2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 172 items found in Outdoors & Play
21 - 22
Summer Solstice Indie Music and Craft Beer Festival
"Summer Solstice", the ultimate pairing of ground to glass brewed beverages and independent minded musicians on the cusp of greatness. The scenic Fox River will serve as the backdrop for this unique event in historic downtown Yorkville.
CITY: Yorkville
Carlyle Lake Sailing Association
CSA has docking for 380 boats, 3 electric jib cranes, 1,300 ft. of dock and 2 launching ramps. Special events feature annual regattas.
CITY: Carlyle
Racoon Lake
The park is open for boating and fishing year round and hosts a major drag boat racing event each year.
CITY: Centralia
Tradewinds Marina
Able to accommodate boats up to 45 ft. in covered slips and 40 ft. in open slips, Trade Winds Marina is a great place to moor your boat. The new clubhouse features showers, restrooms, and a lounging area for members.
CITY: Carlyle
East Fork Lake - Olney Water Skiing
East Fork Lake north of Olney is a perfect location for water sports. Whether it's skiing, or tubing, you'll enjoy your time in Olney at East Fork Lake.
CITY: Olney
Jaycees Park
Offers picnic & playground areas, sand volleyball courts, soccer field, basketball court.
CITY: Lena
Cannon Park
Picnic shelter, playgrounds, and a lake for visitors to enjoy fishing.
CITY: Carterville
The Canoe Shack
Trip 1 - So. Elgin to St. Charles. Our most popular canoe or kayak trip. Relax and enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the beautiful Fox River. This is a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hr. 7 1/2 mi. paddle with no dams. Each canoe can hold 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 small kids. Rental includes a canoe or kayak, paddles, life preservers and shuttle. A nice trip for families, friends and groups of up to 100. Open mid April to mid - November. Please call in advance for reservations.
CITY: St. Charles
Bobber's River Tap
Bobber's is an open, outdoor, deck bar and picnic area, along the banks of the Pecatonica River. A relaxing stop for travelers by road or river. Bobber's is a converted 95 year old lumberyard. Bring your own pole and boat, or just sit and relax with a cold drink and watch the river flow by.
CITY: Winslow
Golconda Marina
One of the finest fishing and boating areas in the nation, this marina is the gateway to the Ohio River's Smithland Pool, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 619-acre full-service boat marina has more than 200 slips.
CITY: Golconda
Lake Hillsboro
Located on Lake Hillsboro , many camp sites, hiking and horseback trails, picnicking areas, playground and swimming beach
CITY: Hillsboro
Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Anglers looking for crappie, catfish and bass drop their lines at this area, located on the 18,900-acre Rend Lake. A comprehensive management program provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including great blue herons and many species of shorebirds.
CITY: Bonnie
Joseph Westwood Memorial Park
Picnic and playground areas, shelters, tennis courts, ball diamonds, plus a recreation building.
CITY: Pearl City
Hennepin Canal Bike Paths
The Hennepin Canal Parkway follows an old towpath that was actually never used, although the locks and aqueducts are in still in place. It was originally built to link the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The 105-mile path is level and easy; however, water is scarce along the way (found only at locks 21, 22 and the Visitor Center), so be sure to bring plenty, especially during hot days. The landscape varies from forest to grasslands to marsh to farmland, and the trail is particularly pleasing during fall, when the leaves are changing colors. The Hennepin Canal Parkway has become a cyclist's paradise and an exceptional spot for fishing, birding, horseback riding and a wealth of outdoor recreation.
CITY: Sheffield
Mid-Town Marina
Mid-Town is a full-service marina, restaurant and lounge located on the Mississippi River in East Dubuque. Open year-round.
