One of the best reasons to find a dirt trail in Spring is the wildflowers, especially bluebells!

Bluebells along trail in O'Hara Woods
O’Hara Woods in Romeoville puts on a magnificent display of bluebells.

Bring on the Spring Wildflowers

In the Midwest, spring is a magical time in the woods. From about mid-March to mid-May, hikers who go beyond the pavement can discover a wide variety of colorful, spring ephemerals – or spring wildflowers. One of my favorites is bluebells! Virginia bluebells are pure delight in the forest. In well established, undisturbed woods they are often found blanketing the forest floor as far as the eye can see. Even a small patch, with their delicate, lavender and blue, bell-shaped blossoms, is a welcome treat for the senses. Get close enough to the blossoms or visit a patch on a warm day and you will be greeted with a light, sweet scent.

Mid-April to early-May are the best times to see Virginia bluebells in the Chicago area. I love visiting these awesome dirt trails in Will County (Illinois) forest preserves to see this wonderful wildflower in all its glory.

Hit the Trails

However, if you can’t hit the trails to see them for yourselves, here’s a glimpse at one of my favorite destinations to see bluebells.

Bluebells in O'Hara Woods
Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about Virginia bluebells, check out information from the Missouri Botanical Garden or University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Bluebells at Home

Imagine my excitement when I moved into my house 16 years ago and discovered bluebells popping up in the backyard that first spring! They have thrived here ever since and I have had good luck transplanting clumps of them into other flower beds. Bluebells are a wonderful native spring flower to add to your yard. They complement any tulips or daffodils you may already have, adding color and interest just as things start to green up in your yard. Look for native plant sales in your area to source them. Trail etiquette: Don’t dig or remove plants from public natural areas you visit. In most places, it is against the rules or even local, state, or federal law.

Don’t Miss the Show

You will definitely want to make plans to hit a dirt trail that leads you into the forest in springtime. Don’t miss the fairytale-like experience of walking through giant swaths of bluebells as nature wakes up along the trail.

Enjoy the season and be sure to hike a dirt trail soon!