Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve — Wildlife Passport

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Nature preserve · Central · 16 mi away

A 127-acre state-dedicated preserve of beech-maple woods and wet flatwoods inside the suburbs.

Beech-maple forestFlatwoodsVernal pools

Map

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39.9631, -86.0074

39.9631, -86.0074 · pinch or scroll to zoomDirections

Plan your visit

HoursDaylight hours, dawn to dusk · open now

FeeFree

Best seasonsApril to October, with spring migration in late April

ParkingMain lot at the entrance

EntrancesMain entrance

RestroomsYes

PetsLeashed pets welcome

AccessibilityAccessible parking, Paved or firm-surface route available

AmenitiesTrailhead parking, Interpretive signs

Official infoWebsite

Trails

EasyWoodland Loop · 1.4 mi

Moderate, wetFlatwoods Spur · 0.5 mi

Likely to see hereGuide

Challenges here

Find three signs without seeing the animal

Tracks, chewed cones, feathers, woodpecker holes — evidence counts.

Check in at three curated destinations. No continuous tracking is ever used.

Offline pack

Map, trails and species list

9 MB · not downloaded

Safety and etiquette

Check seasonal hours and weather before you set out.

Ticks and poison ivy are common off-trail.

Stay on trail, keep your distance, and take only notes and photographs. If an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.

Source: Park district listing · Reviewed August 2026