Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion - Chicago, IL

Park T.

Booked a Sunday for my sisters baby shower and three days later our uncle passed away. We contacted the person in charge and let them know due to cultural traditions we could not celebrate anything for 4 months and would like a refund.

This was still 40+ days out from the event date and they only held our day for 3 days. They had plenty of time to rebook the date and not lose any income.

The person who is in charge claims the county would not approve this special circumstance and we would not be refunded our deposit. She did offer other dates but I only have one pregnant sister and she was not having another baby shower.

I explained that we reside in Cook County and this was a very special circumstance but they would not even consider making an exception even though a big part of the property taxes pays for these parks and facilities.

I was disappointed in how we were treated and just wanted to share our experience.

Adrian S.

Great spot for family time, had a good time considering the fact my family was there for a repast. The Owner was good to us. Just play by the rules.

S A.

Liked the big rafter ceiling & stone walls. Nice gathering spot for hosting 75 to 100+ people. It has good kitchen facilities & restrooms. The main pavillion hall seem well maintained, well lit & clean, plenty of power outlets. Located in the beautiful, large park setting of Dan Ryan Woods.

Ej L.

Lovely Pavilion. Never knew it existed until today!

Jose G.

The Kwanzaa Celebration was incredible! Well organized by Ms Claudia, who is an employee of the Forest Preserves! She organized the Kwanzaa event at the pavilion it was warm and inviting informative, educational, inspiring, colorful, and musical! There were storytelling movies, games, and crafts for adults and children! The 7 principal of Kwanzaa teaches you that Kwanzaa is for all people, and these principles apply to everyone! It was warm, informative, educational, inviting, uplifting, musical, and beautiful! The Cook County Forest Preserves needs to make this an annual event! Even though the attendance was great, it would improve tremendously if more was done to advertise and market such a wonder event that brings people together to build their communities, themselves, and each other! It was a wonderful 7-day event!! Kudos to Claudia Gunter, CEP aid who designed, planned, and headed the event and the assistance from her fellow employee team members!

Ray G.

Great place to walk, secured liston with decent people. Keep your eyes up though. It's just safety.

Laura R.

Had a nice time at our picnic. I was a little hesitant about being out there with the violence happening in the city. It was a perfect day!

Sonja M.

Great walking trail. About a mile if you go around the entire trail. Can be a little scary with all the trees/forest - that can hide a ner_dee-do_well or wild animal. But when we walk, there are usually a good # of people on the trail. Earlier, I attended my sister's colleague's retirement party at the Forest Preserve which has picnic benches and a little party venue. 🥳 Overall, nice area.