Recreation & Open Space

The Barrington area is unique in that it lies so close to one of the world’s finest cities, and yet it is better known for its vast open spaces, equestrian heritage, and as a “jump­ing-off” point from the city for outdoor recreation of all kinds.

Early each weekend morning, you’ll see dozens of cyclists parking at Barrington High School and riding off in many directions along our serene back-country lanes, then stopping for breakfast or lunch in town. Even if you don’t enjoy cycling, a Sunday drive amid the horse farms and vast estates is a treat in itself. Golfers have many options to enjoy our area’s serenity as well, including the public Makray Memorial Golf Club.

Hikers, runners, birders, fishermen, and cross-country skiers enjoy the many preserves surrounding our community in both Lake and Cook Counties, including Crabtree Nature Preserve, Deer Grove Preserve, Spring Creek Preserve, Cuba Marsh, and Grassy Lake Preserve. Bar­rington is also just a few miles from the Fox River, a boating and water recreation mecca leading all the way to the Chain O’Lakes near the Wisconsin border.

The Riding Club of Barrington Hills maintains a vast network of bridle trails that criss-cross our area through both public and private land, provid­ing our local equestrians with many opportunities to view scenic beauty on horseback.

Our conservation organizations, Citizens for Conservation and Barrington Area Conserva­tion Trust, offer numerous hikes and work days in their preserves. And the Barrington Park District maintains numerous parks as well (see below) that provide many passive and active recreational op­portunities for residents and visitors alike. The Barrington Park District offers a wealth of recreational opportunities in Barrington.