2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 193-288 of 1,360 items found in Outdoors & Play
Cedarville Skate Park
Skaters of all skill levels will enjoy the half and quarter pipes, pyramid, "roller coaster" and kink rails on the 7,500 square foot skate pad. The skate park is also open to bikes. Other attractions include a playground, sheltered picnic area, sand volleyball court, basketball court and ten fitness stations along a .5 mile blacktop walking path.
CITY: Cedarville
Celebration River Cruises
Hop aboard the family-owned Celebration Belle riverboat that cruises the mighty Mississippi River. Operating April through October, the 800-passenger riverboat offers a variety of cruises, ranging from sightseeing tours to theme cruises such as Big Band and fall foliage, captain's dinner and dance cruises, and overnight excursions.
CITY: Moline
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
Centennial Fountain and Arc
A 90-foot jet stream creates an arc across the Chicago River for ten minutes on the hour.
CITY: Chicago
Centennial Lanes
You'll find 32 bowling lanes, all equipped with bumpers for kids, cosmic bowling on weekends, a snack bar, lounge and a bowling pro shop that's open daily during the season.
CITY: Tinley Park
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
Centerfield Park
Spend the day tackling go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and a video arcade.
CITY: O'Fallon
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
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
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
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
Champaign County Farm Bureau
The Farm Bureau acts as an intermediary to set up specific tours of area farms for visitors to Champaign County.
CITY: Champaign
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
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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
Charleston Putt-n-Swing
This family fun spot features an 18-hole miniature golf course and batting cages.
CITY: Charleston
Cheney Mansion
One of Oak Park's finest showplaces, the 12,000 sq. foot, 1913 mansion is located in the Historic District. Reminiscent of a gracious English country home and surrounded by 2 acres of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and coach house.
CITY: Oak Park
Chestnut Mountain Resort
Full-service, 120-unit resort 8 miles southeast of Galena on a wooded palisade overlooking the Mississippi. One of the Midwest's top-rated ski/snowboard resorts: 19 trails, 475-foot vertical drop, half-mile runs, nine lifts, seven-acre terrain park. Indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, miniature golf, Alpine slide, Mississippi cruises, skiing/snowboard programs, on-site restaurants, lounge.
CITY: Galena
17 - 18
Chicago Air and Water Show
This summertime favorite brings approximately two million people to the lakefront each year to witness the many feats that will be attempted and performed both in water and air. Civilian and military air crafts perform at soaring heights, while parachute teams and flying aerobatic acts entertain the audience below.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Experience Chicago's world renowned architecture with one of 80+ different tours offered by The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF). Explore by boat, foot, bus, bicycle or Segway, and choose from tours such as the Devil in the White City tour, Lights, Camera, Architecture! tour, the Daniel Burnham Tour and many others. Interested in the boat tour? Only the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago's First Lady Cruises can showcase Chicago's world renowned city architecture with style, class and comfort. Learn more at www.cruisechicago.com. Also offered: FREE exhibitions, programs and workshops, youth education, family programs and an architecture and design-themed retail store. Private tours and group tour rates available. Open daily 9:30-5:00.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Botanic Garden
One of metropolitan Chicago's main tourist attractions. Open year-round, featuring 23 beautiful gardens and three native habitats set on 385 acres of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. Enjoy three lush greenhouses and seasonal art exhibits.
CITY: Glencoe
Chicago Greeter Service
Explore Chicago with a friendly, knowledgeable Chicago Greeter as your guide! Visitors can register for a free 2-4 hour guided walking tour of a neighborhood or special local interest of their choice. This free service matches an individual, family or small group of friends with one of over 200 enthusiastic volunteer Greeters who love sharing their expertise and passion about the city and all there is to see and do here. For more information, visit http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/tours/tourism/chicago_greeter_tours.html.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Northwest KOA Campground
Tent, vehicle, and cabin sites. Game room, pavilion, playground, and laundry facilities.
