Anderson Japanese Gardens

Rockford's 12-acre, "pond-strolling" Japanese garden is acclaimed as one of the top two authentic formal Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Winding paths, serene waterfalls, Sukiya-style buildings, and a gift shop selling authentic Japanese crafts make the gardens a must-see.

CITY: Rockford

Garden of the Gods

Explore the dramatic rock formations, cliffs and trails of the most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest. Millions of years in the making, the Garden of the Gods provides spectacular views unlike anywhere in the Midwest. See Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, Devil's Smoke Stack and other magnificent rock formations in this hiker’s and photographer’s wonderland.

CITY: Karbers Ridge

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

Morton Arboretum

Magnificent, 1,700-acre museum of trees and plants from around the world. Hiking trails, paved roads, restaurant, gift shop, open-air tram and handicapped accessible facilities. A perfect place to visit this fall.

CITY: Lisle

Giant City State Park

Spectacular woodlands and sheer sandstone walls create a challenge for rock climbing and rappelling, as well as hiking. Outdoor lovers will also find horseback riding, a lookout tower, cabins and a swimming pool. Dine at historic Giant City Lodge, known for its homemade fried chicken dinner.

CITY: Makanda

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

Matthiessen State Park

Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing.

CITY: Utica

Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Allerton Park was the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton, who donated it to the University of Illinois in 1946. It features 1,500 acres of woodlands, formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures. The park is open to the public for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and leisurely garden strolls.

CITY: Monticello

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

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

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

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

Chestnut Mountain Resort

Full-service, 120-unit resort 8 miles southeast of Galena on a wooded palisade overlooking the Mississippi. One of the Midwest's top-rated ski/snowboard resorts: 19 trails, 475-foot vertical drop, half-mile runs, nine lifts, seven-acre terrain park. Indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, miniature golf, Alpine slide, Mississippi cruises, skiing/snowboard programs, on-site restaurants, lounge.

CITY: Galena

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

Amish Country Tours

A step on guide will accompany your tour of the Amish countryside. The tours will also include meals in Amish homes, and Amish home, buggy shop, dairy farm and woodworking tours. Additional highlights include an Amish museum, local attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.

CITY: Arcola

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The entire facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois with a total of 22,000 square feet, and at the highest point stands 52 feet. A tropical setting includes an 11,000 square foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting. Features: Water features, seating areas, and sculptures--all in a tropical plant setting; changing seasonal floral displays and special events; educational programs where children can learn the importance of plants; special workshops and lecture series for adults; the perfect place to host your event--small weddings, receptions, business meetings; a gift store for that special gift. Free admission the third Wednesday of every month, 3pm-7pm.

CITY: Rockford

Quad City Botanical Center

Rock Island's Quad City Botanical Center houses exotic tropical flowers, a 14-foot waterfall and reflecting pools with koi. Seasonal attractions include a butterfly garden and the Garden Train Railway exhibit. The Botanical Center also regularly hosts art exhibitions and special events for families.

CITY: Rock Island

Mill Creek Farms

Mill Creek Farms' season begins in mid-April with asparagus, mid-May though June for strawberries, early July through August for sweet corn, tomatoes, and green beans, and October for pumpkins. Pumpkin picking, a corn maze and hay rides are offered weekends in October. Support local farming and fun with family or friends!

CITY: Quincy

Midway Village Museum

The museum campus consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artifacts of the era as well as several beautiful 19th century gardens that depict life in northern Illinois from 1890 to 1910. Interpreters in authentic period dress are available seasonally for guided tours. The main museum building holds large group meeting rooms and exhibit space with a number of permanent exhibits reflecting Rockford's history and culture that include The Girls of Summer: Rockford Peaches of the AAGPBL, Queen City of the Prairies: Rockford's First 20 Years and The Missing Link: Socks, Monkeys and Rockford's Industrial Past. Special events throughout the year include a World War II re-enatment, Sock Monkey and Scarecrow Harvest Festivals, and more. Free recreational path located on property.

