2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-71 of 71 items found in Outdoors & Play
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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
Gebhard Woods State Park/IDNR
Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Fishing, boating and bird watching are also popular activities. This picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.
CITY: Morris
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area
Largest tall grass prairie in Illinois. Big bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass thrive here, as do broad-leafed flowering plants known as forbs. Hiking and cross-country skiing.
CITY: Morris
Woodruff Golf Course
Opened in 1921, Woodruff is an 18-hole sporty course with hilly terrain and a clubhouse.
CITY: Joliet
Prairie Bluff Golf Club
This 18-hole championship course has a driving range and learning center.
CITY: Lockport
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
Nature preserve for bird watching. There are herons and egrets which flourish through the parks and around the lake.
CITY: Plainfield
Edgebrook Country Club
This semi-private course has tree-lined fairways and a hilly terrain. There is a creek and lake that come into play on six holes, and out-of-bounds stakes on just about every hole.
CITY: Sandwich
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Named after a small pool of clear, bubbling water found at the site. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
CITY: Yorkville
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm
Siegel's Cottonwood farm is a fourth generation working farm established in 1909. In the spring and early summer, the farm is open with a garden center featuring flowers, shrubs, and plants. From June 1st thru October, the farm is available for company picnics, group outings, corporate events and fundraisers. In the summer when the crop is ready its extra sweet corn. In the fall its Pumpkinfest time on the farm with playlands, cornfield mazes, new fun attractions, climbing wall, gem mining and much more. And then there is the award winning haunted prison, "Statesville."
CITY: Crest Hill
Gebbhard Woods State Park
Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Fishing, boating and bird watching are also popular activities. This picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.
CITY: Morris
Springbrook Marina
Full-service marina. New and used boat sales, transient slips, fuel, restaurant. Open year-round.
CITY: Seneca
Mazonia State/Braidwood Fish and Wildlife Area
1,700 acres of grassland, brushy draws and shrubs on 2,801 acres. Hunting, fishing, picnicking and more.
CITY: Braceville
Race View Farms RV Camping
RV, camper and car parking during major races at Chicagoland speedway and at Rte. 66 Raceway.
CITY: Joliet
Black Sock Training Stable
A variety of equestrian services for beginning to advanced riders. Personalized professional instruction and scheduled trail rides.
CITY: Ottawa
CPX Sports
A 143-acre extreme sports park featuring paintball, mountain bike trails, skate park and monthly airsoft games. Available for open or private play year round. Visit www.cpxsports.com or call 815/726-2800 for more info.
CITY: Joliet
Wedgewood Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course is known for its hilly terrain, and features a clubhouse.
CITY: Joliet
Inwood Park
Inwood Park is located southwest of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. The park has tennis courts, fitness trails, a playground and picnic area. Horseshoes and bocce ball are also on the grounds.
CITY: Joliet
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
Naperbrook Golf Course
Naperbrook Golf Course is an 18-hole links-style course featuring rolling hills, native prairie grass and an ever-present breeze. The course offers a ten-acre driving range, separate teaching tee, 10,000 square-foot practice green and versatile clubhouse.
CITY: Plainfield
William G. Stratton State Park
Although only 613 acres in size along the Illinois River, this state park is widely used by boaters and anglers of northeastern Illinois. Launching ramps with docks serve boaters from the Illinois River Bridge in Morris.
CITY: Morris
The Old Barn Museum
Housed in an original 1840s barn, this museum features thousands of Native American artifacts, including arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items.
CITY: Newark
Wilmington Dam
Home to catfish, walleye, northern pike, bass, pan fish, picnic and recreation.
CITY: Wilmington
The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park
Come check out our park, it has many miles of trails, created for the beginner all the way to the advanced rider. We have wooded areas, fields, creeks, and yes, the Famous Mud Hole. (Ask park personnel where it is). Plans are in progress to create a rock climb and bog for those who want more challenges. Call ahead for hours and track conditions.
