Picture this. You are in Busse Forest-North Grove 2. A simple picnic shelter stands before you. It offers shade from the sun. Busse Forest-North Grove 2 is part of a larger area. It is called Busse Woods. Busse Woods is huge. It covers 3558 acres. It’s one of the biggest and most varied places in the Forest Preserves.
Busse Forest-North Grove 2 is just one of many picnic areas. There are numbered groves throughout Busse Woods. Each has a different capacity. Grove 2 has a capacity of 150 people. Imagine a busy summer day. Families spread out blankets. Children chase each other. Laughter fills the air.
This specific grove has a shelter. The shelter provides protection from sudden rain showers. It is a popular spot for family gatherings. Think of birthday parties. Reunions are often held here too. This isn’t just any picnic area. It’s a place for making memories.
Busse Woods itself has a rich history. It was named for Cook County Commissioner William Busse. The name was given in 1949. But the land’s history stretches back much further. Ancient forests stand within its boundaries. These forests predate European settlement. They have stood for centuries.
The elk pasture nearby is a unique feature. The elk were brought here long ago. They arrived from Yellowstone National Park. Nine cows and one bull started the herd in 1925. They traveled here by train. The herd’s size has changed over time. New males are introduced regularly to maintain genetic diversity.
Busse Forest-North Grove 2 is more than just a picnic spot. It’s a gateway to nature. It’s a link to the past. It’s a place where memories are made. So take a moment. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Absorb the beauty of this special place. Remember this feeling. You are in Busse Forest-North Grove 2. A place of rest and recreation. A spot in a much larger natural area. It’s a place you will never forget.