Village of Willow Springs

Residents and visitors to Willow Springs will find a close-knit community defined as much by the comforts of small town life as the pristine nature areas and boundless outdoor activities. Canoeing on the Illinois & Michigan Canal is a favorite past-time. Bikers and hikers can navigate the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail – an 11 mi. double loop trail which traverses along the canal. Columbia Woods was recently touted by a reviewer on a local social network site as “one of the best kept secrets for recreation in the Chicago area.” Whether you are interested in boating on the Des Plaines River or biking Centennial Trail, take in Columbia Woods’ beautiful terrain for a day of fun and relaxation. It’s also the site of the Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous each September. The Rendezvous is a two-day living history reenactment of early pioneer life. Fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertainment will transport visitors back in time to learn about the history of the region and the people who first settled here. The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center is an ideal spot to learn about wildlife and environmental appreciation and preservation.

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