2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 116 items found in Outdoors & Play
KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort
KeyLime Cove, the official resort of nearby Six Flags Great America, offers a year round tropical resort experience. The massive indoor water park features a wave pool, body and tube slides, a lazy river, waterfalls and whirlpools. Besides the splashy fun, KeyLime Cove offers a variety of restaurants and entertainment options geared to both kids and parents. Grab a little "me" time and indulge in the luxurious Paradise Mist Spa, or pamper your princess at The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa.
CITY: Gurnee
Chicago Botanic Garden
One of metropolitan Chicago's main tourist attractions. Open year-round, featuring 23 beautiful gardens and three native habitats set on 385 acres of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. Enjoy three lush greenhouses and seasonal art exhibits.
CITY: Glencoe
Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Great America features 14 rocking roller coasters (including the new X Flight wing coaster), the free Hurricane Harbor water park with splashy water rides and a giant wave pool, spectacular shows and parades, and pint-size rides for the little ones. New for 2013 is “igNIGHT - Grand Finale,” a vibrant nighttime spectacle bursting with brilliant high-tech visual effects and lively performances.
CITY: Gurnee
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Step inside LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and it's like you have just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO® bricks ever! Journey through a medieval castle on the Dragon Ride and pedal to the skies on the Technicycle, feel a part of the story in the 4D cinema, learn top LEGO® building secrets from the Master Model Builder, see iconic landmarks in "Miniland" and much more!
CITY: Schaumburg
Jump America, LLC
We have over 16,000 square feet of trampolines including two dodgeball courts, a foam jumping pit, kids zone, and more! Plenty of parking, convenient location. This awesome facility designed for kids from age 4 and up. Jump America is great for adults too. It's a great place for birthdays, parties, day camps, schools, civic and community gatherings, and corporate events.
CITY: Gurnee
Tempel Lipizzans
Home of the famous Lipizzan stallions known for their beauty, strength and intelligence. The beautiful rolling hills of Tempel Farms have been home to the Tempel Lipizzan for more than 50 years. For the past 27 years, the farm setting has been backdrop for the 90-minute performances in the tradition of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Performances chronicle the horses’ training from the youngest foals to the most highly trained stallions all performing to musical accompaniment. Performances are held on the one Sunday a month July through September and one Saturday night a month July through September. Saturday night performances include a self-guided tour where complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer will be served as the sun sets.
CITY: Wadsworth
WaterWorks
The Water Works is an indoor water park located in the Schaumburg Park District Community Recreation center. It features three water slides, rapid water channel, water playground, diving pool, lap pool, gradual beachlike entry pool, whirlpool, family changing room and a nursery.
CITY: Schaumburg
Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm and Garden Center
Fall: festival with haunted house, corn maze, farm animals, and more. Spring/Summer: large selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, trees, shrubs, aquatic plants, roses, planters, and gourmet food items. Admission is free - cost for some activities.
CITY: South Barrington
Oct 27
Model Railroad Garden
The 7,500-square-foot “Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America” exhibition features trains running on 1,600 feet of track, for train and garden enthusiasts to enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of the miniature trains traversing high and low through tunnels, across bridges and around buildings.
CITY: Glencoe
Exploritorium
Rated as the "Best Rainy Day Activity Site" by Chicago Magazine, the Exploritorium is a place where children and adults can come and explore together through interactive play.
CITY: Skokie
C & A Robot Factory
This fun factory is the perfect place for LEGO fans ages 2-14. Come and build your own creation, and learn about LEGO machines and robotics.
CITY: Libertyville
Wildlife Discovery Center
The Wildlife Discovery Center features one of the largest reptile exhibits in northern Illinois. It also features the nation's largest public exhibit of rattlesnakes and venomous reptiles.
