The Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area is a protected area and historic district in Riverwoods, Illinois, United States. The area was a weekend getaway for businessman Edward L. Ryerson, who built a cabin there in 1928. He built three other cabins for friends, and had a country house built in 1942. It is representative of the type of getaways used by successful Chicagoans who sought the tranquil surroundings of the Des Plaines River. The Ryersons donated the property to the Lake County Forest Preserve district for public use. 471 acres (191 ha) are recognized as the Edward L. Ryerson Area Historic District.