2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 123 items found in Outdoors & Play
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Character Caravan
Free Event. Bringing the best of Chicago's Northwest area attractions to you! Meet, greet, and play with Chicagoland's most lovable attraction mascots during Character Caravan! This one-of-a-kind free event lets you discover some of Chicagoland's best attractions. Games, prizes, face painting, goodie bags, and photos with your favorite Characters. Rain or Shine! Registration is required to receive goodie bag, limited to the first 500 registered children. Deadline for registration is May 31, 2013.
CITY: Schaumburg
Side By Side Cycle
Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you enjoy biking or hiking on the long prairie trail? Come rent a Side By Side Cycle for use on area trails. Child trailers available. Helmets and padlocks provided.
CITY: Capron
Pinecrest Golf Course
This course includes a restaurant and pro shop, and hosts the McHenry Senior Amateur (a Pinecrest special event).
CITY: Huntley
Craig Woods Golf Course
Take a swing at this challenging par 34, scenic nine-hole course.
CITY: Woodstock
Villa Olivia Country Club
This Killian/Nugent-designed course features five water holes. An Olympic-size pool is available for free to golfers, along with sand volleyball, tennis, a softball area and more.
CITY: Bartlett
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
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
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
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
Round Lake 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
Chicago Northwest KOA Campground
Tent, vehicle, and cabin sites. Game room, pavilion, playground, and laundry facilities.
CITY: Union
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
North Point Marina - Lake Michigan Charter Fishing
Enjoy the beautiful blue of Lake Michigan aboard one of over one hundred charter fishing boats on the Lake County harbors of Waukegan and North Point. You will find the Coho running in the late spring, Lake Trout biting in mid-summer, and the Chinook come home to spawn in late summer and early fall. Whatever time of the year you go, you'll find expert charter fishing captains ready to make your time on the water a great one. For information on charter fishing opportunities and hotel information, please contact us.
CITY: Winthrop Harbor
YWCA Camp Tu-Endie-Wei
Trails, fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, cabins on Willow Lake.
CITY: Elgin
Deer Run Golf Center
This golf center features a driving range, chipping green, putting green and adventure golf.
CITY: Woodstock
Jaynesway Farms (Bartlett)
A complete equestrian center offering English & Western riding lessons, boarding trail rides, pony rides, hayrides, carriages rides and barnyard zoo. Heated indoor arena.
CITY: Bartlett
Elgin Park District
Outdoor ice skating; new refrigerated skating system; warming shelters available.
CITY: Elgin
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
Countryside Golf Club
At Countryside Golf Club, play two challenging, award-winning 18-hole golf courses. The Prairie course, with bentgrass tees, wide-open greens and sand bunkers offers golfers a chance to challenge their game. The Traditional course, with bentgrass tees and tree-lined fairways, offers golfers scenic and challenging rounds of golf.
CITY: Mundelein
Oney's Tree Farm
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to find your perfect Christmas tree and browse the gift shop.
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
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
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
Brae Loch Banquets and Golf Club
The golf course has 18-holes and it is a par-70 course. Brae Loch Banquets feature a bright space in a country setting overlooking the fairways at the Lake County Forest Preserves Brae Loch Golf Club. A fine balance of food, location and people are the three ingredients that an event at Brae Loch brings together for a truly memorable experience. The banquet facility comfortably seats up to 165. The menu includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat, but too wonderful to skip.
CITY: Grayslake
Willow Glen Golf Club
The Willow Glen Golf Club is home to a picturesque 18-hole layout that provides an enjoyable challenge for all skill levels. The new clubhouse is home to Buckley's Restaurant and Pub making Willow Glen one of the finest golf and dining experiences on the North Shore. Open to the public!
CITY: Great Lakes
Boone Creek Golf Course
This course has 27 holes, rated at a par 71, along with nine holes at a par 35.
CITY: McHenry
White Deer Run Golf Club
Built on the well-known Cuneo Estate in Vernon Hills, White Deer Run Golf Club is an 18-hole public course sprawling over 240 acres of rolling terrain and picturesque lakes with bent grass greens and fairways. Able to accommodate small and large group outings and banquets.
CITY: Vernon Hills
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
Spartan Meadows Golf Club
This course is a challenge for all levels, with competitive rates and a friendly staff.
CITY: Elgin
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
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
The Arboretum Club
This beautiful 30,000-square-foot clubhouse features an upscale restaurant with patio seating and 18 holes of championship golf.
CITY: Buffalo Grove
Lake Bluff Golf Club
The Lake Bluff Park District's 18-hole, 6,589 yard course boasts challenging greens set in a tranquil environment and grass teen practice facility. The Lake Bluff Golf Club is a wonderfully balanced golf course with mature tree-lined fairways and bent grass fairways and greens for a consistently enjoyable playing experience. The facility also includes an expansive practice facility with grass tee driving range, practice putting green, and short-game area with bunker. The professionally stocked Pro Shop and the Village Grill, which serves delicious food and a wide selection of beverages, are a couple of the superior amenities available to guests of the club.
