2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-66 of 66 items found in Outdoors & Play
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Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Allerton Park was the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton, who donated it to the University of Illinois in 1946. It features 1,500 acres of woodlands, formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures. The park is open to the public for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and leisurely garden strolls.
CITY: Monticello
Scovill Zoo
This zoo overlooking Lake Decatur is home to animals from around the world, the Z.O.&O. Express train, the Endangered Species Carousel and the Zootique Gift Shop. Family events and activities are offered regularly.
CITY: Decatur
Lake Decatur
The state's largest artificial body of water, Lake Decatur spans 2,800 acres, with 30 miles of shoreline offering recreational opportunities and wildlife vistas at lakeside parks and the city marina. Water sports include boating, fishing, sailing and jet skiing. While shoreline locations surrounding Nelson Park Marina offer miniature golf, dining, public gardens and picnic facilities.
CITY: Decatur
Scovill House & Oriental Gardens
Serenity envelopes this intimate area, where visitors are welcomed by a Chinese Fu dog and flowering dogwoods, star magnolia, Japanese lilac, and rhododendron -- foliage native to the Orient. Originally commissioned by Guy and Rose Scovill in the 1920's and reconstructed in the 1980's, the gardens' soothing nature encompasses a small reflective point, sod bridge, and oriental sculptures, and surrounds a small cottage, which is available for gatherings and retreats.
CITY: Decatur
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
Ferrel Clydesdale Farms
In operation since 1850, the farm features a blacksmith shop and Clydesdale horses. Chuck wagon cookouts are available.
CITY: Lovington
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
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden
The gardens boast some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in east-central IL. It also features the award-winning Miriam Davies Memorial Enabling Garden.
CITY: Mahomet
Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden
Created in 1927 from an old sand pit across the road from Lake Decatur, the city's oldest garden was extensively renovated in 1992. Its resurrected look features secluded paths leading through rocky terraces planted with unusual trees, and landscapes brimming with colorful perennials. Towering bald Cypress trees, planted in the 1920s, still reign over these delightful grounds.
CITY: Decatur
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Lake of the Woods County Park is a 900-acre preserve that features an 18-hole regulation golf course, a 9-hole par 3 course and practice range, fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, sledding, the HI-Tower bell carillon and observation area, a 3.3 mile bicycle/pedestrian path, the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens, a covered bridge, building rentals and various programs.
CITY: Mahomet
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Open from mid-September through October 31, The Great Pumpkin Patch features 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the world, all grown on the farm. The beautiful grounds feature various mazes and gardens, farm animals, a u-pick pumpkin patch and the Homestead Bakery, offering fresh-baked goods. Live entertainment is presented on fall weekends.
CITY: Arthur
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
Schaub Floral Display Center
Bursting with seasonal exhibits, our brightest newcomer nurtures flowering trees and scrubs such as weeping Japanese cherry, mock orange, forsythia, fragrant bulbs, and delightfully colored pansies. A perennial garden joins the array this summer, and the spring exhibit opens mid-March.
CITY: Decatur
River Bend Forest Preserve
The 275-acre River Bend Forest Preserve south of Mahomet contains approximately 130 acres of clear water in two lakes, one of which is the largest public lake in Champaign County, and includes 2.5 miles of forest along the Sangamon River.
CITY: Mahomet
Sangamon River Forest Preserve
Sangamon River Forest Preserve, a 160-acre gem, offers a variety of natural features and is ideal for low-impact activities such as picnicking, bird-watching, hiking and river fishing. The preserve hosts the Lincoln Ash Tree, one of the largest ash trees in the state.
CITY: Fisher
Boating on Lake Decatur
Boating on Lake Decatur is allowed year-'round with a permit (available at the cashier's window / 2nd floor of the Decatur Civic Center). For general information, call Lake Management Office at (217) 424-2837.
CITY: Decatur
Decatur Park District
In addition to 39 neighborhood and community parks, our green spaces boast bike trails, picnic and camping facilities, gardens, golf courses, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and swimming pools.
CITY: Decatur
Clinton Lake Marina
Services include boat rentals, beverages, bait, propane tank exchange, slip rentals and an on-site boat service department.
CITY: Weldon
Ultimate Play Space- Spray & Play Park
This 13-acre park allows kids to exercise their mind and body! Water park runs Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.
CITY: Clinton
Macon County Conservation District
Our green spaces boast bike and walking trails, picnic and camping facilities, and gardens.
