Ballard Nature Center

Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.

CITY: Altamont

Alton Hauntings Tours

Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.

CITY: Alton

Alton Little Theater

Entertaining audiences since 1934, the Alton Little Theater offers a season of great live theatrical performances from dramas to comedies to everyone's favorite musicals. The Alton Little Theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois.

CITY: Alton

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

Arcola Architectural Tours

Arcola is a pristine showcase of small-town America that still retains many examples of more than a century of architectural changes in the American home. Two tours daily from April through October.

CITY: Arcola

Arlington International Racecourse

At Arlington International, we aim to make every day of the season special by combining the excitement of thoroughbred racing, gorgeous grounds and fantastic food to create a winning track experience for our guests! Whether you're looking for a fun and exciting day out with friends and family, a casual and charming afternoon at the races, or a sophisticated and stylish get-together, Arlington International offers an extraordinary experience for everyone! Live racing and entertainment May 3 - September 29, 2013.

CITY: Arlington Heights

The 200 Acres

Located in the heart of Illinois' Amish country, The 200 Acres is a working farm that features beautiful gardens, including a spectacular collection of more than 5,000 mums, and offers its heirloom seeds for sale. The 200 Acres is especially known for its more than 300 varieties of rare pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the globe that are grown right on the farm and displayed in its Great Pumpkin Patch from mid-September through October 31 every year. The on-site Homestead Bakery sells made-from-scratch goodies such as pies and angel food cake during spring, summer and fall.

CITY: Arthur

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

Sunken Garden

View the spectacular display of 15,000 flowers of 15 varieties, plus a three-tiered fountain and the Four Seasons statues that complement this exquisite English garden.

CITY: Aurora

Vaughn Athletic Center Water Park

This year-round indoor water park has tube slides, zero-depth entry and interactive water play.

CITY: Aurora

Braeutigam's Orchards

Blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, and eggplant are the specialties at this orchard.

CITY: Belleville

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

Rend Lake

It's all about the water at Rend Lake, where you can swim, boat, water ski and fish. Relax at Rend Lake Resort, tee off at the 27-hole Rend Lake Golf Course or do some target practice at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex. Also located at Rend Lake is the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, featuring more than 800 artists.

CITY: Benton

Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park

Illinois' only indoor/outdoor aquatic park features seven water slides, a lazy river, two zero-depth entry pools, a spray play area, diving well, sand playground and two concession stands.

CITY: Bolingbrook

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

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

Saluki Basketball

The home of Saluki basketball is the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Arena, a 10,000-seat facility that also hosts national touring concerts, family shows, theatrical events and circuses.

CITY: Carbondale

Brooms Orchard

Apples, peaches, strawberries, jam and a country store. Pick your own pumpkins, apples, peaches and strawberries. Special events in September and August.

CITY: Carlinville

Chalet Hills Golf Club

This championship 18-hole golf course with 6,950 yards offers bent grass fairways, and beautiful rolling hills and vistas. Power carts are required Friday through Sunday and holidays.

CITY: Cary

Millennium Park

In the heart of the city you’ll find a state-of-the-art park designed for the new millennium. Discover the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, the multimedia Crown Fountain and the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, all with Chicago’s stunning architecture as a backdrop. The park is also host to many free cultural programs, concerts and family activities. Plus, there's alfresco dining in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter.

CITY: Chicago

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Step inside and be transported to another place and time! We invite you to take a journey to the Lincoln Park Conservatory where you will find tropical palms and ancient ferns right in the heart of Lincoln Park. Designed both to showcase exotic plants and grow the thousands of plants needed for use in the parks, the Conservatory offers visitors a tropical experience within its four display houses: Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House, which is home to the annual flower shows. This historic facility continues to provide an escape to nature to the millions that live in and visit Chicago. No matter the time of year, Lincoln Park Conservatory is always green and lush. Come take a stroll and let yourself be transported away. Admission is free.

CITY: Chicago

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The urban gateway to nature and science. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a place where city dwellers can reconnect with the wonder of the natural world. From a hands-on water lab to a wilderness walk to the only international, year-round butterfly haven, science comes alive.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier

Hands-on exhibits and daily-changing activities make every visit unique for young children and adults, too. Dig deep into the Dinosaur Expedition, try to stay dry in WaterWays, make a masterpiece in the KraftArtabounds Studio, and climb up to the crow's nest on the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Toddlers can have fun in Kids Town and Treehouse Trails.

CITY: Chicago

Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Opened in 1908, this landmark building was the vision of celebrated landscape architect Jens Jensen. The eight exhibit halls feature plants from around the world.

