Additional fees apply for events serving alcohol or those taking place outside of normal Forest Preserve hours of operation.  Information about weekend evening rental available upon request.

Amenities include tables and chairs (arranged as per your request), internet access, projection screen, dry erase boards and access to separate break out space.  Unlimited “green” coffee service, continental breakfast, water, soft drinks and afternoon snacks offered for additional fee.

Ryerson Woods is a quiet respite from the region’s thriving suburban development and is nationally recognized for its ecological, historical and architectural significance.  Some pathways through the surrounding woods follow favorite trails of the local Pottawatomie Indians, intersecting at the Des Plaines River where the gravel bottom provided a secure crossing.

Allow the diversity and natural beauty outside Brushwood to inspire and redirect your team’s focus and energy.  We know your group has serious work to accomplish in a limited amount of time but when energy flags or plans hit a road block, it’s easy to take a quick walk along one of our well-marked trails to get the creative juices flowing again.  Whether your team is the type to hike all the way to the Des Plaines River (trail loops range from .5 miles to several miles) or simply take a leisurely 5 minute stroll on a paved path to check out the abundant forms of green technology incorporated into our new Welcome Center, Brushwood is equipped maps to guide you along a variety of trails.  Some fun, simple games to rev up your creative juices along with your energy levels are also included.

No matter what the season when your group meets at Brushwood, you will be enchanted by the setting.  Whether it’s the dog-toothed violets and buttercups of spring, the abundant white-tailed deer of summer, the riot of fall color in the open fields or the splendor of soft snow outlining the branches of thousands of hardwood trees, there will always be something at Ryerson to delight your senses and stimulate your creativity. Be inspired by the sights, sounds and smells of some of Mother Nature’s finest work. 

The Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, known informally as Ryerson Woods, is a 556 acre preserve located near Deerfield, Illinois.  One of the gems of the Illinois Nature Preserve system, Ryerson Woods is home to many rare species, including the stunning purple-fringed orchid, the striking blue-spotted salamander, the quick wood frog, the vocal red shouldered hawk, the secretive veery (bird) and the shy and non-aggressive eastern massasauga rattlesnake.