Your 2026/2027 Cook County Visitor Guide Is Here

Every year, the Visitor Guide conversation starts the same way: with someone saying, “We should probably make this thing a little smaller.” Every year, that idea lasts about five minutes. The brand-new 2026/2027 Visit Cook County Visitor Guide is officially here, and once again, it’s packed with…

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May in Cook County: Shift Into Spring

After a long, snowy season in Cook County, winter is officially in the rearview. As the North Shore trails clear and the Sawtooth maple forests begin to pop with new green, Cook County is waking up in a big way. From single-track mountain bike sessions to the first wildflower hikes of the season…

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How to plan a trip around the night sky

If you've ever looked up on a clear, moonless night far from city lights, you know the awe-inspiring power of a star-filled sky. For those who find wonder in the twinkle of distant stars and the shimmer of the Milky Way, planning a trip specifically around stargazing can be an extraordinary…

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Wilderness Adventures for Young Explorers

Imagine a world where your kids are free to roam, explore and discover without the distractions of screens or the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nature in Cook County offers just that—wild spaces where curious kids can investigate their surroundings and thrive. From the rustling leaves of a…

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Mud Season Survival Guide

Enjoying "Mud Season" in Cook County: A Practical Guide to the Messy Middle! There’s a stretch of time in the spring when winter fades, but doesn’t fully leave. Snow lingers in the shady areas, trails soften, creeks awaken, and yes, things can turn a bit muddy. As a result, some folks around here…

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2026 Waterfall Season Is Here!

Every year, hundreds of thousands of acres of melting snow and ice finds its way into Lake Superior down beautiful North Shore streams and rivers, creating quite the show. This spring melt in Cook County typically lasts about three weeks, beginning early to mid-April. Photo by David Johnson A…

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