Hamilton Lakes

Hamilton Lakes is home to Chicagoland's largest fireworks display synced to music as well as an annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games. The lakes also offers several fields good for soccer tournaments and other outdoor activities.

CITY: Itasca

Quarry Ridge Hunt Club

The premiere, upland-hunting experience in Northern Illinois. Quarry Ridge offers hunting (member or non-member) for rooster pheasant, dove, turkey, deer and moor. Dogs and guides can be provided if needed.

CITY: Lena

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The urban gateway to nature and science. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a place where city dwellers can reconnect with the wonder of the natural world. From a hands-on water lab to a wilderness walk to the only international, year-round butterfly haven, science comes alive.

CITY: Chicago

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

Hunting Unlimited

Trophy Whitetail Deer bow hunts since 1986. Also, spring turkey hunting, sporting clays, trap range, meals, and lodging. Heavily wooded ravines and valleys, magnificent stands of oak, maple and cedar, and grassy meadows.

CITY: Mount Sterling

Rogers Hunting Club, Inc.

Established in 1957 - public hunting, plus memberships for pheasant, quail, wild turkey, doves and deer in season. Hunter Safety Course for ages 16 & under - held the second weekend in October.

CITY: Ohio

Lakewoods Flying Duck Sporting Clays

Public shooting range with sporting clays & wobble trap. A premiere sporting clays shooting facility located in rural Wayne County, seven miles northeast of Cisne, Illinois. Currently, offering twelve stations with 20 automatic machines, including a wobble trap, a battue, and a Rabbit. Our country setting allows us to present stations in the woods, on a hillside, in a marsh, and in open fields. We also surround a placid eight acre lake. On any given day, you can see the fish splash in the water, and hear the frogs croaking. Shooters have frequently reported seeing curious deer watching them from the shelter of the woods. Crisscrossing meadows, woods and marshes are all weather graveled nature paths winding thru miles of natural beauty. Both new and experienced shooters can appreciate the natural backdrop as they enjoy the sport. GPS> N38 33' 11.24" W088 22' 01.78"

CITY: Cisne

Bolin Enterprises, Inc World's Largest Wind Chimes

With chimes suspended nearly 50 feet above the ground, the BEI wind chime is a sight to behold! The longest of five chimes is 42 feet long-almost double that of the past world record holder. The chimes sing gentle and deep as they strike the clapper, long gleaming lengths paying tribute to BEI's expertise in the pipeline industry. Stick around to visit the tea shop opening next door!

CITY: Casey

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

Wispering Oaks Campground

Enjoy camping close to Nauvoo & Quincy. Swimming & fishing at an affordable price.

CITY: Mendon

Spring Valley Farm

Spring Valley Farm is home to Jersey cows, alpacas, sheep, Belgian horses, chickens and goats. Farm tours and hayrack rides by appointment only.

CITY: Fulton

Silkrug Stable

Enjoy Jo Daviess countryside in a horse-drawn buggy/bobsled. Ride at our place or yours. Call for information/reservations.

CITY: Stockton

Glenn's Hunting Club

Clean, dry and heated pits. Yearly membership and day hunting available. Excellent hunting in fields. Plus hunting in 2 pits over water. 3/4 mile on refuge frontage. Guides available.

CITY: Marion

Hillsboro Sherwood Forest Campground Montgomery County

Camping, Hiking, Fishing along with many special events. Call ahead for information.

CITY: Hillsboro

Lamont Outdoors

Features over 2000 acres of prime hunting south of Grayville, in White County.

CITY: Crossville

Kampground Okaw Valley

52 sites, electricity, dump station, showers, reservations.

CITY: Brownstown

Rock River Valley Skydivers, Inc.

Student training. Tandem & sport/fun jumping. Demonstration jumping for events. USPA group member drop zone. Two Cessna C182 jump planes, visitors welcomed. Located at the Whiteside County Airport.