CITY: Lake Forest
Rink Side Sports and Family Entertainment
Fun for the whole family in this state of the art entertainment center featuring a regulation-size ice skating rink offering hockey games, public skating and lessons, 180 video and interactive games, virtual reality laser tag arena, 18 holes of glow in the dark miniature golf, and snack bar featuring awesome home made pizza. Group events and birthday party packages with several packages to choose from with many different activities, or we can cater to fit your needs. Visit the website for special events and hours as they can vary during the season.
CITY: Gurnee
Glencoe Beach
Want to relive Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Then visit this North Shore beach that was featured in the hit flick.
CITY: Glencoe
Serpent Safari
Located at Gurnee Mills, this indoor live reptile zoo offers tours of the world's greatest collection of rare and exotic reptiles, including the largest snake in the world, Baby, who weighs in at over 400 pounds.
CITY: Gurnee
Eaglewood Resort & Spa
Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat whether you arrive for a conference or relaxing getaway. The architecturally stunning resort, constructed in Frank Lloyd Wright- influence Prairie-style architecture, features upscale hotel accomodations, luxurious amenities, sophisticated technology, and a myriad of recreational options.
CITY: Itasca
C J Smith Resort
For 84 years, C. J. Smith Resort has provided everything needed to enjoy a day of fishing and boating on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes in northern Illinois. C. J. Smith Resort is a family owned and operated business since 1929. We believe in providing exceptional service and reasonable prices to our valued customers and guests.
CITY: Antioch
Lake County Fairgrounds
The annual Lake County Fair runs for five days beginning the last Wednesday in July. The Expo Building is available for rent for meetings, shows, weddings, and events year-round. Monthly events including Antique Shows, Swap Meet, Crafts Shows, Dog and Horse Shows, and much more. Visit the website for event schedule.
CITY: Grayslake
Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park
World's first exclusive snowboard area, USASA regional event location, state of the art snowmaking system.
CITY: Algonquin
Historic Wagner Farm
A visit to Wagner Farm is not a trip to a petting zoo, but an opportunity to participate in the daily activities of a real working farm.
CITY: Glenview
Aloha Falls Minature Golf
Hawaiian-themed miniature golf course offering two different courses which both wind and weave around a breathtaking waterfall and multiple beach areas that make you wish you brought your swimsuit and an umbrella. Great place for birthday parties, graduation parties, corporate outings and special events.
CITY: Libertyville
North Branch Bicycle Trail
Bicyclists and hikers can travel this trail that runs from Caldwell and Devon Avenues in Chicago, to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The 20-mile trail winds along the Chicago River past the Skokie Lagoons and through forest preserves.
CITY: Niles
Lambs Farm
Lambs Farm features a farmyard with a petting area and a variety of attractions like mini-golf, a mini-train ride, cow bounce house and an Old World carousel. There is also a pet shop, the Country Inn Restaurant, a thrift shop, and a country store and bakery that benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities.
CITY: Libertyville
Tempel of Lipizzans
Majestic white stallions prance and dance as they perform a centuries-old tradion of classical dressage at tempel.
CITY: Wadsworth
Pinstripes
Features a distinctive entertainment and dining venue. Celebrate "sophisticated fun" in our warm and inviting 45,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor facility complete with 20 bowling lanes and 10 bocce courts. Exceptional Italian-American bistro with wine cellar, outdoor patio, fireplace, and beautifully appointed event and party rooms that can accommodate groups from 20-600.
CITY: Schaumburg
Shakespeare Garden
A gift of the Garden Club of Evanston in 1920, the Shakespeare Garden, tucked away on the Northwestern University Campus, boasts 29 varieties of flowers.
CITY: Evanston
Wildlife Discovery Center
The Wildlife Discovery Center is a special place offering programs for people of all ages who have an interest in wildlife and their habitat. Children's classes, adult programs, and school field trips focus on wildlife conservation, field biology, and ecology. The Center also offers self-guided nature hikes, workshops, eco-based summer camps, wildlife ecology trips, group presentations, traveling animal exhibits, and exciting volunteer opportunities. Visit eye-to-eye with over 150 animals including a bobcat, raptors, Kookaburras, and an assortment of venomous and non-venomous reptiles like crocodilians, snakes, turtles and tortoises. Home to one of the largest public exhibits of rattlesnakes in North America, including four species that are native to Illinois. Visitor donations are welcomed and appreciate and help support the care of the animals at our nature center.
