Ladd Arboretum

Ladd is my fave running spot in Evanston. Beautiful scenery, quiet, clean, visible mile markers… everything I ask for in a trail. There is free parking in a lot located at the corner of McCormick & Bridge St. Don’t forget to check out the Evanston Ecology Center, located inside Ladd Arboretum. If you have never had the chance to take a peek inside this little hidden gem, you should. From the EEC website…
«The Evanston Ecology Center, a facility operated by the City of Evanston, was built on the grounds of the Ladd Arboretum in 1974 and serves as a focal point for environmental education and volunteerism in the community.
The Ecology Center’s mission is to offer educational programs to the local community that will foster a greater appreciation, awareness and knowledge of the environment. The offerings of the Center range from introductory natural history classes, covering areas such as plant identification and animal study, to popular summer camps that engage kids in environmentally focused activities.»