2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 97-124 of 124 items found in Outdoors & Play
Hanover Bluff Natural Area
Hanover Bluff Natural Area provides great nature viewing opportunities within the forest and grassland areas as well as at the only public lake in Jo Daviess County. Sixteen-acre public lake. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish. No boating. Sign in/out at visitor parking. 350 acres for public hunting.
CITY: Hanover
Black Hawk Park
The city of Paris operates this property on Twin Lakes. Wander the trails to see plants and animals that live in the woods, on marshy land and on the lake. Special nesting boxes have brough bluebirds to the meadows.
CITY: Paris
Apple River Canyon S.P. - Thomson/Salem Units
The vegetative cover is a mixture of steep timbered slopes and bluffs with grasslands, rowcrops, and hayfields predominate on ridge tops. The topography can be severe especially bordering the Apple River. This habitat should provide good hunting for squirrel, rabbit, turkey and deer. 1,150 acre area allows hunting, fishing; no boating/biking. See postings/fact sheets at registration. Sign in/out at lots #1 or #2.
CITY: Stockton
Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve
This nature reserve is the perfect place to bring the family. Hike 450 natural acres, home of nine Illinois endangered or threatened plants and animals. Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve is The Prairie State's 150th nature preserve.
CITY: Hanover
Buehler Preserve
Hike or bike into Buehler Preserve from Galena and experience the prairie life! Pets welcome. Fishing is allowed.
CITY: Galena
Iris and Jack Witkowsky State Wildlife Area
A part of the Apple River Canyon State Park Complex, the Iris and Jack Witkowsky State Wildlife Area is 1,100 acres for public hunting and nature viewing. Beginning of a transcontinental bluebird trail segment. Sign in/out at lots #1 or #4.
CITY: Hanover
Stephenson-Black Hawk Trail
This scenic 13-mile trail for hiking and biking through the rolling hill of northwest Illinois offers both history and nature. The trail, as it follows county and township roads, is partially paved. Attractions include early pioneer sites, one of the highest natural points in the state, and also Blackhawk war sites. Trail maps are available at the Lena Community Park District Office. For those who complete the trail, trail patches and medals are available for purchase.
CITY: Lena
Schurmeier Teaching Forest
Two miles of beginner and intermediate hiking trails, educational signage teaches about tree and forestry practices. This forest is the perfect way to spend the day. Horses welcome!
CITY: Elizabeth
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
Fountain Bluff
Prehistoric dwellers left their marks on the rock walls. Petroglyphs depict animals, humans, geometric figures, and crosses.
CITY: Gorham
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
Winston Tunnel State Natural Area
230 acres for public hunting, hiking, nature viewing and an historic railroad tunnel.
CITY: Galena
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
Wapello Land & Water Reserve
Experience Native American mounds, prairie and the Apple River. Hike beginner trails. Pets welcome. Fishing allowed.
CITY: Hanover
Dodds Park
Dodds Park offers picnic and playground areas, flower gardens, three shelter houses, concession stand, two lighted tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, two lighted ball diamonds, horseshoe pits, batting cages and two shuffleboard courts.
CITY: Lena
YWCA Camp Tu-Endie-Wei
Trails, fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, cabins on Willow Lake.
CITY: Elgin
Nachusa Grasslands, The Nature Conservancy
Private natural area owned by the Nature Conservancy. Highlights are 1500 acres of prairie, wetlands, and savanna woodlands. Grassland flowers, birds and butterflies to observe.
CITY: Franklin Grove
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Nature center with 3 miles of walking/hiking trails through woodland, wetland, and prairie. Exhibit building displays local wildlife. Educational activities year round.
CITY: Willow Springs
Hideaway Park
Large, wooded park offers 43 acres of timber, grassland & bottomland with picnic and playground areas, hiking trails, canoe launch, handicapped accessible shelters and restrooms.
CITY: Pearl City
Keough Effigy Land & Water Reserve
Explore the past along Keough's hiking trails. Come and see its mining and Native American history.
CITY: Galena
Wards Grove Nature Preserve
Wards Grove is the best “mound forest” remaining in the Driftless Area. 335 protected acres of woodlands with populations of sensitive plant and animal species.
CITY: Stockton
Franklin Creek State Natural Area
Developed by local volunteers, it offers scenic trails, horseback riding, fishing, and limited hunting. The site contains the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill and a 180-acre dedicated nature preserve.
CITY: Franklin Grove
Twin Lakes Park
East lake - swimming, camping, boat dock, walking trail, primitive camping. West lake - fishing, picnic, large pavilion, shelter, fireworks, horseshoes, tent camping, trailer camping, permission by police for primitive camping.
CITY: Paris
Rall Woods State Natural Area
280 acres for public hunting, hiking, nature viewing. Area has native hilltop prairies and views of the Mississippi River.
CITY: Hanover
Paris City Bluebird Trail
Visit these scattered sites to witness the return of the bluebird to Illinois. The trail and Sycamore Golf Club are two links in the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail.
CITY: Paris
