2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 103 items found in Outdoors & Play
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
CoCo Key Water Resort - Rockford
CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, is Rockford's home for any-weather family water park fun. Attached to the Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center, CoCo Key Water Resort makes for a perfect tropical family getaway. Explore over 60,000 square feet of indoor water park fun with three giant waterslides, Coconut Grove Adventure River, Parrot's Perch interactive Play Island, indoor/outdoor spa, kiddie pool with zero depth entry, 10,000 square foot Key Quest Arcade, private cabanas, birthday party rooms, and more
CITY: Rockford
Azoosment Park at Santa's Village
Azoosment Park at Santa's Village is an amusement park/petting zoo. Unlimited pony rides and amusement rides with one paid admission.
CITY: East Dundee
Magic Waters Waterpark
Some of the many fun water attractions include the five-story Abyss (a dark tunnel tube ride), the two-person Splash Blaster water coaster, Tsunami Bay (Illinois' largest wave pool), Splash Magic River, and Little Lagoon for the tykes. The newest ride is the Double Dare Drop speed slides. Each slide drops riders 75 feet, making the thrill ride the steepest speed slide in northern Illinois.
CITY: Cherry Valley
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
Belvidere Park District
The Belvidere Park District spans stretches of the Kishwaukee River and Mill Race. It's a great place for fishing, biking and playing tennis, and includes a playground, picnic shelters, pool, swinging bridge and the historic Baltic Mill.
CITY: Belvidere
Volcano Falls Adventure Park
Play miniature golf on the ground-shaking Volcano Course under the shadow of a three-story erupting volcano or take it easy on the nine-hole Palm Course. Sharpen your sports skills in batting cages and the area's only soccer cages; enjoy "combat" with your friends in the Laser Zone; and race around the Go-Kart track.
CITY: Loves Park
Trolley Car #36
Take a 45-minute trolley ride along the Rock River, into Rockford's industrial roots and through Sinnissippi Gardens, where you'll visit the greenhouse, lagoon and beautiful planted gardens.
CITY: Rockford
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
Paddle and Trail
Paddle and Trail is an independently owned, full service outdoor retailer and outfitter specializing in paddle sports, bicycling, trail runninng, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and adventure racing. Explore the beautiful waterways and trails of northern Illinois with Paddle and Trail trips. The store hosts the Regional Activity Center located beyind their building on Windsor Lake, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking and more water sport activities.
CITY: Loves Park
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
Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park
World's first exclusive snowboard area, USASA regional event location, state of the art snowmaking system.
CITY: Algonquin
Forest City Queen Riverboat
Many cruise options on the Rock River are available, including hourly narrated tours, family-style picnics and elegant dining.
CITY: Rockford
Edwards Orchard
Open August through November, come visit our farm this fall to share in our rustic culture and enjoy a taste of the season. Many varieties of apples to taste. Also available, in season, are raspberries, pumpkins, home-made goodies, and our famous apple cider donuts. Take a horse drawn ride out to the orchard to pick your own apples too. Family tradition starts here! There's a petting zoo too.
CITY: Poplar Grove
Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Centre
Considered a "must play" course in the Midwest, Aldeen has an impressive list of accolades, including being voted best municipal course in Illinois by Golf Digest, and ranking number 38 in Golf Magazine's Thrifty 50 list.
CITY: Rockford
Summerfield Farm & Zoo
Summerfield Zoo is home to a large variety of exotic animals, ranging from reindeer and monkeys to camels and mountain lions. We are proud to offer an up close and personal animal experience. While at the zoo, enjoy our education and fun animal encounter presentations. Summerfield Zoo is open selected weekends May through November.
CITY: Belvidere
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
Kuipers Family Farm
Kuipers Family Farm is a 230 acre entertainment farm. U-Pick Apple Orchard September thru October. Orchard Store is open thru Mid December offering apples, pasteurized apple cider, our famous cider donuts, home baked pies, cream & butter fudge & country gifts and goodies. Have we grown a challenge for you at The Amazing Maize Maze open weekends only thru October. U-Pick Pumpkin Farm Mid September thru October features Scarecrow Acres where customers can enjoy hay wagon and pony rides, the Haunted Forest, a petting corral and much more down-on-the-farm fun! U-Cut or precut Christmas Trees Nov. thru Mid Dec. Apples: McIntosh, Prima, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonamac, Cameo, Ozark Gold, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Golden Supreme, Spartan, Shizuka, Goldrush, Blushing Golden, Breaburn, Ida Red, Mutsu, Red Delicious, Rome Beauty, Granny Smith plus new upcoming varieties.