CITY: Rockford

Luthy Botanical Gardens

This beautiful spot features five acres of landscaped gardens including the Woodland Garden, Children's Garden, Herb Garden and several others. Tropical conservatory is open year-round. Outdoor Garden is open 8:30am to dusk year-round. Closed Mondays.

CITY: Peoria

Belle of the Rock

The Belle of the Rock paddle boat tours are located at historic Starved Rock state park in Utica, Illinois (just 80 miles west of Chicago). In addition to the river tours, we provide canoes and kayaks. Call us today at 815-434-9200 to make your reservation.

CITY: Utica

Lake Decatur

The state's largest artificial body of water, Lake Decatur spans 2,800 acres, with 30 miles of shoreline offering recreational opportunities and wildlife vistas at lakeside parks and the city marina. Water sports include boating, fishing, sailing and jet skiing. While shoreline locations surrounding Nelson Park Marina offer miniature golf, dining, public gardens and picnic facilities.

CITY: Decatur

Model Railroad Garden

The 7,500-square-foot “Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America” exhibition features trains running on 1,600 feet of track, for train and garden enthusiasts to enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of the miniature trains traversing high and low through tunnels, across bridges and around buildings.

CITY: Glencoe

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

The Nest at Palisades Cabins

The Nest at Palisades Cabins offer secluded luxury cabins designed to provide charm, quiet luxury and romance. We’re located on a wooded acreage high above the Mississippi River minutes from Savanna, the Palisades State Park and an easy 20 minute drive to Galena.

CITY: Savanna

Gurler House

Bea Gurler was nine years old when her father George moved his family into the house in 1893. Her cousins, the children of her father’s brother Henry, had been living since 1888 in the Ellwood Mansion. Everyone said it was magnificent. Bea’s parents George and Zillah, evidently shared a taste in homes that favored the elegance of simplicity. It was the unimposing yet dignified structure on Pine Street–where the back door was always open. George and Henry Gurler were both prominent businessmen, and joint owners of a number of dairies. They quickly became world-famous and respected by many dairy farmers. Bea eventually made it a goal of hers to renovate The Gurler House to be the home that she once new and loved. The Gurler House hosts an annual Folk Music Festival every summer, where people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music. While you are at The Gurler House, make sure to take a walk through their beautiful garden.

CITY: DeKalb

Forest Park Nature Center

500-acre Illinois nature preserve offering 7 miles of hiking trails ranging from rigorous uphill courses to flatter, less strenuous paths. The center also features a natural history museum, spacious bird watching room, nature hikes, guided walks and a nature store.

CITY: Peoria

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

Lincoln-Douglas Statues

Located at Lincoln Memorial Park, visitors can "Walk Where Lincoln Walked" by following the presidents footsteps from Jonesboro Square to the park.

CITY: Jonesboro

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

John Hauberg Indian Museum

Discover the history of the Sauk and Meskwaki Native Americans in this intimate museum located in the Watch Tower Lodge situated in Black Hawk State Historic Site. This small museum tells the story of these tribes, the great warrior Black Hawk and the village of Saukenuk. After a visit to the museum, be sure to explore the wooded trails that wind throughout this beautiful park located on the Rock River. The Watch Tower Lodge was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and features a special Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit that highlights the building of the lodge.

CITY: Rock Island

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

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre “living museum” filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees. A handicapped-accessible paved path winds through the arboretum, and kids will have fun navigating the maze in the Children’s Garden.

CITY: Rockford

Washington Park Botanical Garden

20 Acre site with Rose Garden, Rockery, and Fountain Beds, perennial border along with domed conservatory.

CITY: Springfield

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

Pollinatarium

The University of Illinois Pollinitarium is the first free-standing science center in the nation devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators. Its location in the midst of the Arboretum brings together flowers and pollinators physically and conceptually. Changing exhibits relate to world events and ongoing research on pollinators. Guests can explore beekeeping equipment, see live demonstrations and play interactive games. Because so much depends on pollination, the UI Pollinatarium is dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation of pollination as a remarkable ecological partnership and an essential ecosystem service.

