2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-58 of 58 items found in Outdoors & Play
- <
- 1
- >
Starved Rock Adventures Harbor Villas and Suites
Waterfront family villas and suites. 1-2 bedroom housekeeping units. Deluxe and unique. Open April through October. $$
CITY: Ottawa
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
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
Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village
Go on a one of a kind country adventure you'll never forget! Become pioneers for a day on a real 1800s farm and village. Miniature train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, pioneer craft demonstrations, and special events.
CITY: Aurora
Zipline Canopy Tour Chicago
Looking for that perfect daring escape for you, your friends or family? Zip Chicago Canopy Tours provides an experience you will not soon forget. It will create memories that last a life time. The tour is completely guided and contains no motorized machines for propulsion. All you have to do is enjoy your flight! Our guests can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. The platforms and suspension bridges are surrounded by an assortment of native trees. Check out our different tours to see which adventure is the right one for you!
CITY: Marseilles
Raging Waves Waterpark
Illinois' largest Waterpark offers 45 acres of family fun! 17 water slides, wave pool, lazy river, huge kiddie play structures, sandy beach area and a 2000 foot long 4 course zip line.
CITY: Yorkville
Skydive Chicago
Skydive Chicago offers the best entertainment in the Midwest! The 220-acre resort offers camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing and swimming, all onsite. Stop by today!
CITY: Ottawa
Phillips Park Zoo
Established in 1915, this free zoo is open daily, year round. Exhibits include bald eagles, wolves, mountain lions, foxes, otters, elk, goats, llamas, turkeys and peacocks.
CITY: Aurora
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
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
Waves of Fun Water Park
This indoor water park features a wave surf machine, a 45-foot slide tower and a four-story interactive, Hawaiian-themed play structure.
CITY: Sandwich
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
Vaughn Athletic Center Water Park
This year-round indoor water park has tube slides, zero-depth entry and interactive water play.
CITY: Aurora
Starved Rock Marina
Full line dealer for Rinker, Landau Pontoons and pre-owned boats. Full service marina with slips, fuel, restaurant, boutique, boat and villa rentals.
CITY: Ottawa
The Homestead Sculpture Garden and Labyrinth
Art lovers will admire the beautiful brick labyrinth and distinctive contemporary sculpture garden here.
CITY: Plano
Splash Country Water Park
This deluxe water park features tube slides, a simulated river, zero-depth pools and sand activity areas.
CITY: Aurora
Prairie Lakes Country Club & Inn
Prairie Lakes offers a 9 hole golf course and a full service restaurant and hotel. Hotel and Golf packages available and banquet facilities. Golf opens daily at 7:00am and the restaurant is open 11:00am - 10:00pm daily. Call for seasonal hours.
CITY: Marseilles
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
Aurora Skate Center
Skate to the sounds of Top 40 music. The skate center also features special live organ music dance sessions.
CITY: Aurora
River Adventures
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Fox River. Call for reservations.
CITY: Ottawa
Starved Rock Marina
Full line dealer for Rinker, Sundancer Pontoons and pre-owned boats. Full service marina with slips, fuel, restaurant, boutique, boat and villa rentals.
CITY: Ottawa
Airtastic Playland
A fun and exciting play land offering 10 inflatable play structures, four party rooms and two age-appropriate play areas.
CITY: Aurora
LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
2,058 acre lake with rocky shoreline. Called a "perched" lake because it is formed by levees that rise above the surrounding land. High winds require that safety precautions be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
CITY: Marseilles
Heritage Harbor Resort & Marina
Heritage Harbor Ottawa is the premier Marina Resort Community. Located in the heart of Starved Rock Country, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is home port for your next great adventure!
CITY: Ottawa
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
Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area
Containing 2,550 acres, the area is jointly used by the Illinois National Guard as a training facility and is open to the general public for hunting.
CITY: Marseilles
Heritage Harbor - Ottawa
Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a premier Marina Resort Community located on the banks of the Illinois River. Visit our water front restaurant or rent a cottage.
CITY: Ottawa
Oswegoland Civic Center Aquatic Park
This community water park features colorful slides, tubes, a zero-depth pool and concession booth.
CITY: Oswego
Pine Hills Golf Club
Described as a Canyon Course complete with bluffs, valleys, hills and hundreds of trees. It is a challenge to both the beginner and the seasoned golfer and is recognized by many players as one of the finest 9-hole facilities in the country. The Club House offers a friendly atmosphere and includes a Pro-Shop, full service bar & restaurant with panoramic views of the Course and outdoor patio.
CITY: Ottawa
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
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
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
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
View Starved Rock Lock & Dam. Enjoy interacting with towboat Pilot House. Learn Illinois River's unique history and watch wildlife (bald eagles in winter).
CITY: Ottawa
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
The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park
Come check out our park, it has many miles of trails, created for the beginner all the way to the advanced rider. We have wooded areas, fields, creeks, and yes, the Famous Mud Hole. (Ask park personnel where it is). Plans are in progress to create a rock climb and bog for those who want more challenges. Call ahead for hours and track conditions.
CITY: Marseilles
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
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
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
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
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
Springbrook Marina
Full-service marina. New and used boat sales, transient slips, fuel, restaurant. Open year-round.
CITY: Seneca
Black Sock Training Stable
A variety of equestrian services for beginning to advanced riders. Personalized professional instruction and scheduled trail rides.
CITY: Ottawa
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
21
16th Annual Prairie Day
The Annual Prairie Day is a celebration of the prairie environment normally held in conjunction with National Prairie Week at Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area. Presentations on the environment and nature play a very important part of the day's activities as well as highlighting on the special features of the park itself. Various presentations, educational talks, and projects for children are the special offerings of the day. All special amenities of the park are open including the Cragg Cabin, the Visitors Center, butterfly barn, nature trails with wagon rides and etc.
CITY: Morris
- <
- 1
- >
