2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 97-192 of 1,359 items found in Outdoors & Play
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
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
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
Black Hawk Run Golf Course
Beautiful course, hidden in the hills, awaits golfers of all skill levels. Eighteen challenging holes, elevated greens, wide open fairways.
CITY: Stockton
Black Hawk State Historic Site
Wonderful for families and friends, this wooded, steeply rolling 208-acre tract, borders the Rock River in the city of Rock Island. Prehistoric Indians and 19th-Century settlers made homes here, but the area is most closely identified with the Sauk nation and its great warrior, Black Hawk. Voted one of the "7 Wonders of Illinois," this pristine park offers beautiful trails for hiking and walking only. Picnic areas are also available. While at the park be sure to visit the Watch Tower Lodge that houses the John Hauberg Indian Museum. The museum features Sauk and Meskwaki Native American Indian artifacts and displays depicting the four seasons and life of these tribes. A new exhibit tells the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki—how they came to live in the Quad City area, why they no longer live here, and, as the piece de resistance, a four-by-eight-foot scale model of the city of Saukenuk one of the largest Native American Indian settlements in the United States.
CITY: Rock Island
Black Hawk Statue at Lowden State Park
At Eagle's Nest Bluff in Lowden State Park, proudly stands a 48-foot statue of a Native American quietly revering the beauty of the River Rock Valley below. Commonly called Black Hawk, after the legendary Chieftain, the statue was created as a tribute to all the Native Americans who once called the area their home.
CITY: Oregon
Black Sock Training Stable
A variety of equestrian services for beginning to advanced riders. Personalized professional instruction and scheduled trail rides.
CITY: Ottawa
Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village
Go on a one of a kind country adventure you'll never forget! Become pioneers for a day on a real 1800s farm and village. Miniature train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, pioneer craft demonstrations, and special events.
CITY: Aurora
Blue Goose Run
Blue Goose Run is the perfect farm setting for an outdoor wedding, family or class reunion, corporate or business meetings, and baby or bridal showers. Visit the Machine Shed Gift Shop and Corn Crib Restaurant.
CITY: Sterling
Bluffdale Vacation Farm
Bluffdale is an Illinois farm vacation dude ranch and bed & breakfast. Parent Magazine's "Top 10 Family Resorts in North America." Our family has been welcoming guests to our historic Illinois farm near Eldred, Illinois since 1963. Recreation activities include horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, hayrides, bonfires, sing-alongs and more. Bluffdale is famous for its generous home cooked meals with home baked bread, rolls and pies. Our luxury cabins, featuring a fireplace and hot tub, are ideal for romantic getaway weekend or honeymoon bed & breakfast lodging. Spring brings a wide variety of wildflowers and morel mushrooms. In fall the bluffs make a colorful drive and eagle watch from Alton to Bluffdale along the Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway. Check our website for rates and availability.
CITY: Eldred
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
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
Bobby's Bike Hike- World's Greatest Tours and Rentals
Ride a cool cruiser-style bicycle and follow a guide who makes brief stops at Chicago's most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained.
CITY: Chicago
Boggio 's Orchard and Produce
Boggio's Orchard & Produce is a family-oriented owned orchard and produce. Our Orchard includes freshly picked produce, bakery, a craft store, livestock farm and local craft shows. Boggio's fruits, vegetables, petting zoo, corn mazes, pony rides and more are truly a joy for everyone in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
CITY: Granville
Bolin Enterprises, Inc World's Largest Wind Chimes
With chimes suspended nearly 50 feet above the ground, the BEI wind chime is a sight to behold! The longest of five chimes is 42 feet long-almost double that of the past world record holder. The chimes sing gentle and deep as they strike the clapper, long gleaming lengths paying tribute to BEI's expertise in the pipeline industry. Stick around to visit the tea shop opening next door!
CITY: Casey
Bolingbrook Golf Club
Bolingbrook Golf Club combines the elements of a world-class facility and championship golf. Featuring an Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest designed golf course, a learning academy, clubhouse with lounge, two full-service restaurants, and banquet facilities. Over 78,000 sq. ft. club house features beautiful verandas overlooking an award winning golf course and a great venue for meetings and other social events.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook Park District
Providing over 2,100 opportunities for recreation. Relax, have fun and embrace the power of recreation.
