Finding a Labyrinth in the Chicagoland Area
by Barbara Z. Kodlubanski
If the idea of trying out a labyrinth for meditation, personal transformation, health reasons, or just for fun is appealing to you, there are a number of public paths you can access in and around Chicago. The Labyrinth Society website has a comprehensive labyrinth locator that provides information on thousands of these circuitous walking paths across the United States. Below is a sampling of some of the public labyrinths in northern Illinois.
Faith Community United Church Of Christ, Prairie Grove
A 60-foot mulch and stone, classical design. The church is located on the border between Crystal Lake and Prairie Grove at the corner of Route 176 and Bayview Beach Rd. Open 24 hours. For information, call 815-479-1307.
Green Town Demonstration Garden, Waukegan
An 18-feet paved labyrinth in the downtown garden of tranquility and peace. In spring, the interstices will be planted with purple lemon carpet thyme, adding an additional sensory element to the experience. For information, contact Nada at 847-917-8310 or www.waukegan.com.
St. Elisabeth Episcopal Church, Glencoe
A 44-foot garden labyrinth, patterned after the one at Chartres Cathedral, is always open and all are welcome. Located just east of the five-point intersection of South Street, Greenwood, and Hawthorn Ave., it is two blocks west of Green Bay Road. For information, call 847-835-0458, or email [email protected].
Resurrection Center, Woodstock
A 60-foot inlaid brick and grass Chartres design at 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock, Illinois. For information, call 815-338-1032.
Lake Forest Hospital Labyrinth
A 60-foot Cretan pattern, grass walking path is open sunrise to sunset. Located adjacent to the Hunter Family Center for Women's Health. For information, call 847-536-6111.
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, Deerfield
A 84-foot Chartres pattern mowed into the grass with fieldstone walls is open sunrise to sunset. Church is located at the NE corner of Deerfield and Wilmot roads. One mile north of Lake Cook Road, and two blocks east of Highway 94/294. For information, call the church at: 847-945-1678.
Alternative Labyrinths
You also can access a labyrinth closer to home. Kits can be bought to create labyrinths of various shapes and sizes, using a variety of materials, at www.labyrinth-enterprises.com. There also are portable canvas and rope labyrinths that can be rented. In addition, miniature replicas in wood and paper are available, in which you use your finger to trace the path of the labyrinth (see www.pathsofpeace.com).
These days there is no excuse not to have a walk on a labyrinth, even if it’s virtual. The internet has a number of free sites with virtual labyrinths, in which you use your mouse to follow the path. So, if you have a desire to experience meditation using the labyrinth as a tool, you have a number of options available to you.