CITY: Union
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
Chicago Pedway Tour
The Chicago Pedway Tour will lead you through the Pedway, the backdrop for an amusing and enlightening tour of some of the hot-spots (or a least warm-spots) of downtown Chicago. The tour focuses on interesting anecdotes and tales about some of the great buildings downtown, but it’s also a study of the city underneath the city. The Pedway is a strange and wonderful place and adds so much to the city’s personality. These are great tours for Chicagoans who want to learn more about the city and for tourists who want a full Chicago experience without ever going outside. The tour is 90 minutes and is $20. Monday/Thursday/Saturday at 10:30 am. Please note: the start location for the Monday and Thursday tour is at 40 W. Lake St. in the “Gallery of Shops.” The start location for the Saturday tour is at start at Block 37 – 108 N. State St.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Public Beaches
Chicago’s 26 miles of lakefront and beaches are free and open to residents and visitors alike. In fact, they were foremost in Daniel Burham’s plan to make Chicago’s lakefront and beaches always open and unobstructed for the public to enjoy. And to this day, you can see that his vision is still alive and well, from the joggers and volleyball players to the swimmers and sail boaters who take to the lakefront every day. Of course, admission is free.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago River Architecture Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats
The Chicago River Architecture Tour is a 60-minute journey through the heart of the city. Led by an architectural expert, this in-depth tour traces the history and innovations of urban architecture in Chicago.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Riverwalk
Experience the magnificence of the city from a different perspective. The city’s Riverwalk features walkways and seating areas along the water's edge, where visitors can enjoy views of architecture, and watch the Chicago’s historic bridges rise for boats heading out to Lake Michigan. With attractions such as cafes, boat cruises, bike rentals and more, there’s plenty to do. (Chicago Riverwalk runs along the south bank of the Chicago River, from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street.)
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co.
We operate Chicago’s premier Hop On Hop Off ® city sightseeing tours in the classic red & green Trolleys and fun-filled Double Decker buses. We also offer private group transportation for special events such as weddings, parties, and corporate outings. For 19 years the Hop On Hop Off® sightseeing tour has been the gold standard for entertaining and informative tours. Covering 13 miles and 14 stops, the Signature Tour is an eye-popping adventure through the heart of Chicago, giving you the option of Hopping On and Off at your choice of stops to visit the hottest retail, cultural, and family attractions. Summer tours include neighborhood tours and night tours.
CITY: Chicago
Chicagoland Skydiving Center
Jump with the best skydiving school in the United States - Chicagoland Skydiving Center now located at Koritz Field in Rochelle! Come see why more people from the Chicago area choose tandem skydiving at CSC. We service more first-time skydivers than any other skydiving center in Chicago and the Midwest. At CSC, our priority is on safety and customer service. Check out our skydive center and book your tandem parachute jump online. Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle, Illinois (formerly in Hinckley, IL) is your safest source for skydiving - period! Check out our brand new skydive aircraft and see how we maintain our safety record and reputation as the BEST!
CITY: Rochelle
Chouteau Island
Route 66 runs through the island which connects Illinois and Missouri. East side of the Mississippi River.
CITY: Pontoon Beach
Church Street Boat Ramp
Poured concrete ramp for launching boats. Can be used by power boats up to 22 feet, sailboats 15-22 feet, and personal watercraft.
CITY: Evanston
Circle Lanes
Looking for late night or weekend bowling fun? Take your game to an unexplored new level with Xtreme Bowling – an adventure of lights, great music, wild bowling challenges, and (of course) your favorite food & beverages.
CITY: Bloomington
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
City Segway Tours - Chicago
Chicagoland's first guided Segway tour provides an informative ride with unique and fascinating Chicago stories, fantastic photo ops and the chance to ride the coolest machine in the world.
CITY: Chicago
Clinton Hill Golf Club
Boasting some of the largest greens in the Midwest, the 18-hole Clinton Hill has matured into one of the finest public golf courses around, with a great blend of par 3s, 4s and 5s.
CITY: Swansea
Clinton Lake Marina
Services include boat rentals, beverages, bait, propane tank exchange, slip rentals and an on-site boat service department.