CITY: Urbana

Cheney Mansion

One of Oak Park's finest showplaces, the 12,000 sq. foot, 1913 mansion is located in the Historic District. Reminiscent of a gracious English country home and surrounded by 2 acres of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and coach house.

CITY: Oak Park

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

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

UI Arboretum

See a beautiful collection of gardens, flowers and habitats at this University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign arboretum. Visitors can experience nature's four seasons in a single setting.

CITY: Urbana

River Trail of Illinois

This 10-foot wide asphalt trail winds 4.8 miles along the former Illinois Terminal Railroad Co. path. Build in 1991, the River Trail provides a safe scenic route for outdoor recreation year round, winter weather permitting. The trail affords patrons the opportunity to experience the natural preservation of wildflowers, grasses, trees and wildlife. With direct access at the Park Administration Center, Bunnell field, and Taylor Street ball diamonds, and in close proximity to Veterans Park, Central Jr. High, West Park, and local restaurants, the River Trail offers something for everyone!

CITY: East Peoria

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Untouched by glaciers that left their mark elsewhere in the state, this park is rich with rock formations carved by erosion. The park features pileated woodpeckers, migratory waterfowl and other wildlife species.

CITY: Savanna

Batavia Riverwalk

A 32-acre park built in cooperation with Batavia Park District, the city of Batavia and the Batavia Riverwalk Committee. Park your bikes by the Depot Museum and stroll the boardwalks through the wildflower garden.

CITY: Batavia

Oak Park Conservatory

Discover this botanical gem that includes fern, tropical and desert greenhouses. Special floral displays are presented in winter and spring. The Tropical Room boasts birds, and a bridged lagoon with fish and turtles. A display conservatory with three show houses, fern and floral room.

CITY: Oak Park

Phillips Park

Located on over 325 acres, popular attractions include the Mastodon Gallery, the gorgeous Sunken Garden, an 18-hole golf course/driving range, the zoo, a 28-acre fishing lake with a one-mile multiple use trail, war memorials and the Winter Recreation Area. Phillips Park Visitors Center & Mastodon Gallery showcases the mastodon bones that were unearthed in the park during a 1934 Civil Works Administration Project. The skull being the largest of the artifacts, weighs 188 pounds.

CITY: Aurora

Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden

The gardens boast some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in east-central IL. It also features the award-winning Miriam Davies Memorial Enabling Garden.

CITY: Mahomet

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

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

Long's Garden

Tour the walk-through gardens and browse the nursery selling 170 different ornamental grasses, trees and shrubs.

CITY: Fulton

Lambs Farm

Lambs Farm features a farmyard with a petting area and a variety of attractions like mini-golf, a mini-train ride, cow bounce house and an Old World carousel. There is also a pet shop, the Country Inn Restaurant, a thrift shop, and a country store and bakery that benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities.

CITY: Libertyville

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

Weber House and Garden

Historic home long associated with the rich and famous, Weber House sits in an English garden of meandering paths, hollyhocks and old oaks. Inside cozy candlelit rooms reflect the 18th century.

CITY: Streator

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

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

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

Mississippi River Lodge

Our Mississippi River Lodge is located right on the banks on the Mighty Mississippi River between Savanna and Thomson Illinois and offers awe-inspiring views from every angle. We offer 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room with fireplace & big screen TV, deck with grill, a fully stocked kitchen and much more! If you are a river lover, this is the place for you. Fishing, water skiing, tubing, or cruising up the river, it's all here for your enjoyment. Since we are located on Big Slough, off of the main channel of the river, you can have fun without having to deal with a lot of river traffic. Access to the main channel is easy if you want to cruise the river. Only five miles up the river is Lower Sabula Lake which offers a great new sand beach. There is a public boat launch only a quarter mile from the house and a dock is provided to moor your boat at the house. If you do not have a boat, you can fish off the dock or the bank.

CITY: Thomson

Coral Woods - McHenry County Conservation District

This sugar maple forest provides the sweet sap necessary for annual maple sugar programs, and is also known for its magnificent display of spring wildflowers. Activities include hiking, x-country skiing, picnic shelters and scenic views.

