Forest View Farms

Trail rides, hayrides, pony parties, petting zoo, corporate, convention, private picnic, party & cookout facilities. Horse-drawn vehicles for all occasions. Horse sales, boarding, lessons and tack shop.

CITY: Tinley Park

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park

3,300-acre peninsula in Rend Lake. Beautiful park offering boating, camping, and picnicking with shelters. Programs include pheasant hunting, field trials, and bass tournaments. Bicycle, horse trails, and stables.

CITY: Whittington

Downtown Itasca

Restaurants and shopping line this downtwon area. Home to the Itasca Art and Wine Festival. Scenic Riverwalk takes you from the nature center to the waterpark.

CITY: Roselle

Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park

This beautiful 715-acre state park with a 40-acre lake derives its name from a combination of the town of Lena and the Latin work for water, aqua. The large tracts of wooded land include oak, hickory, walnut and pine trees. Woodland flowers are on display, especially in the spring and early summer, and wildlife is abundant. There is boating, fishing, a children's fishing pond, swimming, picnic and playground areas, shelters, trails for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing, equestrian trails, sledding, hunting and camping. Camping supplies, bait and boat rental are available at the camp store that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

CITY: Lena

Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Opened in 1908, this landmark building was the vision of celebrated landscape architect Jens Jensen. The eight exhibit halls feature plants from around the world.

CITY: Chicago

Pleasant Ridge Park

Tucked back away from the street, a relaxing place to get away from it all is Pleasant Ridge Park. The centerpiece is the Kensella Log Home.

CITY: Fairview Heights

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center - Willow Springs

Forest preserve nature center designed to educate the public about the importance of wildlife and our environment.

CITY: Willow Springs

Moss Clydesdale Farm

This family raises and shows some of the largest horses in the world. Clydesdales once did the work of the farm, but now do most of their work in the show ring.

CITY: Paris

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

Gateway Geyser Fountain

As the world's tallest fountain, the Gateway Geyser Fountain reaches 627 feet in height, and is centered in a pond that holds five million gallons of water.

CITY: East St. Louis

Atcher Island Water Park

All new tropical-themed water park with water slides, wading pool, unique circular drop slide, children's spray ground, locker rooms, concession stands, and more!

CITY: Schaumburg

Olympic Tribute & Laborer's Memorial

Honoring the extraordinary achievements of Champaign County residents who have participated in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this granite platform inscribed with the names of the athletes and the Olympic symbol is surrounded by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus. Tribute to Olympic Athletes rises from an ordinary prairie landscape transformed by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus.

CITY: Champaign

Southwind Park

With special attention to individuals with cognitive and physical needs, this state-of-the-art park is both peaceful and accessible. Check the treeless treehouse for a towering view of the park.

CITY: Springfield

Chicago Park District

Come out and play with the Chicago Park District. Founded in 1934, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks.

CITY: Chicago

Lena Lions Park

Lions Park, at over 20 acres, features Splash Land Family Aquatic Center with a 180' waterslide, zero depth entry, many shade shelters, wet sand play area, water features and drop slide. The Splash Land Mini-Golf offers one of the nicest 18 hole miniature golf courses in the Midwest. It has over 275 plant varieties, 4000+ square feet of water areas, three waterfalls and challenges that the entire family will enjoy. The course is ADA compliant. Quench your thirst and your appetite at the Splash Land Food Court. Full restaurant offering sandwiches to soft serve and smoothies to salads - a true family food court. The park also offers picnic and playground areas, flower gardens, shelter house, a concession stand, volleyball and basketball courts, lighted ball diamond, batting cages and restrooms. A 110x110' ice rink is available in season.

CITY: Lena

Fults Hill Prairie State Nature Preserve

The preserve consists of nearly 1,000 acres of both upland prairie and lowland wetland marshes. A variety of plants and animals can be found in the preserve, some common, and some cannot be found anywhere else in the state.

CITY: Prairie du Rocher

Wilson Park

Wilson Park offers baseball fields, walking trails, picnic shelters, and much more. Each year the 74-acre park is replanted with seasonal flowers and plants.

CITY: Granite City

Nygren Wetland Preserve

721-acre tract near the confluence of the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, making it an important area for many species of birds, including sandhill cranes; owned by The Natural Land Institute, which began its restoration in 2000.

CITY: Rockton

Foundation Park

Home to the Balloon Fest, Foundation Park has many walking trails, nature areas, and gathering places.

CITY: Centralia

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

Sherwood Forest

During Christmas, Sherwood Forest is adorned with decorations and twinkling lights. Any time of year view a variety of animals, including turkeys, rabbits, peacocks, llamas, and miniature goats and deer.

CITY: Prophetstown

Itasca Caribbean Theme Waterpark

Features a new zero-depth entry main pool with 6-lanes attached, new separate diving well with drop slide, and high and low diving boards, 185-foot waterslide, separate zero-depth interactive play pools, and more. Call today for birthday party package information.