CITY: Chicago

John G. Shedd Aquarium

Strap a mask and flippers onto your imagination and chart a course to the Shedd Aquarium. Have you ever seen eye-to-eye with a dolphin? Said hello to a penguin on a stroll to the South Pole? Immersed yourself in a flooded Amazon forest? Or met a friendly beluga whale? You can do it all at the Shedd! Photo courtesy of the John G. Shedd Aquarium

CITY: Chicago

U.S. Cellular Field

President-elect Barack Obama is an avowed fan of the Chicago White Sox, and is often seen wearing a White Sox baseball cap. U.S. Cellular features an exploding scoreboard, an old-time facade, complete with arches and over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats.

CITY: Chicago

City Segway Tours - Chicago

Chicagoland's first guided Segway tour provides an informative ride with unique and fascinating Chicago stories, fantastic photo ops and the chance to ride the coolest machine in the world.

CITY: Chicago

Museum of Science and Industry

A world of discovery awaits at the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Explore more than 800 exhibits, including the legendary U-505, a German submarine captured on the high seas during World War II; take off on a Boeing 727 airplane for a simulated cross-country flight; descend down a mineshaft for a tour of a realistic coal mine; and witness robots at work in a toy factory. Take a seat at the museum’s Omnimax Theater and watch awesome 3D flicks on a giant screen.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field

The North Side Chicago Cubs baseball team calls historic Wrigley Field home.

CITY: Chicago

Block 37

This landmark development on State St. features first-to-Chicago retailers, signature dining and entertainment venues within a five-story atrium. The center has direct access to the CTA Red and Blue Lines as well as Chicago's extensive pedway system.

CITY: Chicago

Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours

Try a segway tour, where you'll enjoy fantastic views of Chicago's famous attractions. Explore Chicago by day or night with friendly tour guides.

CITY: Chicago

Bobby's Bike Hike Obama Tour

Enjoy a gorgeous ride through the historic Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods. Your guide will take you to all of President Obama's favorite Chicago places, including the University of Chicago campus and the first family's residence.

CITY: Chicago

Steve's Segway Tours

Explore Chicago's lakefront, museums and Millennium Park on a three-hour Segway tour led by guides all year round.

CITY: Chicago

Broadway in Chicago

Broadway In Chicago presents the hottest shows in Chicago's bustling Downtown Theater District. On the stages of the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Bank of America Theatre, Auditorium Theatre and Broadway Playhouse, you will discover theater productions direct from Broadway, along with world premieres.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago White Sox

The South Side championship baseball team plays at U.S. Cellular Field, and features fireworks when the home team makes a home run.

CITY: Chicago

National Lampoon's Vacation - Buckingham Fountain

In this wacky comedy a Chicago family takes a hysterical road trip across country to reach a theme park on the West Coast. Illinois scenes include Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago's Grant Park (seen spouting its famous cascades of water in the background as the family leaves Chicago) and the Poplar Street Bridge that spans the Mississippi River in East St. Louis (where the family gets lost).

CITY: Chicago

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

American Sightseeing / Gray Line Tours

Offers sightseeing tours in more than 150 destinations on six continents and is widely recognized as the world's leader in sightseeing tours, ground transportation, charter service, airport transfers, and convention services.

CITY: Chicago

Green City Outdoor/Indoor Market

Green City Market is Chicago’s only year-round farmer's market promoting local, sustainable farmers, producers and chefs by connecting them to the public through educational programming and special events. Enjoy the Outdoor market May through October.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago French Market

Come visit Chicago's first and only year-round, indoor marketplace providing you with permanent, convenient and personal access to local artisans and purveyors.Featuring nearly 30 individual specialty vendors, Chicago French Market offers fresh ingredients for cooking at home, delicious grab-and-go options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, light snacks, picnics, easy party planning for home and office settings, plus meaningful gift ideas, all in one convenient location.

CITY: Chicago

Blueberry Hill Farm

U-pick strawberries, blueberries and blackberries in Season. May-July 8am to 8pm

CITY: Cobden

Argyle Lake State Park

Find serenity at this beautiful 1700-acre wooded park situated along an old stagecoach route between Galena and Beardstown. Featuring 95-acre Argyle Lake, the park is home to countless beaver dams and more than 200 bird species and 5 miles of hiking and biking trails.

CITY: Colchester

Cook County Cheetahs Minor League Baseball Season

Come out and join us for an old-fashioned favorite - baseball!

