of Daddy walking lulling him to sleep. Though the trail was smooth and we could have easily used the stroller, I am on a mission to build strength for harder hikes. The backpack will be a lot easier on those explorations.

Our dog Macy was in heaven. The day started out with few people so we let her off her leash so she could explore. Technically, dogs are supposed to stay on leashes but Macy is so amazing when it comes to hiking with us. As soon as we see people, we call her over and out the leash back on or make her sit until they pass us. We eventually kept the leash on and just let it go when there were no other hikers.

We definitely will be back to explore the other trails. Our favorites are the small trails off the main path. Into the woods as though we are explorers. We found some entrances into small grassy trails and will definitely be back to explore those.