Ha. I work right here. Salt Creek runs 1/4 mile from my work and about a block from my house, 5 miles down stream. I've gone to "Busse Woods" for lunch several times, which is a big forest preserve in north-west Cook County. It is a great area, 3700 acres with a 590 acre lake. There is a nice long bicycle trail (11 miles) and a large herd of elk. It is about 5 minutes from my work and I've been to most or all of the places in the pictures. There is also some fishing in the preserve and a place to rent boats. I've been to many company picnics there. I've never seen a ranger but the police do patrol the area and I would be a little hesistant to bring a big knife, especially since it is Cook County, although people do B-B-Q and use kitchen knives, so who knows. It is also surrounded on all sides by heavily populated areas and one of the largest malls in the world. But inside, it is tranquil and relaxing.