CITY: Crestwood

Windy City Thunderbolts

The Windy City ThunderBolts baseball brings affordable family entertainment all summer long at Standard Bank Stadium. 2007 & 2008 Frontier League Champions! Call to reserve groups or parties today!

CITY: Crestwood

Danville Dans at Historic Danville Stadium

Built in 1946 as part of the Brooklyn Dodgers farm system, during the summer the field is home to the Danville Dans, a college summer wooden bat team. This NCAA-sanctioned, Major League-sponsored wooden bat collegiate league plays at Danville Stadium.

CITY: Danville

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

Yaeger's Farm Market

Farm products available for purchase include plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a wide variety of Amish jams and jellies. A pumpkin patch and corn maze are featured in the fall.

CITY: DeKalb

John Deere Historic Site

This historic site is where John Deere (1804-1886) first developed and produced his steel plow, changing the face of farming in the Midwest. Deere erected a simple, one-and-a-half-story clapboard house that resembles a type found in New England. Although the original Deere blacksmith shop was demolished, its archeological excavations and interpreted artifacts are open, sheltered by a pavilion. A reconstructed blacksmith shop located southwest of the original site is furnished with old tools, farm equipment, pioneer utensils, and a working forge. The John Deere Home in Grand Detour was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 1966. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 GreatPlaces in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

CITY: Dixon

Huron Farm Market

This multi-seasonal shop offers a garden center in the spring, a summer produce market, and fall and Halloween items in the autumn. From April thru October, also enjoy a flea market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

CITY: Eleroy

Wilder Park Conservatory

A historic tradition lives on at the Elmhurst Park District Conservatory and greenhouses, located in Wilder Park. The conservatory holds four main plant displays a year: a Easter and Calla Lilies in the spring, Chrysanthemums in the fall, Poinsettias in December and an Environmental show with various themes in the Winter. In addition youth education programs are offered with our in house Horticulturist.

CITY: Elmhurst

Mayan Adventure Indoor Waterpark by The Waverton Hotel

237 newly remodeled guestrooms, Holidome Recreation Center, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna & fitness room. Two diverse dining establishments - Hang Time Restaurant and Hang Time Bar & Eatery. 3,500 square feet in meeting space.

CITY: Elmhurst

Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre

Located on the campus of Highland Community College - features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theater Program, a community performing arts theater.

CITY: Freeport

Read Park

Read Park offers many recreational opportunities and is highlighted by the Read Park Family Aquatic Center, which includes a zero depth pool, water slides and play area, and by a state of the art 11,000 square foot skate park, SK8 Park. This scenic park also features baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, an outdoor lighted hockey and ice staking rink, concession stand, picnic areas, shelters, and playgrounds. The Morgan Memorial, a charming statue of two children surrounded by fountains, is a serene spot to enjoy. Park attractions are open seasonally; please call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions and costs.

CITY: Freeport

Lindo Theater

This historic movie theater, built in 1922, features first-run movies presented in the latest 4K digital projection and sound on nine screens. Stadium seating, digital 3D and party room.

CITY: Freeport

Jane Addams Recreation Trail

This multi-use 15 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and is highlighted by 21 decked bridges passing over and through wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail that traverses Northern Illinois. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclist, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. An additional two miles of paved trail to Highway 26 has been constructed at the southern end. The final two mile connection into historic downtown Freeport will soon be under construction. The Jane Addams Trail connects at the Wisconsin state-line with Badger Trail which extends to Madison, Wisconsin. It will also connect, in downtown Freeport, with the Pecatonica Prairie path currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. Access to the trail is available at the Wes Block Access, Freeport (exit off Highway 26 1/4 miles south of the Highway 20 intersection).

CITY: Freeport

Krape Park

This beautiful Freeport park offers an antique carousel, waterfall, seasonal duck pond, miniature golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a quarter mile nature trail, paddle boats, canoes, fishing, hiking, biking, a performance amphitheater, gardens, picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds including "Kid's Kastle", and sledding in the winter. The Yellow Creek Adventure Golf Course (miniature golf) is open daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day from Noon to Dusk. The Disc Golf Course is open during regular park hours and is free to play. The carousel is open prior to Memorial Day on weekends from Noon to Dusk and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is open daily from Noon to Dusk. Yellow Creek boat rentals, including the duck paddle boats or the larger swan boat, are available daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day weekend from Noon to Dusk. Park attractions are open seasonally; call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions.

CITY: Freeport

Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum

All aboard, as a 36-ton, 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum that's filled with early Americana.