CITY: Marengo

Fragrant Fields

This 20-year-old herb and perennial plant nursery offers more than 200 varieties of common and uncommon plants. Sip a glass of lemonade as you view the gardens, feed the catfish in the pond and shop for garden items.

CITY: Dongola

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

Downtown Itasca

Restaurants and shopping line this downtwon area. Home to the Itasca Art and Wine Festival. Scenic Riverwalk takes you from the nature center to the waterpark.

CITY: Roselle

Fox River Bike Trail

Dawn until dusk, a 36 m. trail is the forefront of outdoor recreation passing through Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and Aurora. It winds along the banks of the Fox River through miles of prairie grass, overshadowing trees and blooming flowers.

CITY: Elgin

Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center

The Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center is a joint project of the Homewood-Flossmoor (HF Parks.com) and Olympia Fields (OF Parks.com) park districts. The near 40-acre nature preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife and habitat types. See beautiful woods, wildflowers, birds and furry friends along the way. There are trails along both sides of the park which is located at Vollmer and Western Avenues in Olympia Fields. Please be careful when crossing Vollmer Road. The Park is open to the public daily, sunrise to sunset

CITY: Olympia Fields

Chicago Park District

Come out and play with the Chicago Park District. Founded in 1934, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks.

CITY: Chicago

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

Lincoln Trail State Park

Whether you are looking for history, unusual plant life or recreation, Lincoln Trail State Park has something to interest you. The area is named after the Lincoln Heritage Trail where Abraham Lincoln's family followed en route from Indiana to Illinois in 1831. Lincoln Trail State Park offers American beech woods and a nature preserve with hiking trails, boat rentals, camping, biking, bird watching, fishing, ice fishing and ice skating. Restaurant open seasonally.

CITY: Marshall

Anita Purves Nature Center

Located at the north end of Crystal Lake, this nature center is an environmental education facility that provides a natural resource for people interested in learning more about the outdoors.

CITY: Urbana

Shoal Creek Nature Preserve

This 260-acre site offers nature trails for visitors to explore wetlands, prairie openings, and sandstone bluffs and ledges. The preserve is home to more than 700 plants and 70 bird species, including bald eagles during the winter months.

CITY: Litchfield

Round Lake Area Park District

Round Lake Area Park District offers visitors a wide range of activities and facilities to enjoy. They include the Renwood Golf Course, the new sports center, the Prairie Grass Nature Museum, community theatre, outdoor pool/aquatic center, fitness center, child development center, teen center, senior center and acres of picturesque parklands. Private parties/outings at any of the facilities can be accommodated.

CITY: Round Lake

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center

Wilderness area, wildlife viewing, walking trails, special events, gift shop, campgrounds, fishing, boating, sailing, fishing tournaments; must get a "user pass" at Visitors Center for these lakes.

CITY: Marion

Ecology Action Center

This walk-in information and environmental education center offers workshops on recycling, composting and energy saving.

CITY: Normal

Oakdale Nature Preserve

This Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woodlands, restored prairies and shallow streams. Over four miles of winding trails are great for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, nature study and quiet reflection. Facilities, which are available to rent, include the Mogle Learning Center with meeting space for 20 people, a lodge with a kitchen and dining hall that can seat up to 80. The Oakdale Octagon Shelter has seating for up to 350 and a stage. Two picnic shelters as well as other picnic tables are available.

CITY: Freeport

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

Eagle Watching - Union County Refuge

The Union County Refuge in Union offers a popular spot for bald eagle watching. Visitors can view bald eagles and take wildlife photography off the main road, which runs down the middle of the wildlife refuge. Park rangers will be available weekdays to answer questions about the eagles and other wildlife spotted in the refuge. Admission is free. For more information on eagle watching, contact the Union County Refuge (618-833-5175).

CITY: Jonesboro

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

Lowell Park

Featuring 240 acres, Nature Center, parking, boat launches and Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, cross-country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment, and more. Ronald Reagan saved 77 lives here as a lifeguard during his boyhood years.