CITY: Itasca

Evergreen Tree Walk

The Evergreen Tree Walk features over 90 species of trees indigenous to Illinois. Markers beside the trees list the common and Latin names of each species. The tree walk is a relaxing experience, especially after a long day of travel.

CITY: Effingham

ThunderHawk Golf Club

This public golf facility, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is one of the most challenging courses in the Chicago area. This 18-hole, par 72 c golf course is nestled on 241 acres of beautiful forest, marsh and prairie. This is the first public course in the United States to achieve Audubon Signature Sanctuary certification. Banquet facilities to accommodate a wide range of group sizes from small private outings to a full-course tournament. Golfers can spot bluebirds while playing one of the hottest courses in the Chicago area.

CITY: Beach Park

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

Schaub Floral Display Center

Bursting with seasonal exhibits, our brightest newcomer nurtures flowering trees and scrubs such as weeping Japanese cherry, mock orange, forsythia, fragrant bulbs, and delightfully colored pansies. A perennial garden joins the array this summer, and the spring exhibit opens mid-March.

CITY: Decatur

Mississippi River Lodge

Our Mississippi River Lodge is located right on the banks on the Mighty Mississippi River between Savanna and Thomson Illinois and offers awe-inspiring views from every angle. We offer 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room with fireplace & big screen TV, deck with grill, a fully stocked kitchen and much more! If you are a river lover, this is the place for you. Fishing, water skiing, tubing, or cruising up the river, it's all here for your enjoyment. Since we are located on Big Slough, off of the main channel of the river, you can have fun without having to deal with a lot of river traffic. Access to the main channel is easy if you want to cruise the river. Only five miles up the river is Lower Sabula Lake which offers a great new sand beach. There is a public boat launch only a quarter mile from the house and a dock is provided to moor your boat at the house. If you do not have a boat, you can fish off the dock or the bank.

CITY: Thomson

Fairview Park

With 45-acres of recreation, Fairview Park features a swimming pool, baseball and softball fields, Skateboard Park, several picnic shelters, and a variety of playground equipment.

CITY: Centralia

Scheve Park

This expansive park features picnic areas, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts. The centerpiece of the park is an old train depot, a full-size caboose, and a train car that can be reserved for groups.

CITY: Mascoutah

Sangamon River Forest Preserve

Sangamon River Forest Preserve, a 160-acre gem, offers a variety of natural features and is ideal for low-impact activities such as picnicking, bird-watching, hiking and river fishing. The preserve hosts the Lincoln Ash Tree, one of the largest ash trees in the state.

CITY: Fisher

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

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

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

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

Merrick Rose Garden

This public park exhibits 100 varieties of roses, with historic Centennial Fountain as the garden's focal point.

CITY: Evanston

Ratz Memorial Park and Lincoln Park

Located in Red Bud, these parks feature picnic shelters, and plenty of playground equipment. Both are great places to take the kids.

CITY: Red Bud

Melvin Price Memorial Park

The 24-acre park has a pavilion, walking trails, and many other amenities. It is also the site of the Veterans of All Wars Memorial and the September 11 Memorial.

CITY: Swansea

Devonshire Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center features a zero depth pool with play equipment, a water play structure, drop slide and diving board. You'll also find lockers/showers and a concession stand.

CITY: Skokie

Centerfield Park

Spend the day tackling go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and a video arcade.

CITY: O'Fallon

Three Sisters Park

Three sisters, Sadie, Lillian, and Goldie Cohen, expressed a wish that the 400-acres of farmland located adjacent to the city of Chillicothe, IL be dedicated as park land and a model farm for educational, recreational, and conservational purposes. While the Cohen sisters lived just off Moss Avenue in Peoria, they loved their family farm. Their vision was for the property to remain agriculturally related. The master plan envisions the creation of a living history farm, a central activity building, large festival areas, a welcome center, restaurant, agricultural equipment museum activity area, and outdoor natural amphitheater. The open fields and forested areas offer unique space for special events, concerts and festivals.

CITY: Chillicothe

Aquatic Center

Splash around at the Aquatic Center. Climb up four stories and launch down your choice of two waterslides with more than 320 feet of winding turns and diving wells, or take a dip in the pool.

CITY: Wood River

Lock and Dam #17

This New Boston lock and dam assists with barge navigation on the Mississippi River.

CITY: New Boston

Community Park

Plays host to community festivals in Hanover Park.

CITY: Hanover Park

Shoal Creek Nature Preserve

This 260-acre site offers nature trails for visitors to explore wetlands, prairie openings, and sandstone bluffs and ledges. The preserve is home to more than 700 plants and 70 bird species, including bald eagles during the winter months.