CITY: Maple Park
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
Beattie Park
Downtown park on the banks of the Rock River. Site of several Native American "Effigy Mounds," which have been preserved, and home to Rockford Artists Fair.
CITY: Rockford
Kegel's Harley-Davidson/Buell
World's oldest family owned Harley-Davidson dealership. Large, showy shop with leather-wear, Harley-Davidson apparel and accessories. Close to Bypass U.S. 20 and CherryVale Mall in Cherry Valley. Motorcycle rentals and full service department.
CITY: Rockford
Rock Cut State Park
Beautiful Illinois state park with two lakes set off the park's 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. A second 50-acre Olson Lake is especially for swimmers. Fishing, boat launches, restored prairie and birdwatching, hiking, extensive campgrounds, paddleboat and canoe rental, horse and bike trails, cross-country ski trails and concessions.
CITY: Loves Park
Illinois Lincoln Highway
Take a journey on the Illinois Lincoln Highway, a 179 mile National Scenic Byway. From the Indiana border, west toward the mighty MIssissippi, you will find an adventure filled with variety, rich in history and heritage. As you travel the Lincoln Highway route across northern Illinois, take time to discover each communities' unique culture and special offerings and find a past era woven together with the present.
CITY: Belvidere
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
Illinois Lincoln Highway Interpretive Gazebo - DeKalb
The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition presents 16 Interpretive Gazebos along the Lincoln Highway, a 179-mile National Scenic Byway in Northern Illinois. The DeKalb gazebo offers a unique and interactive way for visitors to learn the significance of the highway in DeKalb while enjoying stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its other Illinois communities.
CITY: DeKalb
Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard
Enjoy 22 varieties of pick-your-own and pre-picked apples from August through October, breakfast or lunch in the Country Restaurant, a miniature train ride, carousel, petting zoo, gift shop and bakery, and seasonal events that include Applefest and Pumpkinfest.
CITY: Harvard
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
Natural Resource Center
The Natural Resource Center is located at Russell Preserve, and is open to the public on weekends. The Center offers a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing for all members of the family. The Center can be reserved by school groups and other organizations for outdoor educational field trips. While there, take a walk through Russell Preserve, beneath mature oaks and hickories, surrounded by woodland wildflowers. In the winter, Russell Preserve is a great place for tobogganning.
CITY: Genoa
Sinnissippi Golf Course
This nine-hole course, located in Sinnissippi Park, offers challenges for advanced golfers and novices. The 3,230-yard course is best known for its hilly layout and tree-lined fairways.
CITY: Rockford
Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze
Richardson Adventure Farm offers 5 mazes with 33 acres of maze fields. For example, there is the Finger Fortune Trail for a quick maze that only takes 10 minutes. On another adventure, the Quiz Maze, answer fun quiz questions to guide you through and if you have the wrong answers, you'll go the wrong way! Family fun at every turn in the World's Largest Corn Maze, pumpkin patch, & Christmas trees. Fans of the board game, Clue, will instantly recognize the similarity to our maze game, FSI Farm Scene Investigation. Also enjoy the 50' tall observation tower, a Zip Line that is 30' high and 700' long, the ZORB Ride, beautiful wooded picnic area, free campfires, 3 wooden bridges in the corn maze, pedal carts and trikes, feed the goats, corn cabin, concessions for sale and free wagon ride to the five acre maze (weekends).
CITY: Spring Grove
Elliot Golf Course
Located on Rockford's far east side, Elliot is an 18-hole course with 6,443 yards of rolling terrain, large trees and spacious greens. A smattering of water hazards and sand bunkers make Elliot a challenging course for any golfer.
CITY: Rockford
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
Wing Park Golf Course
Accessible and perfect for a quick nine, Wing Park's greens are small and hard to hit. The course is a manageable length for beginners and seniors.
CITY: Elgin
Whisper Creek Golf Course
This beautiful course is set on 240 acres rich in bluegrass, protected wetland environments, and even magnificent rock formations with casading waterfalls.
CITY: Huntley
Von Bergens Country Market
In fall enjoy farm animals, pumpkin picking, a train ride, seasonal decorations and a craft corner. An annual antique tractor show is held in September.
CITY: Hebron
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
Sycamore Family Sports Center
Enjoy family fun at the Sports Center with a golf driving range, an 18-hole mini golf course, six batting cages from Little League to professional, go-karts and soccer kicking cages.