CITY: Lake Forest
Grosse Point Lighthouse Beach
Experience what Travel + Leisure magazine rates as one of the "best beaches in the world" with a trip to the Grosse Point Lighthouse Beach in Evanston.
CITY: Evanston
ThunderHawk Golf Club
This public golf facility, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is one of the most challenging courses in the Chicago area. This 18-hole, par 72 c golf course is nestled on 241 acres of beautiful forest, marsh and prairie. This is the first public course in the United States to achieve Audubon Signature Sanctuary certification. Banquet facilities to accommodate a wide range of group sizes from small private outings to a full-course tournament. Golfers can spot bluebirds while playing one of the hottest courses in the Chicago area.
CITY: Beach Park
Downtown Itasca
Restaurants and shopping line this downtwon area. Home to the Itasca Art and Wine Festival. Scenic Riverwalk takes you from the nature center to the waterpark.
CITY: Roselle
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Just 45 minutes northwest of Chicago is a state natural area featuring the state's only quaking bog with an open water center. Volo Bog State Natural Area was created when the melting of glaciers pushed deep into the ground 12,000 years ago.
CITY: Ingleside
Illinois Beach State Park
Stretching leisurely for 6 1/2 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan, this 4160-acre park is recognized for its geological structure, unique flora, spectacular beauty and recreational opportunities for swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, biking,
CITY: Zion
Rainbow Falls Water Park
A tropical paradise waterpark. Three giant water slides, tot pool, vortex pool, drop slide, three-story funhouse with plunge pool. concessions, picnic areas, locker rooms with family changing areas. Daily admission and season passes. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
Merrick Rose Garden
This public park exhibits 100 varieties of roses, with historic Centennial Fountain as the garden's focal point.
CITY: Evanston
Atcher Island Water Park
All new tropical-themed water park with water slides, wading pool, unique circular drop slide, children's spray ground, locker rooms, concession stands, and more!
CITY: Schaumburg
Devonshire Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center features a zero depth pool with play equipment, a water play structure, drop slide and diving board. You'll also find lockers/showers and a concession stand.
CITY: Skokie
Bonner Farm
Get into the swing of spring at Bonner Heritage Farm! Enjoy a variety of spring-themed activities, crafts and demonstrations. Wagon rides, farm animals, food and entertainment round out the afternoon. Be sure to take a guided tour of the Bonner farmhouse.
CITY: Lindenhurst
Itasca Caribbean Theme Waterpark
Features a new zero-depth entry main pool with 6-lanes attached, new separate diving well with drop slide, and high and low diving boards, 185-foot waterslide, separate zero-depth interactive play pools, and more. Call today for birthday party package information.
CITY: Itasca
Bonnie Brook Golf Course & Banquet Facility
Bonnie Brook is one of the most popular public courses in Lake County, boasting a meticulously manicured 18-hole course with rolling, wooded terrain. Its natural, picturesque landscape offers golfers the ability to enjoy tree-lined fairways, spacious greens, small lakes and the beauty of the north branch of the Waukegan River, which flows gently throughout the course. With a course length of 6,701 yards, Bonnie Brook offers championship golfers a solid test while being friendly and forgiving to the high handicappers. The clubhouse features a Indoor Golf and Learning Center which houses a P3Proswing Simulator. The simulator and its software helps analyze a player's swing and provides guidance how to improve their game and is available on an appointment basis only.
CITY: Waukegan
North Point Marina
Enjoy the beautiful blue of Lake Michigan aboard one of over one hundred charter fishing boats on the Lake County harbors of Waukegan and North Point. You will find the Coho running in the late spring, Lake Trout biting in mid-summer, and the Chinook come home to spawn in late summer and early fall. Whatever time of the year you go, you'll find expert charter fishing captains ready to make your time on the water a great one. For information on hotel information, please contact the Visit Lake County at 847-662-2700.