CITY: Weldon
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Enjoy 9,300 acres of great outdoor picnicking, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing. Fall foliage, winter offers ice fishing, snowmobiling on frozen lake. 308 campsites, Private marina.
CITY: Dewitt
CoCo Key Water Resort - Rockford
CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, is Rockford's home for any-weather family water park fun. Attached to the Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center, CoCo Key Water Resort makes for a perfect tropical family getaway. Explore over 60,000 square feet of indoor water park fun with three giant waterslides, Coconut Grove Adventure River, Parrot's Perch interactive Play Island, indoor/outdoor spa, kiddie pool with zero depth entry, 10,000 square foot Key Quest Arcade, private cabanas, birthday party rooms, and more
CITY: Rockford
Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
22 species of fish are found in this lake, including bass, white crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, yellow bass, bluegill, and carp. This 1,100-acre lake is surrounded by native oak and hickory forests. Picnicking, hiking, and limited hunting and trapping.
CITY: Coffeen
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club
The public is invited to play any of Cog Hill's four award-winning, 18-hole championship golf courses, including the world-famous Course #4, Dubsdread. Dubsdread was host to the PGA Tour's BMW Championship from 2009-2011.
CITY: Lemont
Colonial Golf Course
This public 18-hole, par 70 course is open year round, with rental clubs and carts, plus a snack bar.
CITY: Sandoval
Columbia Woods Forrest Preserve
Offers places to fish and picnic. Canoe access. Biking. A host for "A River Thru History" each September, where you can step back 200 years into Chicago's past with a festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertains along the banks of the Des Plaines River - www.ariverthruhistory.com.
CITY: Willow Springs
Combined Lake and River Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats
The Combined Lake and River Tour offers a comprehensive overview of Chicago, with breathtaking views of the magnificent skyline and an up-close perspective from the Chicago River.
CITY: Chicago
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
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
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
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
Country Corner Farm Market & Pumpkin Patch
Explore acres of pumpkins, a giant corn maze, farm-fresh produce, a petting zoo, craft barn, tree house and playground. Hayrack and pony rides, a carnival and concessions are also offered.
CITY: Alpha
Country Hills Golf Course
18-Hole, 6414 yard, par 72 public golf course. Front nine opened July 4, 1993; Back nine added July 4, 2002. Bentgrass greens, bluegrass/rye mix fairways, tees, and rough. Banquet facility to accommodate up to 110 guests and clubhouse seating for up to 200. Full service pro shop fully stocked with golf clubs, balls, equipment, clothing, towels, hats, and shoes.bPractice facilities include drivingvrange with three target greens, chipping and putting green, practice bunker.
CITY: Greenview
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
Countryside West
This nine-hole public golf course, opened in 1966, is a par 34 at 2,465 yards. Rental carts are available.
CITY: DeKalb
Coyote Creek Golf Club
Championship course with a country club atmosphere. A challenging 18-hole course designed by the late Bruce Borland, senior designer for Jack Nicklaus.
CITY: Bartonville
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
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
Crab Orchard Golf Club
Located between Marion and Carbondale, this 18-hole, semi-private par 70 course features lush zoysia fairways and a practice area with target greens. Crab Orchard made Golf Digest's 2008/09 "Best Places to Play" list.
CITY: Carterville
Crab Orchard Lake
Campground, fishing, boating, beach, picnic areas, country store, fishing tournaments.
CITY: Marion
Crab Orchard Lake & Campground
6900-acre lake, popular lake for fishing. Campground offers RVs, motor homes, tents, hot showers, flush toilets and a country store.
CITY: Carbondale
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
A wildlife refuge covering approximately 43,500 acres of forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Hunting, fishing & boating available.
CITY: Marion
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
Craig Woods Golf Course
Take a swing at this challenging par 34, scenic nine-hole course.
CITY: Woodstock
Crane Creek Golf Course
This beautiful 18-hole course is situated on rolling elevations, with fast and true greens. Crane Creek also has a clubhouse, driving range, food service and a bar.
CITY: Kilbourne
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
Crawford County State Fish & Wildlife Area
Located 2 miles southwest of Hutsonville, on Rt. 1, this park features 1,129 acres for hunting with 9 ponds for fishing. Hiking and horseback trails run throughout the area.