CITY: Sycamore
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
Chain O'Lakes State Park
Located in the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain O'Lakes State Park is a water oriented recreation area with outstanding opportunities for boaters, anglers and skiers. The park borders three natural lakes - Grass, Marie and Nippersink - and the Fox River. The park also contains a 44-acre lake within its boundaries. Comprising of over 6,000 acres; the recreational opportunities include two campgrounds with over 230 sites with a youth group area to accommodate 150 youngsters, seven picnic areas and trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding with horse rental and horse-drawn wagon rides are available May-Oct. Hunting, ice fishing and ice skating are offered in the fall and winter months.
CITY: Spring Grove
Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural -- DeKalb
The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The DeKalb mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on DeKalb and the other communities along the Illinois route.
CITY: DeKalb
Winnebago County Forest Preserve District
Over 9,500 acres for outdoor fun in 40 locations throughout Winnebago County. 87 miles of hiking trails, 28 shelter houses, 4 campgrounds, 4 rivers, 5 education centers, birdwatching in many locations. Restored prairie and hiking paths at headquarters.
CITY: Rockford
Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Genoa
The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Genoa mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Genoa and the other communities along the Illinois route.
CITY: Genoa
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Kingston Fest & Kardboard Boat Regatta!
Kingston Fest is a craft and vendor fair, live music and games in the shady Kingston Township Park. Bring your swimsuit and try the new dual slide Water Slide. Race your friends on two huge obstacle courses! Kiddie Bouncer and slide combo are $1 for tickets, 25 cents for other children’s games. Community games will be at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30. There will be horseshoe, bags and softball tournaments. The Kardboard Boat Regatta is always great family fun, watch boats made out of cardboard race on the Kishwaukee River.
CITY: Kingston
Stade Dairy Farm
A producer of milk, vegetables and grains since 1977, the farm offers tours, and presents the annual Shades of Autumn festival during the month of September.
CITY: McHenry
Chain O' Lakes State Park
2,793-acre state park and a 3,230-acre conservation area provide a water-oriented recreation area for boaters, anglers, and skiers.
CITY: Spring Grove
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
Richardson Farm Corn Mazes
Enjoy hours of fun solving giant mazes. Varying difficulty, new theme each year. Picnic area, concessions, petting zoo, and ample parking. Christmas Trees in December.
CITY: Spring Grove
Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Cortland
The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Cortland mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Cortland and the other communities along the Illinois route.
CITY: Cortland
Golf Club of Illinois
Hailed by Golf Digest as "The best example of target golf yet built," the Golf Club includes pot bunkers, double greens, fescue-covered mounds and water hazards.
CITY: Algonquin
Lippold Park Family Golf Center
The mini putt courses have been designed with separate themes, including the handicapped accessible Sports-N-Courts with a sports theme, and Tees-N-Trees with a prairie theme.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Sandy Hollow Golf Course
A popular 18-hole course on Rockford's south side, Sandy Hollow is a tree-lined fairway course with strategically placed fairway bunkers. One of the more challenging holes on the 6,228-yard course is No. 11, which requires a tee shot over a pond.
CITY: Rockford
Swanhills Golf
This beautiful 18-hole golf course is enjoyable for all levels of golfers, located just minutes from Rockford in Belvidere.
CITY: Belvidere
Spartan Meadows Golf Club
This course is a challenge for all levels, with competitive rates and a friendly staff.
CITY: Elgin
Boone Creek Golf Course
This course has 27 holes, rated at a par 71, along with nine holes at a par 35.
CITY: McHenry
Red Tail Golf Club
This 18-hole championship golf course has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, 4-1/2 stars by Chicagoland Golf, and has been voted one of the best values in all of Illinois.
CITY: Crystal Lake
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
Elgin Park District
Outdoor ice skating; new refrigerated skating system; warming shelters available.
CITY: Elgin
Countryside West
This nine-hole public golf course, opened in 1966, is a par 34 at 2,465 yards. Rental carts are available.
CITY: DeKalb
Oak Club Genoa
This picturesque, 18-hole watered course winds through wooded and lowland areas along the meandering Kishwaukee River. Oak Club is rated among the region's top 20 courses by Chicagoland Golf.
CITY: Genoa
Chapel Hill Country Club
Enjoy the delightful rural atmosphere at this semi-private facility located near the banks of the Fox River in lovely McHenry. Accept the challenge to play the longest hole in Illinois, measuring over 700 yards.
CITY: McHenry
Hunter Country Club
This 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course has a restaurant on the premises. Carts are not mandatory, as this is a walking course.
