Dan Ryan Woods
A 257-acre forest preserve with play fields, a popular sledding hill & a paved multi-use trail.
Dan Ryan Woods is rated 4.5 / 5 from 3,224 Google reviews and sits about 4.8 km (60 min walk) from 95th/Dan Ryan station.
General overview
About Dan Ryan Woods
Dan Ryan Woods is a large urban forest preserve on Chicago’s Southwest Side, known for wooded trails, open lawns, picnic groves, a historic pavilion, fitness stairs and a popular sledding hill. General admission is free, making it a convenient destination for walking, running, picnicking and seasonal outdoor recreation.
- Wooded walking and running trails within Chicago
- Popular hill and stairs used for exercise and winter sledding
- Picnic groves and open lawns
- Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion and nearby community programming
- Connections to the Major Taylor Trail and surrounding bicycle routes
- Fall foliage, birdwatching and informal nature observation
Things to do here
Walking and trail running
Explore a network of paved and natural-surface routes through woods, meadows and recreational areas. Trail conditions can become muddy or icy after poor weather.
Fitness stairs and hill workouts
The preserve’s prominent hill and long stairway are frequently used for vigorous workouts. Exercise carefully when stairs are wet, icy or crowded.
Picnicking
Use designated picnic groves and lawns; larger organized gatherings may require a Forest Preserves permit or grove reservation.
Sledding
The hill is a well-known local sledding destination when sufficient snow and safe conditions are present. Sledding is seasonal and generally unsupervised.
Cycling
Cyclists can use nearby paved routes and connect with the Major Taylor Trail. Bikes should remain on routes where cycling is permitted.
Bird and nature watching
The woodland habitat offers opportunities to see common urban and migratory birds, especially during spring and fall.
Pavilion programs and events
The Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion may host Forest Preserves programming, community activities or permitted private events. Schedules and access vary.
Use an official parking area or arrive by local transit, bicycle or rideshare. Confirm the specific entrance needed because the preserve is extensive and facilities are spread across several sections. Do not leave valuables visible in vehicles.
No advance booking is normally needed for casual visits. Reserve permits well ahead for a picnic grove, large gathering, pavilion use, commercial activity or organized event.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
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Most asked
How to reach
Dan Ryan Woods is about 4.8 km (~60 min walk) from 95th/Dan Ryan station on the Chicago "L".
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Trinity United Church of Christ
Places to visit · 10 min walk
★ 4.8
Jewel-Osco
Restaurants · 18 min walk
★ 4.1
Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center
Places to visit · 27 min walk
★ 4.5
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Restaurants · 28 min walk
★ 4.4
Pullman National Historical Park
Places to visit · 43 min walk
★ 4.7
Old Fashioned Donuts
Restaurants · 46 min walk
★ 4.7
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Dan Ryan Woods from 95th/Dan Ryan station?
Dan Ryan Woods is about 4784 m (roughly 60 min walk) from 95th/Dan Ryan station on the Chicago "L". Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Dan Ryan Woods rated?
Dan Ryan Woods has a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 3,224 reviews.
What's near Dan Ryan Woods?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Trinity United Church of Christ, Jewel-Osco, Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center.
Is Dan Ryan Woods wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Dan Ryan Woods: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Dan Ryan Woods?
Google lists these parking options near Dan Ryan Woods: free parking lot, paid parking lot, free street parking.
Is Dan Ryan Woods good for children?
Yes — Google lists Dan Ryan Woods as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Dan Ryan Woods?
Yes — Google lists Dan Ryan Woods as dog-friendly.
Is Dan Ryan Woods free?
Yes. General entry, ordinary trail use and standard parking are generally free. Reserved groves and special activities can require paid permits.
What are the preserve’s hours?
Forest Preserves locations are generally open every day from sunrise to sunset. Facility and restroom schedules can be shorter or seasonal.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for an ordinary walk, run or small informal visit. Larger picnics, reserved groves, organized events, pavilion use and certain special activities may require a permit.
Is Dan Ryan Woods safe to visit alone?
It is an open urban preserve. Visit during daylight, remain aware of your surroundings, choose busier routes when possible, tell someone your plans and avoid leaving valuables in a car.
Can I bring a dog?
Generally yes, provided the dog is leashed, controlled and cleaned up after. Observe all posted restrictions.
Is sledding available?
The hill is a popular sledding location when there is enough snow. Conditions are weather-dependent, the activity may be unsupervised, and visitors should inspect the slope and follow posted restrictions.
Are there restrooms and drinking fountains?
Facilities may exist near major picnic or pavilion areas, but they can be seasonal or unavailable. Bring drinking water and verify restroom access before a longer visit.
Can I reserve a picnic area?
Yes, designated groves may be reservable through the Forest Preserves permit system. Fees and rules depend on the date, grove, group and planned activities.
Is the preserve accessible by public transportation?
The surrounding Beverly and Southwest Side area is served by CTA buses and Metra’s Rock Island line, but the best stop depends on the entrance or facility you intend to use. Check a current transit planner before departure.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.