In December 1924, the President of the Cook County Board, Anton J. Cermak, proposed the establishment of five Motor Tourist Camps in the forest preserves of the county. One such camp was established here, in Woodrow Wilson Woods along the Lincoln Highway. The campsites were designed to be "models of comfort and security," complete with cabins, running water, restrooms, playgrounds, car washes, electric lights, and army ovens. By January 1925, over a dozen camps had been established in Cook County – a significant accomplishment for Cermak, who later became the 35th Mayor of Chicago. Today, the area is part of the Thorn Creek Trail System, which connects multiple forest preserves and offers over 20 miles of paved and stone trails.