CITY: Richmond
Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children's Farm
Forty acres of woods and meadows for riders eight years old and up; trail rides--excellent for first-time or occasional riders--offered on weekends. Also in Lockwood Park: pony ring, wagon rides, hayrides, petting farm and riding lessons. Special season opening activities in the spring and Halloween hayrides in the fall. Call for hours, rates and group outing opportunities.
CITY: Rockford
The Ledges Golf Course
Built in 1966 with water on 10 holes, this 18-hole course is par 72.
CITY: Roscoe
Oney's Tree Farm
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to find your perfect Christmas tree and browse the gift shop.
CITY: Woodstock
Prairie Pines Golf Course
Located 2 1/2 miles west of Annie Glidden Road on Route 38 in Dekalb, Illinois. The nine-hole, par 34 facility features a gently rolling course on 53 acres surrounded by farmland. Soothing views of pine trees and beautiful fields make the experience a pleasure and prevent worries about errant shots hitting homes nearby. Water features are promenant on holes number 2 and 3 and a meandering stream through the course provides ample challenge. Thinking of an outing or a family reunion? You can rent the whole facility at a reasonable price for a few hours or the whole day. Besides access to nine holes of golf and carts, "The Pines" offers fishing in their ponds, a large outdoor barbeque and plenty of space for horseshoes, volleyball, or bag games.
CITY: DeKalb
Flatwater Canoe & Kayak Rental
Come out and experience one of the best water trails in the area and one of a limited number of Class A creeks in Illinois, the Nippersink. Flatwater Canoe & Kayak Rentals encourages you and your friends to escape for the experience of this creek. This water trail offers a variety of stunning scenic views as well as unique wildlife and waterfowl native to northern Illinois. A full-service canoe & kayak company; you can expect not only superior service, but service with integrity and excellence. Accommodate the individual, a two-person outing, or corporate gatherings up to 40 people.
CITY: Richmond
Sycamore Golf Club
This par 71, 18-hole golf club offers watered bent grass fairways, a putting green, swimming pool, tennis courts and horse shoes.
CITY: Sycamore
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
Turnberry Country Club
This private member-owned golf club features an 18-hole course, along with a swimming pool and tennis courts.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Randall Oaks Golf Course
With undulating and quick greens, the course's front nine rolls and winds through 200-year old oak trees, while the back side is longer, with more water and strong winds.
CITY: West Dundee
Green Tree Golf Course
Our facilities include indoor meeting, banquet and reception facilities for small groups or up to 1,000 guests with full food and bar service. Our nine hole championship golf course is creative and challenging. The Executive Chip ‘n Putt course is designed to be fun and flexible.Outdoor facilities include the Tikki Hut Bar and Grille, Orchard Picnic Area, mobile sound stage, horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, badminton and volleyball sets, table tennis and card tables. We will provide children amusements per your request.We invite and will help you mix-and-match our facilities and services to come as close to, as is possible, pleasing each and every one of your guests – from golf outings to multi-activity fun-a-thons with something for everyone!
CITY: DeKalb
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
Deer Run Golf Center
This golf center features a driving range, chipping green, putting green and adventure golf.
CITY: Woodstock
Crystal Woods Golf Club
This beautiful par 72, 18-hole golf course in a scenic rural setting features a driving range and banquet facility.
CITY: Woodstock
River Heights Golf Course
River Heights Golf Course is an 18-hole facility that winds along the banks of the Kiswaukee River in DaKalb County, offering a challenging mix of traditional and links-type holes for the weekend player or serious golfer.
CITY: DeKalb
YWCA Camp Tu-Endie-Wei
Trails, fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, cabins on Willow Lake.
CITY: Elgin
Meadow View Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch & More
In addition to a corn maze, Meadow View includes a two-acre pumpkin patch, hay rides, moon walks, a hay maze for younger children, food and fall decor.
CITY: Harvard
Pinecrest Golf Course
This course includes a restaurant and pro shop, and hosts the McHenry Senior Amateur (a Pinecrest special event).
CITY: Huntley
Garfield Farm
Discover 19th century farming, food production and native Illinois prairie at this 1840's farm. Seminars on prairie, woodlands, wetlands management: bat, blue bird box construction and tree grafting are available.
CITY: Campton Hills
Marengo Ridge Golf Club
Built in 1985, this 18-hole golf course offers a clubhouse, driving range, golf lessons, pro shop and a putting green.
CITY: Marengo
Golf Club at Timber Pointe
This 18-hole golf course is open to the public, and includes a practice facility and full-service clubhouse.
CITY: Poplar Grove