CITY: Litchfield

Trail of Tears State Forest

Set among the rugged slopes of the Ozark Hills in Southern Illinois, this site offers picnic shelters with roadside fireplaces throughout the forest. Features a network of trails for hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts.

CITY: Jonesboro

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

Decatur Park District

In addition to 39 neighborhood and community parks, our green spaces boast bike trails, picnic and camping facilities, gardens, golf courses, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and swimming pools.

CITY: Decatur

Macon County Conservation District

Our green spaces boast bike and walking trails, picnic and camping facilities, and gardens.

CITY: Decatur

Friends Forever Humane Society Dog Park

Take your dog to this special 10 acre fenced dog park with a pond (for dog swimming ony). The park also offers a separate fenced area for small dogs and a dog agility equipment area. Fee is $5.00 per dog per day.

CITY: Freeport

Kennekuk County Park

The 3000 acre park includes a seven mile backpack trail among its 15 miles of trail system. Paddle boats, jon boats and pontoons are available for rental in season. Hunting and fishing in season

CITY: Danville

Hollywood Park - Lansing

Voted Chicago Southland's best family entertainment center, Hollywood Park features more than 100 games, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, and Flicks 'n' Toons Diner.

CITY: Lansing

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

Herrin City Park

Beautiful pond, bridge with year around ducks and geese. A variety of playground equipment that caters to children of all ages.

CITY: Herrin

Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Explore 70 acres of prairie, wetlands and forest habitat.The Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits, sensory displays and live critters, including a bird observation area.

CITY: Mattoon

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

Artesian Well at Paradise Cove

Nestled along Indian Creek is a natural artesian well where thousands of gallons of pure water flow each day - as it has since 1927. A ten foot water wheel is turned continually by the flowing water. The sire, which is accessed by Stephenson County's only covered bridge, includes a waterfall, large flower beds and gazebo to enjoy while sipping the bubbling water

CITY: Winslow

Eagle Watching - Union County Refuge

The Union County Refuge in Union offers a popular spot for bald eagle watching. Visitors can view bald eagles and take wildlife photography off the main road, which runs down the middle of the wildlife refuge. Park rangers will be available weekdays to answer questions about the eagles and other wildlife spotted in the refuge. Admission is free. For more information on eagle watching, contact the Union County Refuge (618-833-5175).

CITY: Jonesboro

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center

Wilderness area, wildlife viewing, walking trails, special events, gift shop, campgrounds, fishing, boating, sailing, fishing tournaments; must get a "user pass" at Visitors Center for these lakes.

CITY: Marion

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

Jane Addams Recreation Trail

This multi-use 15 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and is highlighted by 21 decked bridges passing over and through wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail that traverses Northern Illinois. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclist, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. An additional two miles of paved trail to Highway 26 has been constructed at the southern end. The final two mile connection into historic downtown Freeport will soon be under construction. The Jane Addams Trail connects at the Wisconsin state-line with Badger Trail which extends to Madison, Wisconsin. It will also connect, in downtown Freeport, with the Pecatonica Prairie path currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. Access to the trail is available at the Wes Block Access, Freeport (exit off Highway 26 1/4 miles south of the Highway 20 intersection).

CITY: Freeport

Anita Purves Nature Center

Located at the north end of Crystal Lake, this nature center is an environmental education facility that provides a natural resource for people interested in learning more about the outdoors.

CITY: Urbana

Comlara Park

Bike trails, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, nature area, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, swimming, beach, sledding and cross-country skiing.

CITY: Hudson

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

Lincoln Prairie Trail

This paved hiking and biking trail follows a historic rail bed for 15 miles across the Illinois prairie.

CITY: Pana

Charleston Putt-n-Swing

This family fun spot features an 18-hole miniature golf course and batting cages.

CITY: Charleston

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

Austin Acres Kamp Outback

Affordable family lodging, cabins, campers and primitive camping. One cabin has kitchenette, covered shelter, air, tv/vcr, wood burning stove, electric and water shower available. One cabin has sleeping for six or more, electric, water, grill and shaded area. We have excellent walking and riding trails, 40 acres. Horses welcome. Lots of shaded areas for tent camping and fishing pond. We are minutes away from Ohio River, Tower Rock Park boat ramp, Elizabethtown boat ramp, good eating places, LakeTucumseh and Woopie Cat, Iron Furnace, Stone Face, Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Cave-in-Rock and lots of scenic views. Children and pets welcome.

CITY: Elizabethtown

Oakdale Nature Preserve

This Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woodlands, restored prairies and shallow streams. Over four miles of winding trails are great for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, nature study and quiet reflection. Facilities, which are available to rent, include the Mogle Learning Center with meeting space for 20 people, a lodge with a kitchen and dining hall that can seat up to 80. The Oakdale Octagon Shelter has seating for up to 350 and a stage. Two picnic shelters as well as other picnic tables are available.