CITY: Dixon

Artesian Well at Paradise Cove

Nestled along Indian Creek is a natural artesian well where thousands of gallons of pure water flow each day - as it has since 1927. A ten foot water wheel is turned continually by the flowing water. The sire, which is accessed by Stephenson County's only covered bridge, includes a waterfall, large flower beds and gazebo to enjoy while sipping the bubbling water

CITY: Winslow

Fermilab

Fermi is the site of the world's most powerful particle accelerator, where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns and a buffalo herd are also on display.

CITY: Batavia

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

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

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

Lincoln-Prairie Grass Trail

two miles of paved surface and 10 miles of aggregate surface. Jogging, walking, equestrian riding and biking permitted.

CITY: Charleston

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

Moraine Hills State Park

More than 10 miles of one-way trails throughout its 2,052 acres of rolling hills make Moraine Hills popular for hikers and bicyclists.

CITY: McHenry

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

Marengo Ridge - McHenry County Conservation District

The major glacial feature at Marengo Ridge Conservation area is the Marengo Ridge, from which the site derives its name. Left by the retreating Wisconsin glacier, the Marengo Ridge moraine is 40 miles long and 3 miles wide, creating one of the steepest vertical moraines in Illinois, at 1,050 feet above sea level. This rugged, fire-protected topography supported wooded communities dominated by oak species. Site features hiking trails, campground, picnic shelters, scenic views, x-country skiing, and fishing.

CITY: Marengo

The Grove National Historic Landmark

This 124-acre nature preserve has walking trails, a nature center with live Illinois wildlife exhibits and five historic buildings.

CITY: Glenview

Homer Lake Forest Preserve

Homer Lake Forest Preserve contains 892 acres for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and sledding. Also available is an exciting Environmental Education Center, which hosts thousands every year, building rentals and programs like Homer Lake Take Me Fishing. The preserve also recently opened (September 2012) the Natural Playscape, a playground of all natural materials that allow children to rediscover outdoor play.

CITY: Homer

Willowbrook Wildlife Center

DuPage's premier wildlife rehabilitation and educational facility. Over 90 species of injured native wild animals are on exhibit. Open daily. Donations encouraged.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

Mill Creek Park

Mill Creek Park is located seven miles northwest of Marshall, Illinois on the Lincoln Heritage Trail road. Mill Creek consists of 2,600 acres of land and 811 acres of water with 39 miles of shoreline. Since opening, the park has continued to develop; there are picnic areas on either side of the boat launch and at areas around the lake, a 139 site campground with shower facilities and playground, 15 mile ATV trails, horse and walking trails, courtesy docks, cabin and boat rental including kayaks and paddle boats.

CITY: Marshall

Lowden-Miller State Forest

A 2,225-acre state forest situated along the Rock River. Enjoy hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing and equestrian trails.

CITY: Oregon

Center Children's Farm

Experience life down on the farm during guided family tours, or take a hike on the peaceful nature trail.

CITY: Palos Park

Trailside Museum

Get in touch with nature in this beautiful wooded setting near the Des Plaines River, where you can view local wild animals that have been rescued from the surrounding area.

CITY: River Forest

Red Oak Nature Center

A visit to the center will help folks learn about the native plants and animals of the Fox River Valley. Interpretive center, hiking trails, and tours of Devil's Cave.

CITY: Batavia

Rock Springs Center for Environmental Discovery

Rock Springs Center is the largest park in the Macon County Conservation District properties with a total of 1,343 acres in the southwest area of Decatur, IL. The Sangamon River runs through Rock Springs and several small ponds dot the landscape. A wide range of terrain including forest, wetland, grassland, and restored Illinois prairie make Rock Springs a destination for nature lovers. Rock Springs is also home to a large nature center, a museum, a restored farmhouse, nearly nine miles of hiking trails, and a paved bike trail. Rock Springs is a favorite for families all year round. Rooms and pavilions are available for rent for meetings and events.

CITY: Decatur

Nauvoo State Park

Offers a timbered nature trail, a small prairie plot, and a quiet fishing lake on its 148 acres.

CITY: Nauvoo