CITY: Lake Bluff
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
Villa Olivia Country Club Ski Area
Skiwee for kids 4-9 years old, snow tubing, ski, dining, golf, lessons, snowboarding, sleigh rides.
CITY: Bartlett
Lake County Forest Preserve
We currently manage 25,268 acres of land and offer innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages. Visitors enjoy nearly 112 miles of trail for a variety of outdoor recreation uses, fishing ponds and lakes, public access to the Fox River, award-winning nature and history education programs and events, and three public golf courses. Facilities of special interest include Independence Grove near Libertyville, Ryerson Conservation Area near Deerfield, Lake County Discovery Museum near Wauconda, Greenbelt Cultural Center near Waukegan, and three golf courses (Brae Loch near Grayslake, Countryside near Mundelein, and ThunderHawk near Beach Park). Most Forest Preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year. Special hours apply at the golf courses, Discovery Museum, Greenbelt Cultural Center and Ryerson Woods.
CITY: Libertyville
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
Streamwood Oaks Golf Club
Championship 9-hole course. Water comes into play on all 9 holes -- a challenge for any golfer. Full-service pro shop. The club house has a beautiful central fireplace and exterior patio.
CITY: Streamwood
Vernon Hills Golf Course
This golf course has been ranked as one of the top ten 9 hole golf courses in Chicagoland. Situated in Vernon Hills, this challenging 9-hole municipal course boasts small greens, rolling terrain, tight fairways and seven holes featuring water. Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate both the playability and the eye-catching views. The full-service clubhouse features a varied lunch menu, which is served all day and a full-service bar. Banquet facilities available for up to 80 people.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
This scenic 1,114-acre Preserve offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and education opportunities centered around a 115-acre lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing and boating, a Marina with boat rentals, a native garden and nearly seven miles of trails. The 19,000-square-foot Visitor Center features exhibits and a cafe. It can be rented for weddings and other private functions.
CITY: Libertyville
Shepherd's Crook Golf Course
This 18-hole, par 72 public golf facility, designed by Keith Foster, opened in August, 1999 and has earned rave reviews as a course that is both challenging and exciting to play. Its design reflects the golden era of golf course architecture of the 1920's and 30's with bentgrass fairways, tees, and greens. Individuals, tournaments and golf outings welcome. Enjoy a sandwich and beverage in the full service clubhouse grill or enjoy refreshments on the veranda overlooking the 9th and 18th holes. The Eden Room is also available for events, golf outings and banquets, please call for more information.
CITY: Zion
Mundelein Park & Recreation District
The Mundelein Park & Recreation District includes the Steeple Chase Golf Club, Diamond Lake Beach and Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center.
CITY: Mundelein
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
WhirlyBall Vernon Hills
WhirlyBall combines basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one exciting sport! Whether you're planning a holiday party, corporate outing or meeting, team building session, bar/bat mitzvah, bachelor/bachelorette or birthday party, WhirlyBall is the most complete venue in Lake County offering a variety of entertainment options including WhirlyBall, two-level lasertag, climbing wall, video games, pool tables, complete food & beverage menus, fully-loaded sports bar and flexible event facility that comfortably accommodates 400+ guests.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois Beach State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan from Waukegan to the Wisconsin state line. Stretching leisurely for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois, Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state. The 4,160-acre park offers a campground, full service resort, camp store, picnic areas, fishing, boating, hiking and biking trails and a visitors center open intermittently throughout the year. There is swimming along the six miles of beaches.
CITY: Zion
Apple Orchard Golf Course
Apple Orchard is a par 27, nine-hole course with a pro shop and snack bar.
CITY: Bartlett
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
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
Bartlett HIlls Golf Course
This 18-hole course features a practice range, pro shop, snack shop and banquet facilities.
CITY: Bartlett
Spring Valley Nature Center/Volkening Heritage Farm
135 acres, natural history museum, handicapped-accessible trails, 1880s living history farm and pioneer cooking demos.
CITY: Schaumburg
Libertyville Sports Complex
Libertyville's Sports Complex offers something for everyone in the family. A 360° climbing mountain for rock climbing, a 40 tee automated heated driving range for year round practice and a fitness center offering group exercise classes, life fitness with cardio and hammer strength equipment, personnel trainers, a free weight room, ¼ mile running/walking track and a kids club. It also offers an open gym for indoor soccer, basketball, youth sports and training sessions. There is also 3,503 sq. ft. of meeting rooms suited for events from small family gatherings to corporate events and trade shows.
CITY: Libertyville
Crane's Landing Golf Course at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Crane's Landing Golf Course offers 18 holes of par 70 championship golf. This challenging, mature course is set amid a beautiful rolling landscape that's a pleasure to play for everyone from beginners to scratch golfers.
CITY: Lincolnshire
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
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
Antioch Bowling Lanes
28 AMF lanes - 2 cocktail lounges - open pool & darts - karaoke - bumper and cosmic bowling - kids' birthday parties.
CITY: Antioch
Leiseberg Park
Leiseberg Park plays host to local Bartlett events, festivals and fairs.