CITY: East Dubuque
Flatwater Canoe & Kayak Rental
Come out and experience one of the best water trails in the area and one of a limited number of Class A creeks in Illinois, the Nippersink. Flatwater Canoe & Kayak Rentals encourages you and your friends to escape for the experience of this creek. This water trail offers a variety of stunning scenic views as well as unique wildlife and waterfowl native to northern Illinois. A full-service canoe & kayak company; you can expect not only superior service, but service with integrity and excellence. Accommodate the individual, a two-person outing, or corporate gatherings up to 40 people.
CITY: Richmond
North Point Marina - Lake Michigan Charter Fishing
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 charter fishing opportunities and hotel information, please contact us.
CITY: Winthrop Harbor
Jim Ardvini Boat Launch Park
Boat ramps into Lake Sinnissippi area of Rock River. Picnic tables, scenic river view, adjacent to Hennepin Canal State Park.
CITY: Rock Falls
Freeport Canoe Company LLC
Paddle the Pecatonica with The Freeport Canoe Company. We cater to group or individual canoeists, beginner or seasoned paddlers. At Freeport Canoe Company we offer family fun, scenic views, fishing, canoe transportation, and discounts for large groups. Enjoy canoeing from McConnell's Bobtown Landing to McNeil's Damascus Landing or to Tutty's Crossing in downtown Freeport. $50 rental per canoe. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult; ages 16 to 18 must have a parental consent form. Call to set a date and time for your paddle, 815-233-1065 or 815-541-0869.
CITY: Freeport
Prophetstown Park District Pool & Recreational Center
Indoor/outdoor pool with aerobic classes and open swims. Rec Center has volleyball and basketball courts.
CITY: Prophetstown
Kent Park
Includes picnic and playground areas, a shelter, tennis court and basketball court.
CITY: Kent
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
Crab Orchard Lake
Campground, fishing, boating, beach, picnic areas, country store, fishing tournaments.
CITY: Marion
Van Raden Memorial Park
The Van Raden Memorial Park features Lake Baalton, a three acre man-made lake stocked with bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish. A small shelter and playground area are also offered. A Veterans Memorial honoring all German Valley area service men and women, past or present is at the park
CITY: German Valley
Lake Charleston
Enjoy the sparkling beauty of Lake Charleston, which features hiking and biking trails.
CITY: Charleston
St. Genevieve Modoc Ferry
Ride the ferry across the Mighty Mississippi the next time you visit historic St. Genevieve and Randolph County. The ferry travels between St. Genevieve, Missouri and Modoc Illinois, and holds approximately nine vehicles.
CITY: Modoc
Dempster-Greenwood Street Beach
Sand beach used for launching small carry-in crafts. Lockers and racks available to store crafts on site.
CITY: Evanston
Church Street Boat Ramp
Poured concrete ramp for launching boats. Can be used by power boats up to 22 feet, sailboats 15-22 feet, and personal watercraft.
CITY: Evanston
Boulder Marina
The marina offers modern concrete docks, an air-conditioned lounge, private showers, dry dock, and winter storage.
CITY: Shattuc
Sandy Ford Canoe Launch
Canoe launch site, and parking on Vermillion River. Land and water reserve.
CITY: Streator
West Access Marina
A year-round facility for large and small boats located at the southwest end of Carlyle Lake. Suited for a complete variety of water sports.
CITY: Carlyle
Springbrook Marina
Full-service marina. New and used boat sales, transient slips, fuel, restaurant. Open year-round.
CITY: Seneca
Devil's Kitchen Campground and Marina
This 810 acre lake is part of the Crab Orchard Refuge and is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Also provides largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, bullheads, and carp. Boat ramps available.
CITY: Carbondale
Mt. Sterling Lake
Come for the weekend or stay a week. Picturesque Mt. Sterling Lake is the perfect camping or fishing spot for any length of stay. Tent and RV camping sites are available as well as picnic pavilions.
