Join fellow LGBTQ+ outdoors enthusiasts for a lakefront prairie visit, then stick around and enjoy the beach!

Pack a lunch and join us to tour Hosah Prairie. We'll look for birds, seasonal plants, and clean up the site a bit along the way, led by volunteer steward Kathy Garness. Hosah Park’s 23 lakefront acres are home to 240 documented species of plants, including interesting native plants like the prickly pear cactus. The site, hugs the edge of Illinois Beach State Park, another beautiful lakefront natural area with a big sandy beach. Feel free to stick around and enjoy the beach afterwards!

Public transportation and driving are both options for getting to Hosah. There is a very infrequent Metra train a third mile walk or so from Hosah, but there is also parking. From Chicago I take i-94 to 137/Buckley Road which goes east past the Great Lakes Naval Station then heads north bypassing Waukegan, then bends at its end into Sheridan Road. It’s just a few minutes north and east on Shiloh Blvd to Hosah. There are no restroom facilities on site, but there are a number of stores nearby with restrooms, including a CVS.

Participants must wear a face covering or mask when within 6 feet of others. We recommend bringing a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen and wearing weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, including long pants, and sturdy, close-toed shoes. Feel free to dress in layers and bring a beach towel for relaxing on the beach afterwards! All participants must complete a liability waiver upon arrival to participate in the program. To protect the safety of all participants, we have limited the trip capacity to 15 people. Please RSVP using the Eventbrite platform to reserve a spot.

Join Chicago Audubon Society's Out In Nature online community here.

Learn more about the story and people behind Hosah Prairie here.

Join Chicago Audubon Society's Out In Nature online community here.