CITY: Bartlett
Greenshire Golf Course
A well-maintained par 27-layout, with holes ranging between 100 and 210 yards. With the course length being 1,265 yards, Greenshire will test the best of golfer's short game and provides a course for all skill levels to enjoy. The ability to play a round in less than 1.5 hours offers experienced players an alternative to the driving range. Comprehensive instruction from PGA professionals, ladies leagues and exciting events are also offered. Located just north of Waukegan in Beach Park, this course offers everyone, from the novice golfer to even the most accomplished golfer, a real short-game challenge. Open seasonally.
CITY: Beach Park
HeatherRidge Golf Course
HeatherRidge Golf Course is a beautiful and challenging full length nine hole layout that is enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Adding to its beauty are the flowing creeks and ponds that come into play on seven of the nine holes. Also enjoy the unique outside Cabana Bar and Grill. Great food, cold drinks, outstanding atmosphere and friendly staff will complete your HeatherRidge golfing experience. Golf clubs available for rent. Located on Northern Illinois' favorite 9-hole golf course, The HeatherRidge Clubhouse is a beautiful venue for just about any occasion. If you are planning a weddings, banquets or party we are the place.
CITY: Gurnee
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
Didier Farms
Didier Farms Pumpkin Festival features hay rides, corn maze, farm animal zoo, petting zoo, authentic Native American teepees, halloween shop, costume shop, animated figures and fall displays.
CITY: Prairie View
Lake Arlington
Sail boating, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends in September and October. Includes boat rentals (sailboat and paddleboat), 2 mile bike/walk path, picnic area, and playground.
CITY: Arlington Heights
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
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
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
Ryerson Woods Conservation Area and Visitors Center
Ryerson Conservation Area is one of the best examples of a northern flatwoods forest, a rare northern Illinois landscape. The 552-acre Preserve supports some of Illinois' most pristine woodlands and several state-threatened and endangered species, and offers 6.5 miles of scenic trails that wind through a stately forest to the quiet Des Plaines River. The Welcome Center, opened in 2006, features "green" architecture and was designed using LEED standards. In addition to preserve information, it offers a nature library, exhibits and meeting rooms.
CITY: Riverwoods
Nickol Knoll Golf Course
Large bentgrass tees and greens give this fun layout a big course feel. Several shots from elevated tees provide a beautiful view of the area. Features pro-shop, snack bar and club house.
CITY: Arlington Heights
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
WhirlyBall Vernon Hills
WhirlyBall is a combination of basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one exciting sport. The Lake County location also includes a two-level laser tag arena, climbing wall, video games, pool tables and a sports bar. A second suburban outpost is located in Lombard.
CITY: Vernon Hills
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
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
City of Zion - Shiloh Park
Whether it’s by offering wholesome programs, activities and special events, by providing enjoyable facilities or by preserving the aesthetic beauty of our community, the sole purpose of Zion Park District is the enrichment of lives.
CITY: Zion
Schaumburg Golf Club
27 challenging regulation holes, driving range, two practice greens, full-service pro-shop and elegant clubhouse with an array of amenities.
CITY: Schaumburg
Walnut Greens Golf
Championship 9-hole. Perfect course for beginners and teens. Great practice course for all skill levels. Unique Killian and Nugent design.
CITY: Schaumburg
Arlington Lakes Golf Club
The challenging 18-hole layout spans 90 acres of superbly manicured fairways and greens with 14 beautiful lakes to negotiate during a round. Features clubhouse, snack bar area, pro shop, and patio area.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Bittersweet Golf Course
Challenging and scenic 18-hole golf course that offers the public a fantastic practice facility with lighted driving range and natural grass tees. PGA golf instructors on staff to help improve your game. In addition, we can help you plan the perfect golf outing, small wedding or special event. Or stop by the Fireside Grill for breakfast, lunch, dinner or Friday fish fry.
CITY: Gurnee
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
North Point Marina
Enjoy the beautiful blue of Lake Michigan aboard one of over one hundred charter fishing boats on the Lake County harbors of Waukegan and North Point. You will find the Coho running in the late spring, Lake Trout biting in mid-summer, and the Chinook come home to spawn in late summer and early fall. Whatever time of the year you go, you'll find expert charter fishing captains ready to make your time on the water a great one. For information on hotel information, please contact the Visit Lake County at 847-662-2700.
CITY: Winthrop Harbor
Bonnie Brook Golf Course & Banquet Facility
Bonnie Brook is one of the most popular public courses in Lake County, boasting a meticulously manicured 18-hole course with rolling, wooded terrain. Its natural, picturesque landscape offers golfers the ability to enjoy tree-lined fairways, spacious greens, small lakes and the beauty of the north branch of the Waukegan River, which flows gently throughout the course. With a course length of 6,701 yards, Bonnie Brook offers championship golfers a solid test while being friendly and forgiving to the high handicappers. The clubhouse features a Indoor Golf and Learning Center which houses a P3Proswing Simulator. The simulator and its software helps analyze a player's swing and provides guidance how to improve their game and is available on an appointment basis only.
CITY: Waukegan