CITY: Decatur
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
Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial
This is the site of Abraham Lincoln's first Illinois home. Bisected by the Sangamon River, the site also features picnicking and hiking.
CITY: Mount Zion
Pla-Mor Lanes
40 lanes, automatic scoring, ABC approved fluorescent lighting, seating for 200, free parking, restaurant and lounge.
CITY: Decatur
Weldon Springs State Recreation Area
Weldon Springs State Recreation Area is a 550-acre state park located near Clinton, Illinois. It centers on Salt Creek and the impoundment of a tributary, Weldon Springs, to form Weldon Spring Lake, a reservoir.
CITY: Clinton
Project Playground
No trip to Scovill Zoo would be complete without a visit to Project Playground II, a community-built, ADA-accessible playground in Scovill Park. This exciting play place includes a rock wall with fossils, hands-on music station, lots of slides, and a smooth rubber surface so kids of all ability levels can swing, slide, climb and play.
CITY: Decatur
Shady Crest Farm Market
Come visit this working Amish farm and apple orchard. They have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, plus fresh honey, apple butter and maple syrup. A Deli filled with 15 different Country-Cured Meats & 24 different Cheeses is also available Monday - Saturday. While you're there, enjoy a hand-dipped ice cream cone. You can also find Fresh Baked Goods every Thursday - Saturday. Open year round.
CITY: Arthur
Big Creek Riding Stables
Private lessons and group lessons, trail riding (horses available to rent), and birthday parties. Registered horse show.
CITY: Decatur
Rock Springs Center for Environmental Discovery
Rock Springs Center is the largest park in the Macon County Conservation District properties with a total of 1,343 acres in the southwest area of Decatur, IL. The Sangamon River runs through Rock Springs and several small ponds dot the landscape. A wide range of terrain including forest, wetland, grassland, and restored Illinois prairie make Rock Springs a destination for nature lovers. Rock Springs is also home to a large nature center, a museum, a restored farmhouse, nearly nine miles of hiking trails, and a paved bike trail. Rock Springs is a favorite for families all year round. Rooms and pavilions are available for rent for meetings and events.
CITY: Decatur
Spitler Woods State Natural Area
Two-thirds of the area is a dedicated nature preserve containing one of the few remaining stands of old-growth timber in Illinois. Two trails wind through the nature preserve, allowing the hiker to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the forest.
CITY: Mount Zion
Starship Billiards
14 tables, ample parking, arcades, dart games, restaurant, lounge, pro shop.
CITY: Decatur
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
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Enjoy 9,300 acres of great outdoor picnicking, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing. Fall foliage, winter offers ice fishing, snowmobiling on frozen lake. 308 campsites, Private marina.
CITY: Dewitt
Cross Country Skiing at Rock Spring Center
Trails open whenever there is at least three inches of snow on the ground. Equipment rental available from 9am-2pm.
CITY: Decatur
Outlaw Outfitters - Le Roy
One-hour guided horseback rides, hayrack and carriage rides for private rental, and barn dances are available. Open through March and October.
CITY: Le Roy
Green Acres Baitshop and Campground
Full line bait shop, with 50-site campground. Full hook-up, showers and toilets.
CITY: Clinton
Weldon Springs State Park
Weldon Springs offers beauty and recreation for all seasons! Camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, interpretive center & educational programs, picnicking, trails, sight-seeing, and more! Home of Veterans Point Memorial.
CITY: Clinton
Bow Hunting at Friends Creek Regional Park
Friends Creek has the best park for hunting.
CITY: Decatur
Friends Creek Regional Park
36 sites with pads, 20 extended-stay sites, 22 regular sites, electrical hook-ups, modern restrooms and showers. Reservations required.
CITY: Decatur
Decatur Gun Club
The origins and growth of the Decatur Gun Club parallel that of the clay target itself, and the games created to hone and test shotgun shooting skill. Shotgun sport shooting with live pigeons and later, glass balls existed in the U.S. from the early 1800's. But the first "clay pigeon" and "trap" to throw it were not developed until about 1880 by George Ligowsky. William Brett From Decatur was the second manufacturer of clay targets in the U.S., which he called the "Decatur Red Bird". Considered the oldest shotgun shooting sports club in Illinois, the Decatur Gun Club was founded soon after clay targets were invented. Chan Powers and Bert Hildebrandt were two of the mentors of the club, first located near East William Street Road and 22nd Street. In the early years, the club occupied sites in the Hess Park area, the Wyckles Corner area, the Macon County Fairgrounds, and an area west of the Fairgrounds before finding it's home of the past 61 years at the north end of Faries Park.