CITY: Freeport

Freeport Farmers Market

All local products from certified organic to conventional fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, bedding plants, perennials, fresh flowers, loose leaf teas, and handmade bath and beauty products in a festive market atmosphere. The Freeport Farmers Market is in operation from May through October in the CVS parking lot on South Street in Freeport.

CITY: Freeport

Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery

Sample fine red, white, rose and fruit wines as you enjoy the view of the vineyard from the deck or tasting room. Enjoy the delicious cheeses, snacks, and other local products which are featured. The Sweet and Savory Plates with the best local cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies and sweets are available every day. During the summer, you can "Get Out and Game" with yard darts, croquet, bocce ball or indoor games such as Wineopoly, Foodie Fight, Brain Tease, cribbage and more. Visit their website to learn about their many events or to schedule a party, meeting or wedding party.

CITY: Freeport

Friends Forever Humane Society Dog Park

Take your dog to this special 10 acre fenced dog park with a pond (for dog swimming ony). The park also offers a separate fenced area for small dogs and a dog agility equipment area. Fee is $5.00 per dog per day.

CITY: Freeport

Goldmoor Gardens

Visit the beautifully designed annual & perennial gardens at the Goldmoor Estates. Self-guided tours may be taken of the constantly blooming gardens and the meandering grounds are perfect for walking or lounging in our comfortable Adirondack chairs, sipping wine and admiring the sunset over the grand Mississippi River.

CITY: Galena

Linmar Gardens

Enchanting Linmar Gardens is nestled in a hillside overlooking the historic town of Galena. The secluded 3.5-acre garden is situated on natural outcroppings which have been enhanced with hand-built terraces. Meander on a guided tour along paths through a collection vibrant annual and perennial flowers including hostas, viburnums, conifers, grasses and daylilies.

CITY: Galena

Carl Sandburg State Historic Site

Author-poet Carl Sandburg was born in the the three-room cottage at 331 E. Third Street in Galesburg on January 6, 1878. The modest house relfects the typcial living conditions of a late-nineteenth-century working-class family and features many furnishings that once belonged to the Sandburg family. Behind the home stands a small wooded park which features the Quotation Walk, a celebration of the Prairie Poet's work and words. It is in this tranquil setting that the ashes of Carl Sandburg and his wife Lilian were liad to rest beneath Remberance Rock.

CITY: Galesburg

Caterpillar Visitors Center

Opened in October 2012, this brand new visitors center celebrates the long history of the Caterpillar company. Visitors can explore the past by taking a journey back in time via historic photos and antique equipment. Visitor favorites include a 24-foot tall 797 mining truck that doubles as a movie theater and a product floor complete with simulators to explore its world-famous product line.

CITY: Galesburg

Sunnyfield Greenhouse & Garden Center

Professional growers offering 1200 varieties of annuals, perennials, grasses, vegetables & vines. Heirloom tomatoes a specialty. Visit the expanded display gardens to gather ideas and shop a variety of unique gifts and planters for your garden. Landscape design and installation available. Open April 1 through October 31.

CITY: Galva

Susie's Garden Patch

Find u-pick asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes and pumpkins. Roadside produce includes sweet corn, muskmelons, peppers and pumpkins. Susie's hosts a Strawberry Festival every June.

CITY: Garden Prairie

Kane County Cougars

As an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Cougars continue to set a standard of excellence, both on and off the field. In 2013, the Cougars are expecting to welcome their 10 millionth fan in franchise history, and have routinely been one of the top draws throughout Minor League Baseball, while providing the best in affordable and family-friendly fun throughout Chicagoland.

CITY: Geneva

Fabyan Japanese Garden

A tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature.

CITY: Geneva

Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary

Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.

CITY: German Valley

Chicago Botanic Garden

One of metropolitan Chicago's main tourist attractions. Open year-round, featuring 23 beautiful gardens and three native habitats set on 385 acres of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. Enjoy three lush greenhouses and seasonal art exhibits.

CITY: Glencoe

Kohl Children's Museum

Open your imagination at KCM! Children up to 8 years of age can touch and explore exhibits in addition to participating in planned daily activities. These exhibits encourage the building of strong social skills.