CITY: Bolingbrook
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
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
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
Boone County Conservation District
The enchanting charm of Boone County’s Buffalo Creek creates a picturesque scene of nature at its finest. With a mission of preserving nature for generations to come, the area offers numerous educational events and festivals.
CITY: Belvidere
Boone County Fairgrounds
Location for many events including craft shows, auto shows, animal shows, softball & volleyball games, and the Boone County Fair (held in August). Also see one-room school house relocated from northern Boone County.
CITY: Belvidere
Boone Creek Golf Course
This course has 27 holes, rated at a par 71, along with nine holes at a par 35.
CITY: McHenry
Boughton Ridge Golf Course
Situated on 45 beautiful acres, this nine-hole, 2205-yard, Par 32, executive length course offers the perfect course for a quick round of great golf.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Boulder Creek Fun Park
Boulder Creek Fun Park is a golf course that also features a driving range.
CITY: Springfield
Boulder Marina
The marina offers modern concrete docks, an air-conditioned lounge, private showers, dry dock, and winter storage.
CITY: Shattuc
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
Bow Hunting at Friends Creek Regional Park
Friends Creek has the best park for hunting.
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
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
Bowes Creek Country Club
Bowes Creek delivers a private club experience to the public golfer! It offers annual memberships for a day, or just enjoy Porter's Pub - an English inspired eatery.
CITY: Elgin
Brae Loch Banquets and Golf Club
The golf course has 18-holes and it is a par-70 course. Brae Loch Banquets feature a bright space in a country setting overlooking the fairways at the Lake County Forest Preserves Brae Loch Golf Club. A fine balance of food, location and people are the three ingredients that an event at Brae Loch brings together for a truly memorable experience. The banquet facility comfortably seats up to 165. The menu includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat, but too wonderful to skip.
CITY: Grayslake
Brookfield Zoo
There's more than 200 beautifully landscaped acres to explore at Brookfield Zoo. Highlights include dolphin shows at Seven Seas, ape encounters at Tropic World and the chance for kids to dress up and play veterinarian at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. The zoo also offers an old-fashioned carousel and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
CITY: Brookfield
Brown's Oakridge Zoo
Browns Oakridge Zoo is a family owned and operated zoo established in 1990. Beginning with a single pot bellied pig and a few whitetail deer, the number of species housed at the zoo has grown to include five Siberian tigers, several black bears, two lions, and many more exotic and domestic animals. Over the years we have taken in many abandoned animals. A total of 152 lion and tiger cubs, abandoned in captivity have been reared here. Most of our animals have been raised in the house, and have had a lot of human contact. You won’t just get to see the animals here, but you will be able to have hands on contact. Imagine being able to hold a lion, tiger, or bear cub. It brings out the kid in all of us.
CITY: Smithfield
Brunswick Zone - Carol Stream
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone offers bowling, billiards, Laser Tag, an arcade/game room plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
CITY: Carol Stream
Brunswick Zone - Naperville
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone in Naperville offers bowling, billiards, an arcade/game room, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
CITY: Naperville
Brunswick Zone Romeoville
Brunswick Zone XL is a full- feature, family- friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Bowling, billiards, video games and more!
CITY: Romeoville
Brunswick Zone XL
Brunswick Zone XL is a full-feature, family-friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Brunswick Zone XL is a great place for Corporate Parties, Team Challenges, Monumental Moments and Birthday Parties! Call us today for more details. Become a fan of Brunswick Zone XL on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bowlbrunswick
CITY: Romeoville
Brush Creek Golf Course
This is a 9-hole, 36 par, 3218 yard course set on challenging terrain with three sets of tees. Weekday and Weekend Green Fees: 9 holes - $10: 18 holes - $13.00; Motorized Cart Rental: 9 holes - $10.00 per seat; 18 - holes - $14 per seat.