CITY: Freeport

Lowell Park

Featuring 240 acres, Nature Center, parking, boat launches and Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, cross-country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment, and more. Ronald Reagan saved 77 lives here as a lifeguard during his boyhood years.

CITY: Dixon

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

Illinois State Fairgrounds

The Illinois State Fairgrounds encompasses over 360 acres of land that is fully fenced for added security. The landscaping and scenery throughout the grounds provides one with a sense of hospitality and homeyness. Springfield and Illinois offer the finest in services and recreational opportunities available anywhere. With over 1,500,000 visitors each year, guests will surely have a pleasant experience while making their own history here at the fairgrounds.

CITY: Springfield

Woodridge Town Centre

A multipurpose open play area, Woodridge Town Center hosts a variety of festivals in Woodridge.

CITY: Woodridge

Mill Creek Park

Mill Creek Park is located seven miles northwest of Marshall, Illinois on the Lincoln Heritage Trail road. Mill Creek consists of 2,600 acres of land and 811 acres of water with 39 miles of shoreline. Since opening, the park has continued to develop; there are picnic areas on either side of the boat launch and at areas around the lake, a 139 site campground with shower facilities and playground, 15 mile ATV trails, horse and walking trails, courtesy docks, cabin and boat rental including kayaks and paddle boats.

CITY: Marshall

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

Pirates' Cove Theme Park

A unique park for children ages two to nine years. Pirates' ship, paddle boats, train ride, climbing wall, and many more creative attractions for children. Concession and picnic areas. Birthday parties and rentals. Open daily June through August. Admission fee for children. Adults are always free.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Ballard Nature Center

Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.

CITY: Altamont

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

River Trail Nature Center

Nature is wonderfully displayed in this silent forest that glaciers carved thousands of years ago. The prairie extends along the riverbanks, rich in plant and animal life.

CITY: Northbrook

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

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

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park in Westmont

CITY: Westmont

Center Children's Farm

Experience life down on the farm during guided family tours, or take a hike on the peaceful nature trail.

CITY: Palos Park

Homer Lake Forest Preserve

Homer Lake Forest Preserve contains 892 acres for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and sledding. Also available is an exciting Environmental Education Center, which hosts thousands every year, building rentals and programs like Homer Lake Take Me Fishing. The preserve also recently opened (September 2012) the Natural Playscape, a playground of all natural materials that allow children to rediscover outdoor play.

CITY: Homer

The Grove National Historic Landmark

The prairie grove, covering 123 acres of ecologically diverse prairie land, is preserved and maintained as former home of the visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott, who brought his family from New Orleans to settle on his land in 1836. The Grove, located in Glenview, is a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It offers many opportunities for educational, environmental and historical enjoyment including two historic homes, the Kennicott House and the Redfield Estate; the Grove Interpretive Center, a Native American Village, a Log Cabin, a Schoolhouse, a Wetlands Greenhouse and numerous interpretive trails.

CITY: Glenview

Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

This 1,775 acre lake features 540 acres of shoreline as a day use conservation area. Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hunting.

CITY: Newton

Little Cubs Field

This replica of Chicago's historic Wrigley Field is complete with ivy, bricks, box seats, dirt and sod from the real Wrigley Field, plus a replica scoreborad and entry sign. It is open for exploring at no cost or is available for rental for birthday parties, picnics, corporate events and more. Rental fees are $45 per hour or $90 for two hours.Reservations may be made at our website.

CITY: Freeport

Leiseberg Park

Leiseberg Park plays host to local Bartlett events, festivals and fairs.

CITY: Bartlett

Centralia Carillon

Centralia's resident carilloneur performs on the town's 65-bell carillon, one of the few in the country. The surrounding park also features a museum and tours of the 165-foot-tall tower.

CITY: Centralia

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

Horse Fair Park

Horse shows held at park several times a year.

CITY: Spring Grove

Willowbrook Wildlife Center

DuPage's premier wildlife rehabilitation and educational facility. Over 90 species of injured native wild animals are on exhibit. Open daily. Donations encouraged.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

Trailside Museum

Get in touch with nature in this beautiful wooded setting near the Des Plaines River, where you can view local wild animals that have been rescued from the surrounding area.

CITY: River Forest

Lowden-Miller State Forest

A 2,225-acre state forest situated along the Rock River. Enjoy hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing and equestrian trails.

CITY: Oregon

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

Drost Park

Drost Park features a 7-acre lake, pavilions, 1-mile walking trail, boat ramp, playground, and restroom facilities. The University of Illinois' Master Gardeners keep it seasonally beautiful.

CITY: Maryville

Weldon Springs State Park

Weldon Springs offers beauty and recreation for all seasons! Camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, interpretive center & educational programs, picnicking, trails, sight-seeing, and more! Home of Veterans Point Memorial.

CITY: Clinton