Bowen Park’s Glen Flora Ravine

Venture into hidden ravine systems where you can lose yourself among spring wildflowers and discover rare ferns in cool, protected valleys.

Bowen Park is popular for its playground, Jack Benny Center for the Arts, and the Jack Hofflander Wildflower Refuge. This park is also home to a 30-acre ravine, often considered the highest-quality ravine in Illinois. Discover this hidden gem and find a new refuge.

Owned and Managed by:

Waukegan Park District

Where It Is

Bowen Park address:
1800 N Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085

The entrance to the Ravine is east of the Jack Benny Center for the Arts.

Recreation

  • Hiking

  • Birding

  • Pets

  • Wildlife Viewing

  • Field Trips

  • Outdoor Education

  • Scientific Research

  • Bathrooms

  • Parking Lot

What You Should Know

Trails: Stay on trails at all times and do not collect any materials from Lake Plain sites apart from photos and memories. 

Ticks: Lake Plain Natural Areas have a significant tick population active from April through November. Take precautions: wear long pants tucked into socks, use insect repellent, and check yourself and pets thoroughly after visiting.

Limited Infrastructure: Many Lake Plain Natural Areas are overall purposely maintained in their natural state. Come prepared for a true natural area experience, and abide by all park rules and regulations. 

Fragile Ecosystem: Glen Flora Ravine has a mesic to wet-mesic Sugar Maple-dominated canopy. The globally rare plant communities here require careful stewardship. Stay on visible paths, avoid walking through wetlands, and never pick plants, dig roots, or collect seeds. Leave no trace.