2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 127 items found in Outdoors & Play
The Canoe Shack
Trip 1 - So. Elgin to St. Charles. Our most popular canoe or kayak trip. Relax and enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the beautiful Fox River. This is a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hr. 7 1/2 mi. paddle with no dams. Each canoe can hold 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 small kids. Rental includes a canoe or kayak, paddles, life preservers and shuttle. A nice trip for families, friends and groups of up to 100. Open mid April to mid - November. Please call in advance for reservations.
CITY: St. Charles
Fox River Canoe & Kayak
This is self guided river trips with canoe or kayak. The St. Charles trip takes about 2 1/2 hours.
CITY: St. Charles
Mill Creek Golf Club
This 18-hole championship golf course, featuring wildflowers and elevated tees, offers spectacular views of the Fox Valley region.
CITY: Geneva
Fox Valley Ice Arena & Fitness Club
Year-round sports complex with 3 ice surfaces, full-service pro shop, full-service fitness club, and on-site restaurant. Also home of The Chicago Freeze Junior A Hockey Team.
CITY: Geneva
Gebhard Woods State Park/IDNR
Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Fishing, boating and bird watching are also popular activities. This picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.
CITY: Morris
East Side Sports Complex
A public park with lighted softball/baseball fields, basketball courts, playground, skateboard park, volleyball courts, tennis courts, dog park, fishing pond with a pier, shelter, walking trail, restroom.
CITY: St. Charles
Wheaton Park District
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Enjoy 829 acres of park facilities that include a water park, children's zoo, teams course, golf course, playgrounds, open space, athletic fields, sand volleyball, tennis, ice skating, playgrounds, swimming pools, in-line skating and hockey area and more!
CITY: Wheaton
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area
Largest tall grass prairie in Illinois. Big bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass thrive here, as do broad-leafed flowering plants known as forbs. Hiking and cross-country skiing.
CITY: Morris
Canlan Ice Arena
Canlan Ice Sports Romeoville is a 3-sheet ice facility featuring industry leading sport development programs, leagues, special events and birthday parties. It’s the premier skating facility in Romeoville, IL. Open Mon-Fri 8am-11:00pm Sat & Sun 6am-11:00pm
CITY: Romeoville
Shabbona Lake State Park
Shabbona Lake State Park has 1,550 acres of rolling prairie and features a 318.8acre man-made fishing lake. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient, natural haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports, Shabbona Lake is a convenient and comfortable retreat where you can refresh and reinvigorate yourself in a rare, unspoiled environment.
CITY: Shabbona
Splash Park at Campton Hills Park
The splash park has many interactive water play features for children of all ages to enjoy. Some features include spray columns, spray loops, dumping buckets, spray cannons, bubblers, geysers and water wheels. These water features are constructed on top of a safety surface. The facility has a sand play area with water and sand play toys. This facility also has deck chairs and shade structures.
CITY: St. Charles
Woodruff Golf Course
Opened in 1921, Woodruff is an 18-hole sporty course with hilly terrain and a clubhouse.
CITY: Joliet
Ferson Creek Park
Beautiful park along the Fox River & Ferson Creek offers picnic sites, shelter, playground, fishing and and canoe launch.
CITY: St. Charles
Canoe & Pedal Boat Rentals: Pottawatomie Park
Enjoy the scenery from the waters of the Fox River! Rentals Mid-May through Mid-August. All rentals launch from the River View Miniature Golf Complex within Pottawatomie Park. Deposit required. Children age 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult (age 18+). All rentals are subject to safe river & weather conditions. Sorry, no boat rentals on July 4th.
CITY: St. Charles
Mt. St. Mary Park
Riverside park offering paved bike trails, fishing, picnic areas, shelter & tennis courts, outdoor arboretum, skateboard park, playground, canoe launch, picturesque pond and waterfall. Located on the Fox River Trail.
CITY: St. Charles
Great Western Trail
The western-most, and older, section of the Great Western Trail is located between St. Charles in Kane County and eastern Sycamore in DeKalb County. This section of right-of-way was abandoned in 1977. The 18-mile (20km) crushed-stone path traverses unincorporated rural townships, natural wetlands, some restored prairie and farmland. The trail also passes through Virgil and Lily Lake and parallels Illinois Route 64,
CITY: St. Charles
Carol Stream Park District
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Stay active! This award-winning parks & recreation agency offers over 400 acres of parks, 5 miles of paved trails, 3 recreation centers, free special events & hundreds of recreation, dance, gymnastics, summer camp, sports & fitness & active adult programs.
