I & M Canal State Trail

The I&M Canal Trail offers 61 miles of picturesque hiking and biking trails that follow the historic route of the I&M Canal from Channahon to LaSalle. The Trail also boasts Illinois’ longest continuous snowmobile trail, and is a favored route for cross-country skiers.

CITY: Channahon

Gemini Giant

Located in Wilmington, this converted Muffler Man beckons travelers on historic Route 66 to stop for a burger at the Launching Pad Drive-In. The Launching Pad Drive-in first opened in 1960 as a Dari Delite, and sold only hot dogs and ice cream. Since then, the menu has expanded. In 2000, the Launching Pad Drive-In was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame.

CITY: Wilmington

Polk-a-Dot Drive In

Drive-In founded over 50 years ago has become one of the most memorable attractions along Illinois Route 66. Stop in and see the collection of memorabilia and enjoy a great meal.

CITY: Braidwood

Old Plank Road Trail

Old Plank Road is a 21-mile recreation and nature trail used by in-line skaters, walkers, runners, bikers, bicyclists and even cross-country skiers in the winter. This trail reaches from Park Forest all the way to Joliet.

CITY: Matteson

Balmoral Woods Country Club

An 18-hole championship course cut thru 10,000 oak trees, with water hazards on 9 of 18 holes, complete clubhouse bar and restaurant. Chicagoland Golf 5 Star rated facility.

CITY: Crete

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

Round Barn Farm and Museum

This 94-acre farm features picnic and recreational areas, antique farm equipment, a petting zoo, pony rides and barrel train rides. In fall find a pumpkin patch, haunted barn and pig races.

CITY: Manhattan

Crete Family Fun Center

From mini golf to the best arcade games around, we’ve got enough entertainment for the whole family! A family entertainment center featuring hundreds of games, rides, award-winning miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages. Open year round.

CITY: Crete

Iroquois County State Wildlife Area

The area features some of the finest and most extensive prairie-marsh and sand dune vegetation remaining in Illinois. Primarily operated as a permit pheasant hunting area, hiking, picnicking, and snowmobiling opportunities are also available.

CITY: Beaverville

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

Des Plaines Conservation Area

This site's 5,500 acres make up one of the largest and most used hunting and field trailing areas in the state. It also offers camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, two small natural areas and 12 miles of equestrian trails with cross-country jumps.

CITY: Wilmington

Kankakee River State Park

4000-acre state park with trails for hiking and biking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, camping, picnic areas, hunting, boat launches and more.

CITY: Kankakee

Midewin Tall Grass Prairie

Largest open space in northeast Illinois.

CITY: Wilmington

Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch

This historic 1857 farm offers hay ride trips to the pumpkin patch, rope making, puppet shows and much more family fun.

CITY: Monee

University Golf Club & Conference Center

This championship 18-hole golf course features a practice facility, pro shop and a conference center.

CITY: University Park

Wilmington Dam

Home to catfish, walleye, northern pike, bass, pan fish, picnic and recreation.

CITY: Wilmington

Camp Shaw

Camp Shaw was established in 1956 and is the best kept secret in all of beautiful Kankakee County! Camp Shaw is also a wonderful place to hold a variety of outdoor and indoor events. It provides overnight accommodation; horseback riding, guided trail rides or group lessons and weekend packages are available. It is also an outdoor, environmental science education program encouraging interest and participation in the balanced management of natural resources.

CITY: Manteno

Kankakee River

Fifty-seven miles of river runs through Kankakee County. The Kankakee River holds the state record for northern pike, walleye, and small and large bass.

CITY: Kankakee

Willowhaven Interpretive Center

A facility of the Bourbonnais Township Park District The Willowhaven Interpretive Center is a free hands-on museum that houses natural and historical exhibits provides the community a place to learn, explore, and enjoy the splendors of nature! Displays focus on Illinois wildlife, conservation and natural history. Their most popular displays include our hands-on discovery tables with pelts, nests, feathers, tracks and more. The center also has live animal displays, aquariums, children's reading nook, computer tables and microscope lab table.

CITY: Kankakee

Thorn Creek Nature Center

Enjoy a day in the country while learning about wildlife through nature displays and exhibits.

CITY: Park Forest

Mazonia State/Braidwood Fish and Wildlife Area

1,700 acres of grassland, brushy draws and shrubs on 2,801 acres. Hunting, fishing, picnicking and more.

CITY: Braceville

Irons Oaks Enviromental Center

Call for details

CITY: Olympia Fields

Deer Creek Golf Club

This University Park golf course is rated 3-1/2 stars by Golf Digest, and has been host to several major Chicago-area golf events.

CITY: University Park

Plum Creek Nature Center

This center features local natural history exhibits, hands-on displays for children, and family programs that are offered throughout the year. Picnic facilities and camping are available by reservation.

CITY: Beecher

Haigh Quarry

Scuba dive the spring-fed quarry of 12 acres in a park-like setting. Call for reservations.

CITY: Kankakee

Aspen Ridge Miniature Golf

This fun family spot, open April-October, offers two miniature golf courses.

CITY: Bourbonnais

Legends Sportsplex

This year-round facility offers five basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, two soccer fields, a video game arcade, bumper cars, two mini-golf courses, softball batting cages, a go-kart track, climbing wall and paintball field.

CITY: Bourbonnais

Kankakee South KOA

Campsite.

CITY: Kankakee

Monee Reservoir

Monee Reservoir features a 46-acre fishing lake and picnic pavilions. Concessions building offers boat rentals, bait, and snacks for sale.

CITY: Monee

Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena

A facility of the Kankakee Valley Park District, Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena features a NHL rink, Game Zone arcade and Breakaway Cafe concessions.

CITY: Kankakee

Lake Alexander

Campsites are located on the banks of the lake in the birch trees, in the meadow nestled among the oaks and maples, and along the Kankakee River. Entertainment is planned on weekends and holidays.

CITY: Momence

Splash Valley Aquatic Park

Kankakee's premiere water park offers splashtacular fun for the whole family. The outdoor water park encompasses a lazy river, three waterslides, lap pool, and two zero-depth entry pools. Group rates and party rentals are available.

CITY: Kankakee