CITY: Orangeville
Bryant's Miniatures
Bryant's Miniatures features miniature horses, llamas and George the camel. Children and adults are welcome to enjoy the animals at this hands-on facility.
CITY: Norris City
Buckingham Fountain
Visitors can enjoy a dazzling music, light and water show at the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Located at Columbus Drive, shows runs from dusk to 11pm every hour and lasts for 20 minutes. Operates April through mid-October.
CITY: Chicago
Buehler Preserve
Hike or bike into Buehler Preserve from Galena and experience the prairie life! Pets welcome. Fishing is allowed.
CITY: Galena
Buena Vista Golf Course
Buena Vista is a par 32, nine-hole golf course with a driving range, pro shop and snack bar. Open seven days a week during the season, weather permitting.
CITY: DeKalb
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
Bull Run Maize Maze
This seven-acre maze was designed by England's Adrian Fisher, the "Michael Jordan of mazes." Navigate the four miles of paths during the day or in the evening on special moonlight maze nights.
CITY: Poplar Grove
Burns Goose Club
Located 1.7 miles west of Illinois Route 148 on Grassy Road just south of the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl and deer hunting on 960 acres. Guides available. One of the top three harvest clubs in the southern Illinois quota zone.
CITY: Carbondale
Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch
This historic 1857 farm offers hay ride trips to the pumpkin patch, rope making, puppet shows and much more family fun.
CITY: Monee
Buxton's Garden Farm
Pull up to Buxton's roadside stand to buy in-season vegetables, pumpkins and festive Indian corn.
CITY: Sullivan
Byron Forest Preserve District (skating)
The Forest Preserve has one outdoor skating rink and warming shelter - open weekends.
CITY: Byron
Byron Recreational Path
Biking, running, and walking path. Starts at Byron Forest Preserve and crosses the Rock River to Sunshine Park then north of town.
CITY: Byron
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
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
Cache River State Natural Area
Nationally renowned for its ancient cypress-tupelo swamp, this natural area contains 100 threatened or endangered plant and animal species, and 11 state champion trees. Visitors enjoy birding, hunting, wildlife watching, and hiking. Bikers can access the Cache River via the Tunnel Hill State Trail.
CITY: Belknap
Cache River Wetlands Center
The Wetlands Center provides a one-stop shop for information about the Cache River Wetlands and its recreational and educational opportunities. The center has an extensive natural and cultural history exhibit, wildlife viewing, trails and a video.
CITY: Cypress
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Illinois' only United Nations World Heritage Site. This 2,200-acre site preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. An Interpretive Center presents a coherent account of this sophisticated prehistoric culture. Climb Monk's Mound, see the film and life-size village. Don't miss annual events that focus on Native American culture.
CITY: Collinsville
Cahokia R V Parque
Swimming, fishing, boat rentals, RV and cabin rentals, tent camping.
CITY: Cahokia
Camp Komfort
The campground is very clean and quiet. There are many features, such as an in-ground pool, a large pavilion, a play area for children, a small store and a dog walk area. There is plenty of shade in this campground. They provide 30 and 50 AMP service.
CITY: Carlock
Camp Sagawau Environmental Education Center
Environment Education Center - offers cross country skiing in the winter.
CITY: Lemont
Camp Shaw
Camp Shaw was established in 1956 and is the best kept secret in all of beautiful Kankakee County! Camp Shaw is also a wonderful place to hold a variety of outdoor and indoor events. It provides overnight accommodation; horseback riding, guided trail rides or group lessons and weekend packages are available. It is also an outdoor, environmental science education program encouraging interest and participation in the balanced management of natural resources.
CITY: Manteno
Canlan Ice Arena
Canlan Ice Sports Romeoville is a 3-sheet ice facility featuring industry leading sport development programs, leagues, special events and birthday parties. It’s the premier skating facility in Romeoville, IL. Open Mon-Fri 8am-11:00pm Sat & Sun 6am-11:00pm
CITY: Romeoville
Cannon Park
Picnic shelter, playgrounds, and a lake for visitors to enjoy fishing.