CITY: Glenview

Grafton Zipline Adventures

Looking for a jaw dropping, heart racing experience? Try Grafton’s newest attraction – a zip line that affords those brave enough a stunning river view and hours of fun. The nine zip lines total 1.75 miles, which should take approximately two hours to complete. The first of nine zip lines is nicknamed the Baby Bear – the shortest measuring only 300 feet in length. The longest, at 2,000 feet, is the Soaring Eagle, which has breathtaking views during its 250-foot descent. The Deer Hollow (3rd zip) and the Barn Burner (the final zip) are both 1,500 feet. The Limestone Leap (7th zip) is 1,300 feet, the River Run (5th zip) is 1,200 feet, the Gobblers Knob (6th zip) is 1,000 feet and the Road Runner (2nd zip) at 700 feet.

CITY: Grafton

KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort

KeyLime Cove, the official resort of nearby Six Flags Great America, offers a year round tropical resort experience. The massive indoor water park features a wave pool, body and tube slides, a lazy river, waterfalls and whirlpools. Besides the splashy fun, KeyLime Cove offers a variety of restaurants and entertainment options geared to both kids and parents. Grab a little "me" time and indulge in the luxurious Paradise Mist Spa, or pamper your princess at The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa.

CITY: Gurnee

Wildlife Prairie State Park

Wildlife Prairie State Park is home to over 150 animals that are native to Illinois, including wolves, bison, black bear, elk and cougars. Experience the Adventure Trek Tour, which includes a trip through the bison and elk pasture. Unique overnight lodging located in the park includes authentic train cabooses and a cabin nestled in the woods.

CITY: Hanna City

Shawnee National Forest

The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features rolling hills, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs.

CITY: Harrisburg

Comlara Park

Bike trails, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, nature area, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, swimming, beach, sledding and cross-country skiing.

CITY: Hudson

Hamilton Lakes

Hamilton Lakes is home to Chicagoland's largest fireworks display synced to music as well as an annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games. The lakes also offers several fields good for soccer tournaments and other outdoor activities.

CITY: Itasca

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

Kankakee County Museum

The Kankakee County Museum is the home of the Kankakee County Historical Society. Founded in 1906, it is the oldest incorporated local historical society in Illinois. The Main Museum Building contains seven permanent and temporary exhibit galleries, the Museum Store, the Museum's Archival Research Library, the Museum's offices, and support facilities. The Museum Complex also encompasses the historic 1855 Dr. A. L. Small House, the 1904 Taylor One-Room Schoolhouse, Column Garden and Outdoor Exhibit Area. The museum boasts more than 85,000 artifacts in addition to 20,000 still images in the photo collection.

CITY: Kankakee

Frank Lloyd Wright's B. Harley Bradley House

The B. Harley Bradley House Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1900 The B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, Illinois, is widely acknowledged as Wright's first Prairie Style design. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually and as part of the Riverview Historic District. Following an extensive restoration, the Bradley House now enjoys the opportunity to be appreciated by architecture fans from around the world. This Prairie Style house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright along with its neighboring home. The houses are acknowledged by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy as Wright's first house designs that ushered in Wright's Prairie Style. The B. Harley Bradley House is open for 1 hour tours.

CITY: Kankakee

Blackhawk War Monument

This monument is located on the site of Kellogg's Grove, an early settlement established in 1827 on a mail route between Peoria and Galena, and now on the National Register of Historic Places. It honors those killed in the Blackhawk War, including in the final Illinois Battle which occurred at this grove in June, 1832. Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Illinois militia, helped bury five of the slain men. The remaining soldiers were originally buried throughout the area at the spots at which they fell. Fifty years after the war, local farmers collected the remains and buried them in one enclosure on top of this hill overlooking the Yellow Creek Valley. The 34-foot high monument was dedicated in 1886.

CITY: Kent

Deerpath Golf Course

Deerpath Golf Course in Lake Forest opens for play in March and closes for the season on or about December 15. This 18-hole public course, measures 6,255 yards with a par 70 and 5,487 yards with a par 72 for women. The course has spectacular mature trees, high quality naturalized areas and beautiful water features including ponds and streams. The Deerpath Golf Academy offers the finest golf instruction on the North Shore. Golfers of all abilities will realize immediate and sustainable improvement for a lifetime of better golf.

CITY: Lake Forest

Buchanan's Orchard

Open in season, with peaches available mid-August.

CITY: Lawrenceville

Lena Area Historical Museum

The Lena Historical Museum tells the history of Lena and the surrounding area, with galleries focusing on various historical topics. Highlights include a Civil War regimental flag and an extensive clothing collection. Also on the grounds are a summer kitchen, the first log schoolhouse built in Lena, an Illinois Central Railroad caboose, a general store, a recreated chapel, and a barn filled with antique vehicles and farm tools.

CITY: Lena