Forest Preserve  | Cross Country Ski | Horseback Riding | Fishing & Boating

Winter In Palos

Cook County Forest Preserve Sledding and Coasting
When snow conditions are suitable, some areas are designated for sledding and coasting. Sledding and Coasting Hills With Lighting (Hours: 8 A.M. - 10 P.M). More information: http://fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=52

Swallow Cliff Woods: Route 83 and Mannheim Road, Palos Park

Area Snowmobile information: http://fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=53

Cross Country Skiing
Palos and Sag Valley Divisions
Numerous locations in the Cook County Forest Preserve District sites between Archer Ave. and 135th Street, Willow Springs and Palos Park areas. Length: 30+ miles. Cook County cross country ski information: http://fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=40

Horseback Riding
Fitzjoy Farm
12211 South LaGrange Road
Palos Park, IL 60464
(708) 361-7977
Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM   Fitzjoy Farm is the premier stable in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago adjacent to Cook County riding trails. We offer certified training in Dressage, Show Jumping, Beginner as well as Advanced Riding Lessons in English and Western. Children's lessons and educational day camps are also offered through out the year. The facility has a large indoor arena, multiple turnout pens, broodmare foaling facility, as well as 2 round training pens. Kathy Fitzpatrick is a AQHA Professional Horseman with numerous champions trained. Lisa Harders is a Certified third Level Dressage trainer and Sharon Taylor has the prestigious BHSI certification (From the UK) and trains and rides show jumpers and upper level Dressage. Private, semi-private and group lessons are available from all of our instructors. There is much we have to offer to fit your level of horsemanship abilities.

Specialization: Western Pleasure; English Pleasure; Hunter/Jumper; Dressage; Eventing; Breaking; Breeding; Sales; Halter; Performance; Other: riding lessons/all disciplines
Facilities: Barn; Indoor Arena; Indoor Heated Arena; Outdoor Arena; Turnout Paddocks; Clubhouse; Viewing Area; Outdoor Wash Rack; Tack Room; Lights for Night Riding; Security System; Trails (miles: 45+)
The facility is adjacent to the Cook County Forest Preserve trails.
Horse Breed Specialization: Friesian; Palomino; Quarter Horse;
Boarding: Regular Service: $340/month. Includes: Daily stall cleaning, feeding twice a day.. Hay & grain
Full Service: $1000/month. Includes: along with regular service turnout, training and grooming
Extra Boarding Services: Grooming / transportation services available
Lessons: Private; Semi-private; Group; Adult, Minimum age: 5, School horses available: 8
Lesson types: Western Pleasure; English Pleasure; Hunt Seat; Dressage; Eventing; Jumping; Gymkhana/ custom for the rider. Apparel Requirements: Boots/Paddock Shoes; Hunt Cap; Long Pants, no shorts
Horse Shows: Annual open shows, student shows, evening jumping jackpots, fun and game shows. 
Additional Special Information:  Fitzjoy offers riding experience for all level of riders, Novice to expert. We are a casual, fun stable that still maintains a professional and competitive attitude. We are especially safety conscious in every aspect of horsemanship, with everyone willing to lend a helping hand. We are a family and welcome you to join us, once you're here, you won't want to leave.
 

Fishing and Boating
Fishing license and stamps may be purchased on-line through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Ice Fishing Information: http://fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=46

Tampier Lake
Located at 131st and Wolf Road. You can rent canoes and rowboats from the Forest Preserve District between May and October. Tampier Lake is a favorite lake. The people there tend to be fishing, boating or picnicking. Fish in this lake include: Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Sunfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Bullhead Catfish, Carp, Channel Catfish and White Bass.

Saganashkee Slough
One of the great outlet rivers during the Ice Age, Saganashkee Slough is now shallow lake that is good for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Located on 107th Street between 104th Avenue and Rt 83, this area is closed to boating from October 1st, through May 15th for waterfowl migration. There are two entrances to the preserve, the entrance nearest Rt 83 has a trailerable boat ramp. The other entrance has several muddy shores that are fine for launching carry-in boats. There is a fishing wall just off 104th Ave for handicapped fishing access at the dam. (Overflow empties into the Cal-Sag channel, which is less than 100 feet away.) Boating information: Private canoes, rowboats allowed. Gas-powered motors prohibited. 1 ramp with concrete to water level, gravel base under water at edge of ramp. Fish in this lake include: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Bullhead Catfish, Sunfish, Carp.

Link to fishing and outdoor Palos