CITY: Winthrop Harbor
Gillson Park
Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property, including a harbor and beach. It is ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, tennis and other outdoor sports.
CITY: Wilmette
Arlington Lakes Golf Club
The challenging 18-hole layout spans 90 acres of superbly manicured fairways and greens with 14 beautiful lakes to negotiate during a round. Features clubhouse, snack bar area, pro shop, and patio area.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Bittersweet Golf Course
Challenging and scenic 18-hole golf course that offers the public a fantastic practice facility with lighted driving range and natural grass tees. PGA golf instructors on staff to help improve your game. In addition, we can help you plan the perfect golf outing, small wedding or special event. Or stop by the Fireside Grill for breakfast, lunch, dinner or Friday fish fry.
CITY: Gurnee
Schaumburg Golf Club
27 challenging regulation holes, driving range, two practice greens, full-service pro-shop and elegant clubhouse with an array of amenities.
CITY: Schaumburg
Walnut Greens Golf
Championship 9-hole. Perfect course for beginners and teens. Great practice course for all skill levels. Unique Killian and Nugent design.
CITY: Schaumburg
Fox Run Golf Links
Par 70. Open Sunrise to Sunset. 18 hole golf course, club house, pro shop, and restaurant and bar. Private parties upon request and availability.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
Round Lake Area Park District
Round Lake Area Park District offers visitors a wide range of activities and facilities to enjoy. They include the Renwood Golf Course, the new sports center, the Prairie Grass Nature Museum, community theatre, outdoor pool/aquatic center, fitness center, child development center, teen center, senior center and acres of picturesque parklands. Private parties/outings at any of the facilities can be accommodated.
CITY: Round Lake
City of Zion - Shiloh Park
Whether it’s by offering wholesome programs, activities and special events, by providing enjoyable facilities or by preserving the aesthetic beauty of our community, the sole purpose of Zion Park District is the enrichment of lives.
CITY: Zion
Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze
Richardson Adventure Farm offers 5 mazes with 33 acres of maze fields. For example, there is the Finger Fortune Trail for a quick maze that only takes 10 minutes. On another adventure, the Quiz Maze, answer fun quiz questions to guide you through and if you have the wrong answers, you'll go the wrong way! Family fun at every turn in the World's Largest Corn Maze, pumpkin patch, & Christmas trees. Fans of the board game, Clue, will instantly recognize the similarity to our maze game, FSI Farm Scene Investigation. Also enjoy the 50' tall observation tower, a Zip Line that is 30' high and 700' long, the ZORB Ride, beautiful wooded picnic area, free campfires, 3 wooden bridges in the corn maze, pedal carts and trikes, feed the goats, corn cabin, concessions for sale and free wagon ride to the five acre maze (weekends).
CITY: Spring Grove
WhirlyBall Vernon Hills
WhirlyBall is a combination of basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one exciting sport. The Lake County location also includes a two-level laser tag arena, climbing wall, video games, pool tables and a sports bar. A second suburban outpost is located in Lombard.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Nickol Knoll Golf Course
Large bentgrass tees and greens give this fun layout a big course feel. Several shots from elevated tees provide a beautiful view of the area. Features pro-shop, snack bar and club house.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Ryerson Woods Conservation Area and Visitors Center
Ryerson Conservation Area is one of the best examples of a northern flatwoods forest, a rare northern Illinois landscape. The 552-acre Preserve supports some of Illinois' most pristine woodlands and several state-threatened and endangered species, and offers 6.5 miles of scenic trails that wind through a stately forest to the quiet Des Plaines River. The Welcome Center, opened in 2006, features "green" architecture and was designed using LEED standards. In addition to preserve information, it offers a nature library, exhibits and meeting rooms.