CITY: Decatur
Woodlawn Country Club
This nine-hole walking course features plenty of trees, and water that comes into play on seven of the nine holes. A snack bar is available.
CITY: Farmer City
Rock Springs Nature Center
Home to a large visitor center, a museum, a restored farmhouse, nearly nine miles of hiking trails, and a paved bike trail.
CITY: Decatur
Nelson Park
Lake Decatur Marina and docks, Anna Fisher Rock Garden, Paul's Puttin' Place, Dunn's Dugout, Beach House and Dockside restaurants, Bandshell/Amphitheater, Large Pavillions, fishing, boating, playgrounds, snow sledding, bike/walk path, observation deck
CITY: Decatur
Forsyth Bike and Walking Path
The path begins at Forsyth Village Hall and winds around Forsyth Pkwy.
CITY: Forsyth
Friends Creek Conservation Area
18 miles north of Decatur on Route 48 near Argenta. The park feature three nature trails - the quarter-mile Friends Creek Trail, the 2-mile Woodland Trail, and the 2.5-mile Sun Trail. Each varies in difficulty and meanders through topographies ranging from open meadows and floodplains, to towering oak-hickory forests and undulating hillsides.
CITY: Cisco
Rock Springs/ Fairview Bikeway
The bikeway connects three area parks with a 3.2-mile, 10-foot wide, handicapped accessible trail for enjoyment by hikers and bikers alike. Tote along your favorite fixings to enjoy on the trail or designated picnic areas.
CITY: Decatur
Sand Creek Conservation Area
Sand Creek is a 755-acre open space site located just south of Decatur off South Franklin Street. Hike the trails to the bluff overlooking Sand Creek for panoramic view of the countryside. Over 7.5 total miles with varying difficulty. Open to hikers & horseback riders.
CITY: Decatur
Red Tail Run Golf Club by Raymond Floyd
Designed by legendary hall of fame player, Raymond Floyd, this signature course features large, undulating greens, wide rolling fairways and native grasses. Located on Decatur's south side, the Park District's newest course is designed for players of all skill levels. From five tee locations and multiple angels, this signature Floyd course is truly designed for the championship to the novice golfer. Red Tail provides multiple tee locations from Championship to Junior, driving range with double tees, golf academy programming, and first tee learning center.
CITY: Decatur
Rotary Park
Play ball! Softball and baseball diamonds appeal to the slugger in everyone.
CITY: Decatur
Bow Hunting at Fort Daniel Recreation Area
Located east of Mt. Zion. Ft. Daniel is a 200-acre park, rich in history. The park's background tales of Southern sympathizers during the Civil War, an old stage coach route and a wishing well.
CITY: Mount Zion
Scovill Golf Club
Sometimes called the "shot-maker's" course, Scovill Golf Club is hilly and tree-lined. Golfers will enjoy the manicured fairways surrounded by natural plantings on Decatur's only Audubon sanctioned course. Scovill was designed by Tom Bendelow and redesigned by Dick Nugent. Scovill was named on one of the top 100 women-friendly course in the United States by Golf for Women. It is also the course most frequented by out-of-town golfers.
CITY: Decatur
Griswold Conservation Area
Located 14 miles southwest of Decatur off Route 48 near Blue Mound. Hike the trail up the glacial kame to the observation deck for sweeping view of the prairie. Picnic facilities and playground.
CITY: Decatur
Fido Fields
2.5 acre fenced off leash park in Fairview Park. Register at the DISC, 1295 W. Wood St. or call 217-422-5911.
CITY: Decatur
Bow Hunting at Sand Creek Recreation Area
Bow hunting of deer by permit only. Herd reduction program runs through November and December.
CITY: Decatur
George's Skate Center
Fun skating for kids and adults alike! Great chance to get some healthy exercise with your friends and family, and even plan birthday parties for even greater fun!
CITY: Decatur
Hickory Point Golf Course
Hickory Point is truly a course for both beginning and competitive golfers. The flat, wide fairways are perfect for learning, while long distances and the ever-present wind provide challenge for more experienced golfers. Hickory Point hosts the Tat $ Lyle Players Championship, the developmental tour of the LPGA. Designed by Roger Packard, the course opened in 1999, and is designed specifically for beginning and youth golfers. Hickory Point features a lighted driving range and special six-hole short course for beginning and youth golfers.
CITY: Forsyth
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