CITY: Mount Sterling
Schuy-Rush Park
This 150-acre park with a 225-acre lake is owned by the city of Rushville. The park offers fishing and canoeing, hiking trails through a hardwood forest, camping and picnicking, youth group camping area, pavilions, boat dock & baseball diamond. The campground facilities consist of 77 spaces with electrical hookups. All spaces have water and there is a modern shower house for your convenience. Schuy-Rush Lake offers a well maintained boat ramp. There is a generous supply of slips for docking your boat overnight or for the entire camping season. Fishing is by pole and line only and the lake has a large variety of fish. For the adventurous, we have a nature trail for hiking. Come to Schuy-Rush Lake where we supply the water and you supply the fun.
CITY: Rushville
Crab Orchard Lake & Campground
6900-acre lake, popular lake for fishing. Campground offers RVs, motor homes, tents, hot showers, flush toilets and a country store.
CITY: Carbondale
Evanston's Dog Beach
Bring your dog to Evanston's Dog Beach! Admission restricted to dogs with a "dog beach season token".
CITY: Evanston
Frankfort Community Aquatics & Activities Center
Located at the West Frankfort City Park, this newly built indoor 25-meter six lane pool is open to the public; classes and activities available, handicap accessible, lifeguard on site, open every day.
CITY: West Frankfort
Kaskaskia River Marina
The marina on the Kaskaskia River is the site of drag boat races in September. Next to the marina, enjoy batting cages, ball fields, and roller hockey in the park.
CITY: New Athens
Fulton County Camping & Recreation Area
Enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
CITY: St. David
Centennial Beach
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Jump in to summer fun at Centennial Beach! Featuring four acres of grass and trees, a sand beach, water play features, an NCAA/U.S.S.-approved diving complex, this historic beach is a place the whole family can enjoy! With water depths ranging from zero to 15 feet, the facility caters to swimmers of all skill levels. Combined with a playground, Frisbee® Area, shallow end slide, concessions stand and Beach store, Centennial Beach is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Named "best public place to swim" in 2008 by Fox News Chicago viewers in an online poll!
CITY: Naperville
Lake Springfield Marina
Full-service marina with slip rental by day, week, month and season with certified mechanics on duty. Cruise or fish on beautiful Lake Springfield on your rental pontoon boat, personal watercraft, conoe, kayak or paddleboat. Have a family or company outing on the 35 foot Party Barge.
CITY: Springfield
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
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
Dec 31
Lake of Egypt Marina
Open all year boatmotor sales and service. Full service facility with launching available. Located on the east side of the lake.
CITY: Marion
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is adjacent to the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. The center's expansive windows and outdoor balcony provide outstanding opportunities to comfortably view eagles perched in trees on Leopold and Plum Islands or fishing below Starved Rock Lock and Dam.
CITY: Ottawa
Little Grassy Lake
Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina is located on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and is a destination stop for returning campers, boaters, and sportsmen. They offer full service camping, primitive camping, boat rentals, concessions, and a bait shop. Reservations accepted to reserve boats and campsites. Pontoon boats, fishing boats, and kayaks can be rented. You don't want to pass up the opportunities to explore the thirty miles of shoreline and embrace the solitude you will find on the lake. The 1200 acre lake is stocked with catfish, crappie, and bass, and offers plentiful oppourtunities for fishing, paddling, boating, and wildlife observation. Amenities include waterfront camping sites, remodeled bathrooms with hot showers, dump station, swimming, pets allowed, monthly educational programs and a renovated concession/bait shop which is stocked with minnows, crickets, camping supplies, cold beverages, food items, ice cream, firewood and ice.
CITY: Carbondale
Red Earth Cafe
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner while overlooking the 56-acre lake. Featuring Buffalo burgers, vegetarian choices, homemade pie and daily features. Dinner served Thursday through Saturday, 5 to 8 pm. Come visit us for all your camping needs at the Camper Store or rent a boat to enjoy fishing on the lake. Open March - November. Tuesday through Sunday, 8 am to 2 pm.
CITY: Kewanee
Embarras River Canoeing
Spend the day canoeing and fishing on the Embarras River.