CITY: Riverwoods
Bonnie Dundee Golf Course
Offering good par fours with difficult par threes, this course is architecturally classic and slightly rolling, with medium-size greens.
CITY: Carpentersville
Lake Arlington
Sail boating, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends in September and October. Includes boat rentals (sailboat and paddleboat), 2 mile bike/walk path, picnic area, and playground.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Greenshire Golf Course
A well-maintained par 27-layout, with holes ranging between 100 and 210 yards. With the course length being 1,265 yards, Greenshire will test the best of golfer's short game and provides a course for all skill levels to enjoy. The ability to play a round in less than 1.5 hours offers experienced players an alternative to the driving range. Comprehensive instruction from PGA professionals, ladies leagues and exciting events are also offered. Located just north of Waukegan in Beach Park, this course offers everyone, from the novice golfer to even the most accomplished golfer, a real short-game challenge. Open seasonally.
CITY: Beach Park
HeatherRidge Golf Course
HeatherRidge Golf Course is a beautiful and challenging full length nine hole layout that is enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Adding to its beauty are the flowing creeks and ponds that come into play on seven of the nine holes. Also enjoy the unique outside Cabana Bar and Grill. Great food, cold drinks, outstanding atmosphere and friendly staff will complete your HeatherRidge golfing experience. Golf clubs available for rent. Located on Northern Illinois' favorite 9-hole golf course, The HeatherRidge Clubhouse is a beautiful venue for just about any occasion. If you are planning a weddings, banquets or party we are the place.
CITY: Gurnee
Bowen Park
The newly renovated Bowen park's theme for the new playground is "Forest Findings". The overall layout offers tiered play areas arranged on the northwest hillside of Bowen Park. Fun and learning will go hand-in-hand as children and their families enjoy modern playground amenities, combined with several environmental learning stations that represent a forest ecosystem. Parents and kids alike will also enjoy the six-station fitness/exercise trail located on the perimeter of the playground.
CITY: Waukegan
Antioch Bowling Lanes
28 AMF lanes - 2 cocktail lounges - open pool & darts - karaoke - bumper and cosmic bowling - kids' birthday parties.
CITY: Antioch
Libertyville Sports Complex
Libertyville's Sports Complex offers something for everyone in the family. A 360° climbing mountain for rock climbing, a 40 tee automated heated driving range for year round practice and a fitness center offering group exercise classes, life fitness with cardio and hammer strength equipment, personnel trainers, a free weight room, ¼ mile running/walking track and a kids club. It also offers an open gym for indoor soccer, basketball, youth sports and training sessions. There is also 3,503 sq. ft. of meeting rooms suited for events from small family gatherings to corporate events and trade shows.
CITY: Libertyville
Crane's Landing Golf Course at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Crane's Landing Golf Course offers 18 holes of par 70 championship golf. This challenging, mature course is set amid a beautiful rolling landscape that's a pleasure to play for everyone from beginners to scratch golfers.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Moraine Hills State Park
More than 10 miles of one-way trails throughout its 2,052 acres of rolling hills make Moraine Hills popular for hikers and bicyclists.
CITY: McHenry
River Trail Nature Center
Nature is wonderfully displayed in this silent forest that glaciers carved thousands of years ago. The prairie extends along the riverbanks, rich in plant and animal life.
CITY: Northbrook
Didier Farms
Didier Farms Pumpkin Festival features hay rides, corn maze, farm animal zoo, petting zoo, authentic Native American teepees, halloween shop, costume shop, animated figures and fall displays.
CITY: Prairie View
White Pines Golf Dome
White Pines Golf Dome is one of the world's premiere indoor golf facilities. Measuring 300 feet wide, 300 feet long and 100 feet high, it is the area's largest golf dome.
CITY: Bensenville
Spring Valley Nature Center/Volkening Heritage Farm
135 acres, natural history museum, handicapped-accessible trails, 1880s living history farm and pioneer cooking demos.