CITY: Marseilles
Renfrew Park
6-acre park donated to the village in 1891 by David McWilliams, the first banker and business person in the community. It is named after the Prince of Wales, Baron Renfrew, who visited the area while on a hunting expedition in 1860.
CITY: Dwight
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
Forest Preserve District of Will County
Biking and running trails, bird watching, camping, cross-country skiing, sledding, outdoor ice skating, canoeing and rafting and fishing. The district office provides all information on preserves and issues picnic permits.
CITY: Joliet
Des Plaines Conservation Area
This site's 5,500 acres make up one of the largest and most used hunting and field trailing areas in the state. It also offers camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, two small natural areas and 12 miles of equestrian trails with cross-country jumps.
CITY: Wilmington
Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club
This premier golfing destination was awarded 4-1/2 stars in Golf Digest's list of Places to Play.
CITY: Channahon
Fox Bend Golf Course
Fox Bend offers a challenging and scenic tour of streams, ponds, willow trees and elevation changes. This highly regarded course has played host to several tournaments and qualifiers.
CITY: Oswego
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
Oswegoland Civic Center Aquatic Park
This community water park features colorful slides, tubes, a zero-depth pool and concession booth.
CITY: Oswego
Pine Hills Golf Club
Described as a Canyon Course complete with bluffs, valleys, hills and hundreds of trees. It is a challenge to both the beginner and the seasoned golfer and is recognized by many players as one of the finest 9-hole facilities in the country. The Club House offers a friendly atmosphere and includes a Pro-Shop, full service bar & restaurant with panoramic views of the Course and outdoor patio.
CITY: Ottawa
Lincoln Landing
Dedicated on February 12, 2009, Lincoln Landing is Lockport's newest attraction. This park, located on the original Public Landing platted as a dock area by Canal Commissioners in 1836, features a unique bronze statue of a young Abraham Lincoln created by artist David Ostro. Interpretive signage through the park highlights the history of the I&M Canal, its impact on the Lockport community, and Lincoln's connections to both. This open-air museum is self-guiding, but is enhanced by a website with school lesson plans.
CITY: Lockport
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
Splash Station Waterpark
Railroad-themed, outdoor water park featuring a 6 person racing slide, body slides, tube slides, lazy river and zero depth pool.
CITY: Joliet
River Adventures
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Fox River. Call for reservations.
CITY: Ottawa
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
Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area
Containing 2,550 acres, the area is jointly used by the Illinois National Guard as a training facility and is open to the general public for hunting.
CITY: Marseilles
Round Barn Farm and Museum
This 94-acre farm features picnic and recreational areas, antique farm equipment, a petting zoo, pony rides and barrel train rides. In fall find a pumpkin patch, haunted barn and pig races.
CITY: Manhattan
Heritage Harbor Resort & Marina
Heritage Harbor Ottawa is the premier Marina Resort Community. Located in the heart of Starved Rock Country, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is home port for your next great adventure!
CITY: Ottawa
Siegel's Cottonwood Farms
Siegel's Cottonwood farm is a 100 year centennial fourth generation working farm established in 1909. In the spring and early summer the farm is open with a garden center featuring flowers, shrubs, and plants. From June 1st thru October the farm is available for company picnics, group outings, corporate events and fundraisers. In the summer when the crop is ready its Xtra Sweet Corn. In the fall its Pumpkinfest time on the farm with playlands, cornfield mazes, new fun attractions, climbing wall, gem mining and much more. And then there is the award winning haunted prison STATESVILLE.
CITY: Lockport
Prairie Lakes Country Club & Inn
Prairie Lakes offers a 9 hole golf course and a full service restaurant and hotel. Hotel and Golf packages available and banquet facilities. Golf opens daily at 7:00am and the restaurant is open 11:00am - 10:00pm daily. Call for seasonal hours.
CITY: Marseilles
Starved Rock Marina
Full line dealer for Rinker, Sundancer Pontoons and pre-owned boats. Full service marina with slips, fuel, restaurant, boutique, boat and villa rentals.