CITY: Lawrenceville
Egyptian Hills Campground & Marina
Eastern side of Lake of Egypt. Facility offers full service, boat rentals, restaurants, bait, tackle, guide service, launching and RV rentals.
CITY: Creal Springs
Fairview Family Aquatic Center
Fun for the whole family! Zero depth activity pool, six lap swim lanes, separate pool for drop slides and diving boards, as well as a sand/water play area for children and two competition sand volleyball courts.
CITY: Normal
Wilmington Dam
Home to catfish, walleye, northern pike, bass, pan fish, picnic and recreation.
CITY: Wilmington
Cedar Lake
Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this 1,750 acre lake has 40 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 60 feet, and 10hp limit on boat motors.
CITY: Carbondale
Chouteau Island
Route 66 runs through the island which connects Illinois and Missouri. East side of the Mississippi River.
CITY: Pontoon Beach
Whitewater Junction - Aquatic Park
Whitewater Junction is a railroad-themed aquatic facility. Two water slides, spray toys, zero depth edge and shallow water play area.
CITY: Rock Island
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes
A beautiful 105-acre campground, with a 45-acre stocked lake. Enjoy free fishing, beach swimming, hiking, boat rentals, hayrides and more. Cottages and cabins are also available.
CITY: Pittsfield
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
Lincoln Park
Enjoy this park offering a picnic area, playground, shelter and restroom facilities as well as access to the Pecatonica Prairie Path which is currently under construction. The Pecatonica River may also be accessed for boating and canoeing approximately 200 yards from the park.
CITY: Ridott
Kayak Morris
Less than 1 hour from Chicago. Providing unique rentals/guided tours/lessons and sandy beach camping. Kayaks, bikes and canoes on the Illinois River, Mazon River and I & M Canal/Towpath.
CITY: Morris
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
Fox River Trail (St. Charles Illinois)
32 miles of biking, hiking and cross-country skiing featuring some of the most scenic trails of the Fox River. Points of interest include Carpenters Dam, Fox River Shores, Tyler Creek, Voyageur Landing, Shoemaker Nature Center and Fabyan Forest Preserve.
CITY: St. Charles
Devil's Kitchen Lake
With a maximum depth of 90 feet and a 24-mile shoreline, this fishing lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, bass, sunfish, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Boats have a 10-horsepower limit.
CITY: Carterville
St. Charles Paddlewheel River Boats
Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles on the Fox River Queen or the St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboats.
CITY: St. Charles
Bicycle Trails - Aurora
More than 35 miles of trails, from Aurora to Crystal Lake, pass through scenic landscapes. Routes include the Fox River, Virgil Gilman and Red Oak Trails, and the Illinois Prairie Path.
CITY: Aurora
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
Robert F. Apple - Fishing Guide
Fishing guide - muskies, walleyes; all equipment furnished.
CITY: Chadwick
Mastodon Lake at Phillips Park
Remains of the extinct elephant-like mastodon were found in this lake in the 1930s. Today, see a life-size sculpture of a mastodon and a restored prairie grass development.
CITY: Aurora
Oppold Marina
Offers boat access to the Rock River, with a 50-ft. renovated boat launch. During the summer season, offers boat gas, concessions, paddleboat/rowboat/canoe rentals as well as 2 large shelters for family reunions and parties,
CITY: Sterling
Walton Park
Home of the first Litchfield Chautauqua, with speakers such as William Jennings Bryan and Carrie Nation in 1905. Beautiful lake, playground and picnic areas.
CITY: Litchfield
Canoe Shack
Canoe and Kayak rentals along the Fox River. These trips offer many hiking, picnicking and wildlife observation opportunities, as well as historic sites, small lime bluffs, and the country's only waterfall. Relax and enjoy the beautiful Fox River.
CITY: St. Charles
Sullivan Marina
Located on a serene wooded hilltop, gently slopes into a full-service marina and restaurant situated on Lake Shelbyville.