CITY: Schaumburg
Pirates' Cove Theme Park
A unique park for children ages two to nine years. Pirates' ship, paddle boats, train ride, climbing wall, and many more creative attractions for children. Concession and picnic areas. Birthday parties and rentals. Open daily June through August. Admission fee for children. Adults are always free.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
The Grove National Historic Landmark
This 124-acre nature preserve has walking trails, a nature center with live Illinois wildlife exhibits and five historic buildings.
CITY: Glenview
Stade Dairy Farm
A producer of milk, vegetables and grains since 1977, the farm offers tours, and presents the annual Shades of Autumn festival during the month of September.
CITY: McHenry
Dommrich Rowing Center
This year-round rowing center features a boat launch on the North Shore Channel and two indoor rowing tanks with a training center.
CITY: Skokie
Richardson Farm Corn Mazes
Enjoy hours of fun solving giant mazes. Varying difficulty, new theme each year. Picnic area, concessions, petting zoo, and ample parking. Christmas Trees in December.
CITY: Spring Grove
Chain O'Lakes State Park
Located in the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain O'Lakes State Park is a water oriented recreation area with outstanding opportunities for boaters, anglers and skiers. The park borders three natural lakes - Grass, Marie and Nippersink - and the Fox River. The park also contains a 44-acre lake within its boundaries. Comprising of over 6,000 acres; the recreational opportunities include two campgrounds with over 230 sites with a youth group area to accommodate 150 youngsters, seven picnic areas and trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding with horse rental and horse-drawn wagon rides are available May-Oct. Hunting, ice fishing and ice skating are offered in the fall and winter months.
CITY: Spring Grove
Maple Meadows Golf Course
Come and play right in your backyard! Visit Maple Meadows for outings, leagues, tournaments, individual play, and the great food in our restaurant. 27 holes, no reservations required and a beautiful public course!
CITY: Wood Dale
Robert Crown Center Skating Park
Indoor public skating and private lessons available. Call for hours.
CITY: Evanston
Itasca Country Club
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Itasca Country Club is rich in tradition and offers a cost-effective solution for golf outings, corporate entertaining and special events in a picturesque setting. Enjoy beautiful surroundings, spectacular views, and the service of a fine country club-for your wedding reception or other banquet event. Amidst the elegant grounds and facilities, our skilled professional staff will put you at ease and ensure your special occasion is unforgettable.
CITY: Itasca
Mundelein Park & Recreation District
The Mundelein Park & Recreation District includes the Steeple Chase Golf Club, Diamond Lake Beach and Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center.
CITY: Mundelein
WhirlyBall Vernon Hills
WhirlyBall combines basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one exciting sport! Whether you're planning a holiday party, corporate outing or meeting, team building session, bar/bat mitzvah, bachelor/bachelorette or birthday party, WhirlyBall is the most complete venue in Lake County offering a variety of entertainment options including WhirlyBall, two-level lasertag, climbing wall, video games, pool tables, complete food & beverage menus, fully-loaded sports bar and flexible event facility that comfortably accommodates 400+ guests.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Shepherd's Crook Golf Course
This 18-hole, par 72 public golf facility, designed by Keith Foster, opened in August, 1999 and has earned rave reviews as a course that is both challenging and exciting to play. Its design reflects the golden era of golf course architecture of the 1920's and 30's with bentgrass fairways, tees, and greens. Individuals, tournaments and golf outings welcome. Enjoy a sandwich and beverage in the full service clubhouse grill or enjoy refreshments on the veranda overlooking the 9th and 18th holes. The Eden Room is also available for events, golf outings and banquets, please call for more information.
CITY: Zion
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois Beach State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan from Waukegan to the Wisconsin state line. Stretching leisurely for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois, Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state. The 4,160-acre park offers a campground, full service resort, camp store, picnic areas, fishing, boating, hiking and biking trails and a visitors center open intermittently throughout the year. There is swimming along the six miles of beaches.