CITY: Carol Stream
Prairie Bluff Golf Club
This 18-hole championship course has a driving range and learning center.
CITY: Lockport
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
Nature preserve for bird watching. There are herons and egrets which flourish through the parks and around the lake.
CITY: Plainfield
Edgebrook Country Club
This semi-private course has tree-lined fairways and a hilly terrain. There is a creek and lake that come into play on six holes, and out-of-bounds stakes on just about every hole.
CITY: Sandwich
Pottawatomie Park Golf
This nine-hole course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
CITY: St. Charles
Pottawatomie Park
Historic park offers swimming pools, picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds, sand volleyball court, seasonal canoe and pedal boat rentals. Nine-hole golf course, 18 hole miniature golf course. Multi-use community center, paddlewheel riverboat cruises, tennis courts, native plant demonstration garden, paved bike trails, fishing. Located only the Fox River Trail.
CITY: St. Charles
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
Boughton Ridge Golf Course
Situated on 45 beautiful acres, this nine-hole, 2205-yard, Par 32, executive length course offers the perfect course for a quick round of great golf.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook Park District
Providing over 2,100 opportunities for recreation. Relax, have fun and embrace the power of recreation.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Gebbhard Woods State Park
Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Fishing, boating and bird watching are also popular activities. This picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.
CITY: Morris
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
A destination unlike any other--part educational facility and part entertainment venue! LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, indoor turtle pond and wetland exhibit, live animal displays, interactive floor-to-ceiling murals, birthday parties, facility rentals.
CITY: St. Charles
Warrenville Park District
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - FitnessNOW - State of the art cardiovascular equipment; Cybex cardio equipment with built in TVs; three lane indoor track; strength training; personal trainers; affordable fees; fun, knowledgeable and motivated staff; and convenient location. Enjoy nine community parks and a variety of sports and activities.
CITY: Warrenville
DuPage County Trail System
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - A 61-mile hiking, biking and nature trail follows the bed of a long-gone railroad. It's one of the nation's first linear recreation trails and a model for others in the United States.
CITY: Wheaton
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm
Siegel's Cottonwood farm is a fourth generation working farm established in 1909. In the spring and early summer, the farm is open with a garden center featuring flowers, shrubs, and plants. From June 1st thru October, the farm is available for company picnics, group outings, corporate events and fundraisers. In the summer when the crop is ready its extra sweet corn. In the fall its Pumpkinfest time on the farm with playlands, cornfield mazes, new fun attractions, climbing wall, gem mining and much more. And then there is the award winning haunted prison, "Statesville."
CITY: Crest Hill
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Named after a small pool of clear, bubbling water found at the site. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
CITY: Yorkville
Race View Farms RV Camping
RV, camper and car parking during major races at Chicagoland speedway and at Rte. 66 Raceway.
CITY: Joliet
Centennial Beach
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Jump in to summer fun at Centennial Beach! Featuring four acres of grass and trees, a sand beach, water play features, an NCAA/U.S.S.-approved diving complex, this historic beach is a place the whole family can enjoy! With water depths ranging from zero to 15 feet, the facility caters to swimmers of all skill levels. Combined with a playground, Frisbee® Area, shallow end slide, concessions stand and Beach store, Centennial Beach is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Named "best public place to swim" in 2008 by Fox News Chicago viewers in an online poll!
CITY: Naperville
Brunswick Zone XL
Brunswick Zone XL is a full-feature, family-friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Brunswick Zone XL is a great place for Corporate Parties, Team Challenges, Monumental Moments and Birthday Parties! Call us today for more details. Become a fan of Brunswick Zone XL on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bowlbrunswick
CITY: Romeoville
Springbrook Marina
Full-service marina. New and used boat sales, transient slips, fuel, restaurant. Open year-round.
CITY: Seneca
CPX Sports
A 143-acre extreme sports park featuring paintball, mountain bike trails, skate park and monthly airsoft games. Available for open or private play year round. Visit www.cpxsports.com or call 815/726-2800 for more info.
CITY: Joliet
Wedgewood Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course is known for its hilly terrain, and features a clubhouse.