CITY: Ottawa
Starved Rock Marina
Full line dealer for Rinker, Landau Pontoons and pre-owned boats. Full service marina with slips, fuel, restaurant, boutique, boat and villa rentals.
CITY: Ottawa
Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory
Lord and Burnham designed this historic greenhouse featuring a tropical house, cacti room, show house and outdoor gardens.
CITY: Joliet
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park
On historic Bluff Street along the waterway downtown Joliet, the park features free summer concerts, lush grounds, outdoor bandshell and indoor theatre. Office: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00 am - 4:30 pm and Wednesdays 8:00 am - 12:00 noon.
CITY: Joliet
The Homestead Sculpture Garden and Labyrinth
Art lovers will admire the beautiful brick labyrinth and distinctive contemporary sculpture garden here.
CITY: Plano
I&M Canal State Trail
Enjoy hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, boating, canoeing and biking along the I&M Canal State Trail. This 61-mile recreational trail begins at Brandon Road in Rockdale and parallels the canal to LaSalle Peru.
CITY: Morris
Polk-a-Dot Drive In
Drive-In founded over 50 years ago has become one of the most memorable attractions along Illinois Route 66. Stop in and see the collection of memorabilia and enjoy a great meal.
CITY: Braidwood
Waves of Fun Water Park
This indoor water park features a wave surf machine, a 45-foot slide tower and a four-story interactive, Hawaiian-themed play structure.
CITY: Sandwich
Haunted Trails Restaurant & Entertainment Park
Perfect setting to raise your spirits! 14 acre park offers 3 go kart tracks, two 18-hole mini golf courses, batting cages, laser tag arena, rides, 100+ games, restaurant w/ private dining room plus private 5 acre picnic grove for company picnics and groups up to 2,000.
CITY: Joliet
Zipline Canopy Tour Chicago
Looking for that perfect daring escape for you, your friends or family? Zip Chicago Canopy Tours provides an experience you will not soon forget. It will create memories that last a life time. The tour is completely guided and contains no motorized machines for propulsion. All you have to do is enjoy your flight! Our guests can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. The platforms and suspension bridges are surrounded by an assortment of native trees. Check out our different tours to see which adventure is the right one for you!
CITY: Marseilles
Skydive Chicago
Skydive Chicago offers the best entertainment in the Midwest! The 220-acre resort offers camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing and swimming, all onsite. Stop by today!
CITY: Ottawa
Raging Waves Waterpark
Illinois' largest Waterpark offers 45 acres of family fun! 17 water slides, wave pool, lazy river, huge kiddie play structures, sandy beach area and a 2000 foot long 4 course zip line.
CITY: Yorkville
Gemini Giant
Located in Wilmington, this converted Muffler Man beckons travelers on historic Route 66 to stop for a burger at the Launching Pad Drive-In. The Launching Pad Drive-in first opened in 1960 as a Dari Delite, and sold only hot dogs and ice cream. Since then, the menu has expanded. In 2000, the Launching Pad Drive-In was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame.
CITY: Wilmington
I & M Canal State Trail
The I&M Canal Trail offers 61 miles of picturesque hiking and biking trails that follow the historic route of the I&M Canal from Channahon to LaSalle. The Trail also boasts Illinois’ longest continuous snowmobile trail, and is a favored route for cross-country skiers.
CITY: Channahon
Buffalo Rock State Park and Effigy Tumuli
On the bluffs of the Illinois River stand five earthen sculptures molded from Illinois clay. Called Effigy Tumuli, this unique "earth art" is a grand sculpture. Biking, canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, picnicking, cross-country ski trails, and ball field.
CITY: Ottawa
Starved Rock Adventures Harbor Villas and Suites
Waterfront family villas and suites. 1-2 bedroom housekeeping units. Deluxe and unique. Open April through October. $$
CITY: Ottawa
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