CITY: Carterville
Canoe & Pedal Boat Rentals: Pottawatomie Park
Enjoy the scenery from the waters of the Fox River! Rentals Mid-May through Mid-August. All rentals launch from the River View Miniature Golf Complex within Pottawatomie Park. Deposit required. Children age 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult (age 18+). All rentals are subject to safe river & weather conditions. Sorry, no boat rentals on July 4th.
CITY: St. Charles
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
Cantigny Golf
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Set among mature oak and hickory trees, lakes & streams, this full-service event facility with 27 holes of golf offers both 18 and 9-hole play and is nationally recognized as one of the best public courses in America. Cantigny Golf is a part of the McCormick Foundation, committed to making life better for our children, communities and country. As one of the nation’s largest public charities, we’ve granted more than $1 billion to organizations in local communities across the country. The golf course is part of the historic 500-acre Cantigny Park, where memorable family experiences happen. The grounds include museums, formal gardens and picnic areas.
CITY: Wheaton
Cantigny Park
Consisting of the Robert McCormick Mansion Museum, the First Division Military Museum, ten acres of gardens and parks, 27-hole championship golf course and nine-hole Cantigny Youth Links.
CITY: Wheaton
Captain Swift Covered Bridge
Located one mile west of Princeton in Bureau County, Illinois is the Captain Swift Covered Bridge. Built in 2006, the bridge derives its strength from its burr arch design, an idea patented by Theodore Burr of New York in 1804. Made entirely of wood using 1800s concepts (it has an outer skin of Douglas Fir), the Captain Swift Covered Bridge is the only two-lane covered bridge in Illinois. It has a 16’-3” vertical clearance, a 28 foot minimum roadway width and a 128’ span over the Big Bureau Creek. GPS co-ordinates - N41 22.745 W89 29.871
CITY: Princeton
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
Carlyle Lake
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres), is a premier location for outdoor sports. We known to sailors, it is one of the best and most challenging for sailboats. There is also boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching, sand beaches, and camping areas. Hotels, cabins and golf courses make the area a true outdoor lover's playground.
CITY: Carlyle
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
Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
As a major stopping point for migrating ducks and geese, this 9,486-acre area offers excellent public waterfowl hunting opportunities.
CITY: Vandalia
Carmi Country Club
This nine-hole course is open seasonally, with amenities that include a clubhouse and tee times for non-members.
CITY: Carmi
Carol Stream Park District
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Stay active! This award-winning parks & recreation agency offers over 400 acres of parks, 5 miles of paved trails, 3 recreation centers, free special events & hundreds of recreation, dance, gymnastics, summer camp, sports & fitness & active adult programs.
CITY: Carol Stream
Carriage Classics, Ltd.
This horse-drawn carriage service is available for scenic tours, weddings and other occasions. Equipped for all seasons. Evening rides in downtown Peoria Fridays and Saturdays during April through mid-October. Thursday through Saturday rides during June through August. Pick-up points at Hotel Pere Marquette and The Landing. $20 for two adults and $5 for each additional person. Children under 10 ride free. Carriage rides available 7 p.m. through midnight. May be hired any time of the year for service in the Peoria and surrounding area. We also have a horse-drawn trolley available for special groups outings. Call for details!!!
CITY: Chillicothe
Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
Experience a commanding view of the Mississippi River and the only known intact thunderbird effigy mound in Illinois. Hiking, bird watching, sightseeing, Native American archaeology and much more on 85 acres of scenic Mississippi River bluffs.
CITY: Galena
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Wander along the Ohio River and step into the large cavern, steeped in history of river pirates. Enjoy the spectacular river views from the lodge perched atop the overhanging bluffs. Cabins, picnic areas, camping and showers available.
CITY: Cave In Rock
Cedar Creek Ranch
Horseback Riding stables including public trail rides, boarding, birthday parties and holiday rides!! And more.
CITY: Cedar Point
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
Cedar Lake Trail
A 10-mile trail on the west side of Cedar Lake from north to south. Encircles Little Cedar Lake.
CITY: Carbondale