CITY: Hutsonville
Crazy Horse Campground
Crazy Horse is a 55-acre campground blanketed with rolling hills, hiking trails through wooded land, and two large ponds for fishing, boating, and a swimming beach. A lodge for rest and relaxation and a playground for the little ones makes this campground a great place to get away for the season or the weekend! Check out our wide, level sites with full hook-ups as well as our primitive camping area. Call 217-886-2089 or stop by and see us. We're located 8 miles north of Jacksonville and 25 miles west of Springfield, and we're happy to show you around!!
CITY: Ashland
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
Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary
Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.
CITY: German Valley
Cross Country Skiing at Rock Spring Center
Trails open whenever there is at least three inches of snow on the ground. Equipment rental available from 9am-2pm.
CITY: Decatur
Cross Creek Golf Course
This nine-hole golf course features a pro shop, bar, snack bar and putting green.
CITY: Morrison
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing at The Morton Arboretum
Explore a winter wonderland at The Morton Arboretum, where you'll find 3.5 miles of groomed ski trails. Bring your own or rent a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis (in children's and adult sizes). Ski trails are open when there are four or more inches of snow on the ground.
CITY: Lisle
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
Curtis Orchard
Curtis Orchard is an 80 acre apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and entertainment farm offering activities for the whole family. Open July 20th through December 16th, the orchard country store and bakery offers a wide variety of gift and food items, including pies, fritters, apple crisp donuts, and award winning cider.
CITY: Champaign
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Visit Illinois’ bayou. Yes, the bayou in Illinois. Cypress Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to incredible cypress-filled swamps and wetlands and is unlike anything you expect to find in the Midwest. The refuge protects 15,000 acres of lush wetlands and some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi River.
CITY: Ullin
D&M Hunting Club
Located 2.6 miles south of Rt. 37. With five strategically placed dry, heated, concrete pits overlooking water. Hunt in decoyed spreads in excess of 200 dozen, ducks available. Mandatory professional guides.
CITY: Marine
Dakota Nature Trail
The Dakota Nature Trail for biking, hiking, and cross-county skiing links Dakota Park with the Dorothy Wirth Nature Area. The trail surface is crushed limestone and follows a former railroad right-of-way. The trail begins on Main Street in Dakota.
CITY: Dakota
Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges
Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges is a family owned business that provides a place for trap shooting, target practice and personal instruction and training in the use of firearms for self-defense.
CITY: Bloomington
Decatur Gun Club
The origins and growth of the Decatur Gun Club parallel that of the clay target itself, and the games created to hone and test shotgun shooting skill. Shotgun sport shooting with live pigeons and later, glass balls existed in the U.S. from the early 1800's. But the first "clay pigeon" and "trap" to throw it were not developed until about 1880 by George Ligowsky. William Brett From Decatur was the second manufacturer of clay targets in the U.S., which he called the "Decatur Red Bird". Considered the oldest shotgun shooting sports club in Illinois, the Decatur Gun Club was founded soon after clay targets were invented. Chan Powers and Bert Hildebrandt were two of the mentors of the club, first located near East William Street Road and 22nd Street. In the early years, the club occupied sites in the Hess Park area, the Wyckles Corner area, the Macon County Fairgrounds, and an area west of the Fairgrounds before finding it's home of the past 61 years at the north end of Faries Park.
CITY: Decatur
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
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
Deer Run Golf Center
This golf center features a driving range, chipping green, putting green and adventure golf.
CITY: Woodstock
Deer Run Par 3 Golf Course
Open seasonally, this par 3 course is located in Washington Park.
CITY: Robinson
Deer Trail Golf Course
Nine holes of golf located next to Lake Shelbyville at the old "Country Club." Come and enjoy a round of golf and then come and enjoy food and a refreshment while looking over the Lake.
CITY: Shelbyville
Deer Valley Golf Club
Located just 10 miles south of Rock Falls, Deer Valley is a challenging 18-hole championship golf course.
CITY: Deer Grove