CITY: Zion
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
This scenic 1,114-acre Preserve offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and education opportunities centered around a 115-acre lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing and boating, a Marina with boat rentals, a native garden and nearly seven miles of trails. The 19,000-square-foot Visitor Center features exhibits and a cafe. It can be rented for weddings and other private functions.
CITY: Libertyville
Lake County Forest Preserve
We currently manage 25,268 acres of land and offer innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages. Visitors enjoy nearly 112 miles of trail for a variety of outdoor recreation uses, fishing ponds and lakes, public access to the Fox River, award-winning nature and history education programs and events, and three public golf courses. Facilities of special interest include Independence Grove near Libertyville, Ryerson Conservation Area near Deerfield, Lake County Discovery Museum near Wauconda, Greenbelt Cultural Center near Waukegan, and three golf courses (Brae Loch near Grayslake, Countryside near Mundelein, and ThunderHawk near Beach Park). Most Forest Preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year. Special hours apply at the golf courses, Discovery Museum, Greenbelt Cultural Center and Ryerson Woods.
CITY: Libertyville
Vernon Hills Golf Course
This golf course has been ranked as one of the top ten 9 hole golf courses in Chicagoland. Situated in Vernon Hills, this challenging 9-hole municipal course boasts small greens, rolling terrain, tight fairways and seven holes featuring water. Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate both the playability and the eye-catching views. The full-service clubhouse features a varied lunch menu, which is served all day and a full-service bar. Banquet facilities available for up to 80 people.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Ft. Sheridan's history is closely tied to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Lt. Gen. Philip Sheridan was put in charge of settling the unrest after the fire. Members of the Commercial Club which represented Chicago businessmen petitioned to establish an artillery school and military installation north of Chicago for their safety. Ft. Sheridan is now a beautiful forest preserve with rolling terrain, bluffs and ravines full of rich history. Trails wind through the preserves for outdoor enthusiasts or tour groups may take a walking or motorcoach windshield tour of the preserve.
CITY: Fort Sheridan
Chain O' Lakes State Park
2,793-acre state park and a 3,230-acre conservation area provide a water-oriented recreation area for boaters, anglers, and skiers.
CITY: Spring Grove
The Arboretum Club
This beautiful 30,000-square-foot clubhouse features an upscale restaurant with patio seating and 18 holes of championship golf.
CITY: Buffalo Grove
Evanston's Dog Beach
Bring your dog to Evanston's Dog Beach! Admission restricted to dogs with a "dog beach season token".
CITY: Evanston
Skatium Ice Arena
A full-size hockey rink and a smaller ice rink are open for public skating, lessons and leagues.
CITY: Skokie
Streamwood Oaks Golf Club
Championship 9-hole course. Water comes into play on all 9 holes -- a challenge for any golfer. Full-service pro shop. The club house has a beautiful central fireplace and exterior patio.
CITY: Streamwood
Lippold Park Family Golf Center
The mini putt courses have been designed with separate themes, including the handicapped accessible Sports-N-Courts with a sports theme, and Tees-N-Trees with a prairie theme.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Lake Bluff Golf Club
The Lake Bluff Park District's 18-hole, 6,589 yard course boasts challenging greens set in a tranquil environment and grass teen practice facility. The Lake Bluff Golf Club is a wonderfully balanced golf course with mature tree-lined fairways and bent grass fairways and greens for a consistently enjoyable playing experience. The facility also includes an expansive practice facility with grass tee driving range, practice putting green, and short-game area with bunker. The professionally stocked Pro Shop and the Village Grill, which serves delicious food and a wide selection of beverages, are a couple of the superior amenities available to guests of the club.
CITY: Lake Bluff
Chapel Hill Country Club
Enjoy the delightful rural atmosphere at this semi-private facility located near the banks of the Fox River in lovely McHenry. Accept the challenge to play the longest hole in Illinois, measuring over 700 yards.
CITY: McHenry
