Grotto Path

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Grotto Path

The Grotto Path is a neat little ravine and woodland that is part of the Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve in Kane County. It is also known as the Stevens Wildflower Sanctuary after the first superintendent of the Forest Preserve. In fact, it is just south of the government center buildings. It isn't very big, so it doesn't hold migrants for very long, but it is very pretty and diverse. The habitat consists of a ravine, woodlands, and a stream. The nearby park is your usual mowed area with a few trees. There are brush piles next to the ravine and a brushy edge along the Fox River.

Suggestions

Park in the farthest south lot in back of the government center. Walk directly south from the lot and you'll see a path going into the woods. Follow the path west and you'll end up near the front of the government center. You can walk back along the edge of the ravine, going through the brush piles. This ought to be good for getting a more comfortable look at warblers.

Beware: The fields are soccer fields and they get a LOT of use in season.

Directions

Take Interstate 88 to the Route 31 exit and head north. Just before you get to Geneva, you'll see a complex of buildings on your right which will be the Kane County Government Center. Park in back, at the south end of the lot and walk south to the woods. (O-3)

Access

Usual forest preserve hours - 8am to sunset

Tourist note

Geneva's downtown area is just a little further north. Lots of shops, etc.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Jon Duerr for his assistance.

Links

Kane County Forest Preserve

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