CITY: Sullivan
Lion's Lake
This new lake is located on old Route 66 at the southeast edge of Dwight. Donated to the village in 1994 and improved with funding from local organizations, the lake offers a beautifully landscaped picnic are, fishing, and a bike trail. Open year-round.
CITY: Dwight
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
Schnucks Park
One of the newest parks with over 9 acres of natural habitat. Sporting a new playground, small fishing pond and a wooden gazebo on its shore.
CITY: Collinsville
Horseshoe Lake Hiking/Biking Trail
A 5.5 mile trail that takes in the beauty of Horseshoe Lake. Bike rental is available at Melton's on East Side Dr. 618-776-5504. Horseshoe Lake is just east of IL Rt 3 in Alexander Co, 7 miles north of Cairo.
CITY: Olive Branch
Beattie Park
Downtown park on the banks of the Rock River. Site of several Native American "Effigy Mounds," which have been preserved, and home to Rockford Artists Fair.
CITY: Rockford
LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
2,058 acre lake with rocky shoreline. Called a "perched" lake because it is formed by levees that rise above the surrounding land. High winds require that safety precautions be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
CITY: Marseilles
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
Heritage Harbor - Ottawa
Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a premier Marina Resort Community located on the banks of the Illinois River. Visit our water front restaurant or rent a cottage.
CITY: Ottawa
River Adventures
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Fox River. Call for reservations.
CITY: Ottawa
Clinton Lake Marina
Services include boat rentals, beverages, bait, propane tank exchange, slip rentals and an on-site boat service department.
CITY: Weldon
Tri City Port District
This site is on the Granite City Canal, near the Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River. Tri City Port is a duty-free foreign port, as well as a loading facility for farm and other products being barged on the river.
CITY: Granite City
Little Grassy Campground & Marina
1200-acre lake with 36+ miles of shoreline with an average depth of 27 ft. Provides gas, boat rentals, bait, tackle, license, boat slips and a snack restaurant.
CITY: Makanda
Lake Shelbyville - Bo Wood Recreation Area
Most of the campsites in this 82 site campground are shaded. Located on Lake Shelbyville, beach nearby.
CITY: Sullivan
Woodland Park
50-acre wooded city park located in the heart of Collinsville. Amenities consist of picnic shelters, playgrounds, fishing lake, and softball diamond.
CITY: Collinsville
Tj's Canoe Rentals
Enjoy a day on the beautiful Rock River. Take a 5 mile or 12 mile trip or canoe camp on the river. TJ's is 'Doin Canoein' on the Rock!. Check website for hours and months of operation.
CITY: Oregon
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
Kanan Cruises
Chicago's newest and largest cruise ship located at Navy Pier. Cruises are available for group and private charters along Chicago's lakefront for groups of 50 to 400 passengers.
CITY: Chicago
Lake Sara
A quiet cove at dawn, where the only sound is the whir of a casting reel and the gentle splash of the fly hitting the water’s surface...that’s Lake Sara. A sunny afternoon slalom skiing behind a powerboat or running along the beach...that’s Lake Sara. A family picnic in the grass at water’s edge or a family reunion, with fried chicken and the works, under one of the pavilions...that’s Lake Sara. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Spend a day, a week, or a season on the shores of Lake Sara. Lake Sara has something for everyone, in every season of the year.
CITY: Effingham
Carl Spindler Marina
Part of the Riverfront Greenway, Spindler Marina is a public gateway to the Illinois River, offering reasonable rates, parking and storage. Make Spindler Marina your launch today. Spindler Marina is a public gateway to the Illinois River. The Mar ina is available for public boat launch, slip rental and dry dock storage. Pick up your ice, boating or camping supplies at the Marina office. With a picnic and shelter area, rest rooms available seasonally, and the beautiful views from the River Trail Boardwalk, make Spindler Marina your next Illinois adventure.
CITY: East Peoria
