Hardy's Reindeer Ranch

The North Pole has moved to Central Illinois. Try your luck at the 6+ acre corn maze, the Grand Prix style race track, pick a pumpkin or a Christmas tree (depending on season), stop by the fascinating gift shop and, of course, see the reindeer!

CITY: Rantoul

Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center

The Indoor Aquatic Center has a recreational and competition pool, a beach-like entry and a water playground.

CITY: Urbana

Pollinatarium

The University of Illinois Pollinitarium is the first free-standing science center in the nation devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators. Its location in the midst of the Arboretum brings together flowers and pollinators physically and conceptually. Changing exhibits relate to world events and ongoing research on pollinators. Guests can explore beekeeping equipment, see live demonstrations and play interactive games. Because so much depends on pollination, the UI Pollinatarium is dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation of pollination as a remarkable ecological partnership and an essential ecosystem service.

CITY: Urbana

Wandell Sculpture Garden

This unique, free outdoor sculpture garden sits among 22 acres of re-created Illinois tallgrass prairie in a 130-acre community park. Works from local and national artists grace the gardens. New sculpture is rotated every second or third year.

CITY: Urbana

UI Arboretum

See a beautiful collection of gardens, flowers and habitats at this University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign arboretum. Visitors can experience nature's four seasons in a single setting.

CITY: Urbana

Prairie Farm

Traditional farm animals such as sheep, pigs, horses, and goats are featured at prairie farms. The farm offers tours in addition to a petting area.

CITY: Champaign

Olympic Tribute & Laborer's Memorial

Honoring the extraordinary achievements of Champaign County residents who have participated in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this granite platform inscribed with the names of the athletes and the Olympic symbol is surrounded by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus. Tribute to Olympic Athletes rises from an ordinary prairie landscape transformed by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus.

CITY: Champaign

Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center

Fun for the whole family! Highlights include two amazing water slides that splash down into 350,000 gallons of crystal clear water. The zero-depth entry pool also features water toys for children, lanes for swimmers, and diving boards. The 14,000 square foot facility also has a full bath house with accessible restrooms and changing rooms, along with a full-service concession stand, shaded and open lounge areas, picnic tables and much more.

CITY: Rantoul

Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area

The Middle Fork natural area offers equestrian trails, hunting and fishing. The Middle Fork Natural Scenic River runs through the area.

CITY: Oakwood

Kennekuk County Park

The 3000 acre park includes a seven mile backpack trail among its 15 miles of trail system. Paddle boats, jon boats and pontoons are available for rental in season. Hunting and fishing in season

CITY: Danville

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area

Canoeing is popular along the river's length, which winds through a mixture of forests and prairies. Forest and upland game hunting are also popular at the 2,700-acre site. Horseback riding on 35 miles of trails is available.

CITY: Oakwood

Anita Purves Nature Center

Located at the north end of Crystal Lake, this nature center is an environmental education facility that provides a natural resource for people interested in learning more about the outdoors.

CITY: Urbana

Outdoor Center Fields

The Outdoor Center Fields are located at First Street, spanning either side of Stadium Drive. Not just for students, but very welcoming to the general public.! Reservations for special group outings must be made! Outdoor Center Fields Amenities four lighted football fields two lighted soccer fields three lighted sand volleyball courts three lighted basketball courts six lighted Tennis courts Outdoor Center facility with exterior drinking fountains, restrooms, and a meeting room

CITY: Champaign

Champaign County Farm Bureau

The Farm Bureau acts as an intermediary to set up specific tours of area farms for visitors to Champaign County.

CITY: Champaign

Spalding Skate Park

18,000 square feet of concrete with 3 bowls, a snake run and an exciting street course.

CITY: Champaign

Homer Lake Forest Preserve

Homer Lake Forest Preserve contains 892 acres for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and sledding. Also available is an exciting Environmental Education Center, which hosts thousands every year, building rentals and programs like Homer Lake Take Me Fishing. The preserve also recently opened (September 2012) the Natural Playscape, a playground of all natural materials that allow children to rediscover outdoor play.

CITY: Homer

Curtis Orchard

Curtis Orchard is an 80 acre apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and entertainment farm offering activities for the whole family. Open July 20th through December 16th, the orchard country store and bakery offers a wide variety of gift and food items, including pies, fritters, apple crisp donuts, and award winning cider.

CITY: Champaign

Middle Fork Canoe at Forest Glen

Scenic canoeing and kayaking on the Middle Fork National Scenic River, Big Vermilion River, and Salt Fork River.

CITY: Danville

Vermilion County Fair & Expo

Livestock and Horse Shows, grandstand events, Demo Derby and Queen pageant, free entertainment.

CITY: Danville

Heron County Park Wetlands Boardwalk

950 foot floating boardwalk. Songbirds, season migratory birds, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese, mallards, wood ducks, kingfishers, green herons, and American egret all flock to the area. Also includes an observation tower to take in the "wide-angle" view.

CITY: Danville

Middle Fork Forest Preserve

Middle Fork Forest Preserve, 1600 acres in northeast Champaign County, offers visitors a campground (53 of 65 campsites have electricty), brand new playground, swimming beach, fishing, hiking, boat rentals, cross-country skiing, picnicking, a Waterfowl Management Area, renovated meeting facility and programs. The campground now accepts online reservations.

CITY: Penfield

Harrison Park Golf Course

This 18-hole, par 71 course is open to the public year round. Carts are available.

CITY: Danville

Cherry Point Driving Range

Practice your swing at this driving range.

CITY: Chrisman

Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area

This area encompasses 2.2 miles of the Little Vermilion River, listed as a significant stream because of its aquatic features. The site supports 12 state endangered or threatened species and provides habitat for 23 forest interior species.

CITY: Georgetown

Ironhorse Golf Course

Ironhorse features an 18-hole, par 72 course.

CITY: Tuscola

Turtle Run Golf Club

Turtle Run Golf Club offers a par 72 championship golf course, designed by Jim Spears and opened in 1970, that has four of the most challenging par 3's in Central Illinois.

CITY: Danville

Wolf Creek Golf Club - Danville

This nine-hole course is open to the public seven days a week. Its two sets of tees both have a par of 36.

CITY: Danville