Best Forest Preserve Photo Locations outside of chicago
The Chicago suburbs are home to some of the most beautiful forest preserves, offering everything from towering oak trees and scenic rivers to wildflower fields, rustic barns, boardwalks, and colorful fall foliage. Whether you’re planning family photos, senior portraits, maternity, or an engagement session, these are some of my favorite forest preserve locations throughout the western and northwestern suburbs.
Historic charm • Fox River • Gardens • Bridges • Gorgeous fall color
Best for: Seniors • Families • Engagements • Maternity
Click to View Fabyan Forest Preserve Gallery & Location Guide
River views • Wooded trails • Rustic bridges • Year-round beauty
Best for: Families • Seniors • Maternity
Click to View Leroy Oakes Gallery & Location Guide
Tall prairie grass • Wildflowers • Sunset views • Open fields
Best for: Seniors • Families • Couples
Click to View Burnidge Forest Preserve Gallery & Location Guide
Woodland • Meadow • Prairie • Fall Color • Golden Hour • Natural
Best for: Fall Sessions • Families • Engagements
Click to View Schweitzer Woods Gallery & Location Guide
Rolling Hills • Open Meadows • Scenic Ponds • Prairie • Golden Sunsets
Best for: Families • Seniors • Engagements • Maternity
Click to View Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve Gallery & Location Guide
Boardwalks • Lake views • Wetlands • Prairie • Gorgeous Sunsets
Best for: Families • Seniors • Maternity • Engagements
Click to View Mallard Lake Forset Preserve Gallery & Location Guide
Tall prairie grasses • Marsh views • Boardwalk • Golden sunsets
Best for: Families • Seniors • Maternity • Engagements
Click to View Cuba Marsh Gallery & Location Guide
Rustic barn • Native prairie • Butterfly garden • Golden sunsets
Best for: Families • Seniors • Maternity • Engagements
Click to View Vehe Barn Gallery & Location Guide
Prairie • Wetlands • Wooded Trails • Boardwalks • Beautiful Golden Hour
Best for: Families • Seniors • Engagements • Maternity
Click to View Deer Grove East Gallery & Location Guide
Prairie • Lakes • Scenic Walking Paths
Best for: Families • Seniors • Maternity
Click to View Mayslake Forest Preserve Gallery & Location Guide
Formal Gardens • Historic Mansion • Tree-Lined Paths • Fountains • Seasonal Flowers
Best for: Families • Seniors • Engagements • Maternity
Click to View Cantigny Park Gallery & Location Guide
Wondering What to Wear?
Now that you’ve found the perfect location, let’s make choosing your outfits easy. Explore my style guides for color palettes, outfit inspiration, and tips to help your family look coordinated without feeling overly matched.