CITY: Joliet
River View Miniature Golf Course
Most challenging course in the Fox Valley Area! Naturally landscaped greens - multiple obstacles - sand traps - waterfall and babbling brook - windmill - lighthouse - bridges. Daily specials & discounts. Scenic views along the Fox River.
CITY: St. Charles
Coyote Crossing Mini Golf Course
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Professionally designed 18-hole golf course. Putt around a waterfall, through a cave, over a river and under rocks. Coyote Crossing is a great place for birthdays, rentals, picnics, company and other group outings.
CITY: West Chicago
Inwood Park
Inwood Park is located southwest of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. The park has tennis courts, fitness trails, a playground and picnic area. Horseshoes and bocce ball are also on the grounds.
CITY: Joliet
Primrose Farm Park
Park has ball fields, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer goal posts, playground, benches & picnic tables, parking lot, pavilion and restrooms. A great family and group park.
CITY: St. Charles
Settler's Hill Golf Course
This unique 18-hole course was built on the site of the old County Farm and Home; the dairy barn has been remodeled and is now used as a clubhouse. The course is 6,449 yards, par 72.
CITY: Geneva
Ruffled Feathers Golf Club
Just 40 minutes from Chicago lies one of the area's premier golf courses. The only Illinois course designed by Pete Dye offers a world-class golf experience and outstanding banquets/weddings for our guests.
CITY: Lemont
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
Naperbrook Golf Course
Naperbrook Golf Course is an 18-hole links-style course featuring rolling hills, native prairie grass and an ever-present breeze. The course offers a ten-acre driving range, separate teaching tee, 10,000 square-foot practice green and versatile clubhouse.
CITY: Plainfield
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
William G. Stratton State Park
Although only 613 acres in size along the Illinois River, this state park is widely used by boaters and anglers of northeastern Illinois. Launching ramps with docks serve boaters from the Illinois River Bridge in Morris.
CITY: Morris
The Old Barn Museum
Housed in an original 1840s barn, this museum features thousands of Native American artifacts, including arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items.
CITY: Newark
Prairie Landing Golf Club
Playing this unique, well-conditioned and spectacularly-designed 18-hole course will surely make you want to come back. Full service premier meeting and banquet facility provides outstanding culinary offerings and personal service.
CITY: West Chicago
Brunswick Zone - Carol Stream
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone offers bowling, billiards, Laser Tag, an arcade/game room plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
CITY: Carol Stream
All Seasons Ice Rink
Two full-sized rinks are open for year-round skating. All Seasons also offers a game room, ballet room, pro shop and party room.
CITY: Naperville
Springbrook Golf Course
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Springbrook Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole, 72-par championship facility with a natural turf driving range, short range, putting green and two practice bunkers. The clubhouse features a well-stocked golf shop and an eating area that seats 60.
CITY: Naperville
Lyon Farm and Village
The farm and village have 15 historic buildings that trace the history of Kendall County. Learn more about native prairie grasses found around the farm and enjoy a variety of history oriented special events.
CITY: Aurora
Kayak Morris
Less than 1 hour from Chicago. Providing unique rentals/guided tours/lessons and sandy beach camping. Kayaks, bikes and canoes on the Illinois River, Mazon River and I & M Canal/Towpath.
CITY: Morris
Seven Bridges Ice Arena
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Includes three ice surfaces, public skate 7 days a week, learn-to-skate and hockey classes, observation area, off-ice training center, party/conference rooms, arcade and a pro shop.
CITY: Woodridge
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
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
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
St. Charles Paddlewheel River Boats
Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles on the Fox River Queen or the St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboats.
CITY: St. Charles
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
Fox River Trail
This 32-mile paved biking/hiking trail along the Fox River features scenic parks, picnic areas and playgrounds located adjacent to restaurants and shops.
CITY: Geneva
Woodridge Town Centre
A multipurpose open play area, Woodridge Town Center hosts a variety of festivals in Woodridge.
CITY: Woodridge
Mastodon Lake at Phillips Park
Remains of the extinct elephant-like mastodon were found in this lake in the 1930s. Today, see a life-size sculpture of a mastodon and a restored prairie grass development.
CITY: Aurora
Camp Sagawau Environmental Education Center
Environment Education Center - offers cross country skiing in the winter.
CITY: Lemont
Fox Bend Golf Course
Fox Bend offers a challenging and scenic tour of streams, ponds, willow trees and elevation changes. This highly regarded course has played host to several tournaments and qualifiers.
CITY: Oswego
Brunswick Zone Romeoville
Brunswick Zone XL is a full- feature, family- friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Bowling, billiards, video games and more!
CITY: Romeoville
Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club
This premier golfing destination was awarded 4-1/2 stars in Golf Digest's list of Places to Play.
CITY: Channahon
Rice Pool & Water Park
Rice Pool and Water Park facilities include a zero-depth pool, thrilling slides, sand play area for children, adult lounge deck and sand volleyball courts.
CITY: Wheaton
AMF Valley Lanes
This bowling alley has 40 lanes, and features glow-in-the-dark bowling on Friday and Saturday. Monday is 99¢ night.
CITY: North Aurora
Coral Cove Water Park
Dive into this beach-themed water park with 2 tall tube slides, drop-slide, diving well, walk-in swimming pool, splash ‘n spray playground, sand play area and café. Locker rooms, showers & family restrooms. Available for group rentals for 50-1500 people.
CITY: Carol Stream
Lincoln Landing
Dedicated on February 12, 2009, Lincoln Landing is Lockport's newest attraction. This park, located on the original Public Landing platted as a dock area by Canal Commissioners in 1836, features a unique bronze statue of a young Abraham Lincoln created by artist David Ostro. Interpretive signage through the park highlights the history of the I&M Canal, its impact on the Lockport community, and Lincoln's connections to both. This open-air museum is self-guiding, but is enhanced by a website with school lesson plans.
CITY: Lockport
Great Western Trail
This 17-mile trail replaces the abandoned main line of the Chicago Great Western Railroad. It is a flat easy ride connecting the communities of St. Charles and Sycamore.
CITY: St. Charles
Canoe Shack
Canoe and Kayak rentals along the Fox River. These trips offer many hiking, picnicking and wildlife observation opportunities, as well as historic sites, small lime bluffs, and the country's only waterfall. Relax and enjoy the beautiful Fox River.
CITY: St. Charles
Kline Creek Farm
A "living history" farm depicting life in the 1890s DuPage County. Original structures, authentic recreations and livestock combine to make a realistic 1890s working farm.
CITY: Wheaton
Oswegoland Civic Center Aquatic Park
This community water park features colorful slides, tubes, a zero-depth pool and concession booth.
CITY: Oswego
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Over 25,000 acres, nearly 140 miles of trails and educational facilities. Enjoy relaxing, volunteering and exploring the forests, lakes, prairies, and open spaces.
CITY: Wheaton
Arrowhead Golf Club
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs -- Arrowhead Golf Club facilities include 27 holes, driving range and new clubhouse with elegant banquet facilities.
CITY: Wheaton
Airtastic Playland
A fun and exciting play land offering 10 inflatable play structures, four party rooms and two age-appropriate play areas.
CITY: Aurora
Splash Station Waterpark
Railroad-themed, outdoor water park featuring a 6 person racing slide, body slides, tube slides, lazy river and zero depth pool.
CITY: Joliet
Fox River Games Paintball
Bring a group of friends to play a round of paintball at Fox River Games. Open play or "walk-on" play is recreational play for all ages (age restrictions) and skill levels. Play as an individual or play in groups. Typically we are open every weekend Saturday and Sunday and during the summer we operate on Wednesdays and Fridays too. Please check our website for our operating schedule and specific hours of operation.
CITY: Aurora
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
Cosley Zoo
Over 45 exhibits of native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals; tree-shaded picnic area - seating for 300; "Exclusive Use" facility rentals; private party room; open year-round.
CITY: Wheaton
Rocket Ice Arena
Come feel the thrill of the chill at the Rocket Ice Arena, offering programs for all ages and ability levels in figure skating and hockey.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Hall Quarry Beach
Hall Quarry features a zero-depth sand beach, two islands, a youth water slide, drop slide, and a diving tower with two- and four-meter platforms.
CITY: Batavia
Sugar Grove Family Fun Center
Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, a driving range and a game room are the draw at this entertainment center.
CITY: Sugar Grove
Brunswick Zone - Naperville
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone in Naperville offers bowling, billiards, an arcade/game room, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
CITY: Naperville