CITY: Rock Falls

Paris City Bluebird Trail

Visit these scattered sites to witness the return of the bluebird to Illinois. The trail and Sycamore Golf Club are two links in the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail.

CITY: Paris

Sherwood Camping Resort

Camper and tent sites, approx. 60 hookups; shaded, family-oriented camping. Only 2 mi. to Rend Lake.

CITY: Ina

Tradewinds Marina

Able to accommodate boats up to 45 ft. in covered slips and 40 ft. in open slips, Trade Winds Marina is a great place to moor your boat. The new clubhouse features showers, restrooms, and a lounging area for members.

CITY: Carlyle

Palmer Park Chicago

The park is named for Potter Palmer (1826–1902), a successful businessman and real estate investor concerned with the development of Chicago. Palmer was responsible for reclaiming the acres of swampland north of the city's business district, which were developed into the Lake Shore Drive area. He built the original baseball field for the Cubs' predecessor, the Chicago White Stockings, and built the Palmer House Hotel. Palmer Park was created in 1904 by the South Park Commission. Under the guidance of superintendent J. Frank Foster, the commission opened ten new neighborhood parks, including Palmer Park, in an effort to create breathing space and recreational areas in the city's crowded tenement districts. These parks were built by Olmsted Brothers landscape architects and D.H. Burnham and Co. architects.

CITY: Chicago

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

Hickory Holler Campground

Located in West York, Crawford County, the campground features 100 camping sites with many nearby activities.

CITY: West York

Izaak Walton League

One mile north of Geneseo on Hwy 82, south of Historic Hennepin Canal. Clubhouse and shelter available for rent.

CITY: Geneseo

Skillet Fork Outfitters Inc.

With over 3,500 acres of cropland & 1700 acres of prime woods, this newly formed business is for the trophy whitetail, turkey or coyote hunter. New lodge, hot evening meals, competitive prices; will pickup from Evansville Airport.

CITY: Carmi

Racoon Lake

The park is open for boating and fishing year round and hosts a major drag boat racing event each year.

CITY: Centralia

Bail's Timberline Lake Camp Ground

140 sites, electricity, water, dump station, showers, reservations.

CITY: St. Elmo

Bremer Sanctuary

Trails for bird watchers and nature lovers; 200 acres.

CITY: Hillsboro

O'connell's Yogi Bear Jellystone Park

287 acres of clean camping. Large pull-thru site with 50 amp electric available. Daily activities June-August. Swimming, mini golf, water slide, 5 comfort stations, laundromats, and Yogi Bear.

CITY: Amboy

Prophetstown State Recreation Area

Boat ramp, shower facilities, picnic grounds and RV dump station. Playground equipment.

CITY: Prophetstown

Gun Creek Campground

Campground with 100 sites with electricity located on Rend Lake. The Seasons Lodge Restaurant, the Rend Lake Gold Course, and the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop are all within walking distance.

CITY: Whittington

Green River State Wildlife Area

Green River is the best remaining example of the wetland-prairie mosaic that once covered the area's nearly 1 million acres of lowlands. This multiple-use site provides hunting, hiking, and birding opportunities.

CITY: Harmon

Hickory Point Golf Course

Hickory Point is truly a course for both beginning and competitive golfers. The flat, wide fairways are perfect for learning, while long distances and the ever-present wind provide challenge for more experienced golfers. Hickory Point hosts the Tat $ Lyle Players Championship, the developmental tour of the LPGA. Designed by Roger Packard, the course opened in 1999, and is designed specifically for beginning and youth golfers. Hickory Point features a lighted driving range and special six-hole short course for beginning and youth golfers.

CITY: Forsyth

Oak Terrace Golf Course

Home of the Shotmaker's Mile, Oak Terrace is a championship 18-hole course complete with a driving range, putting and chipping green, and a fully stocked pro shop.

CITY: Pana

Carlyle Lake Sailing Association

CSA has docking for 380 boats, 3 electric jib cranes, 1,300 ft. of dock and 2 launching ramps. Special events feature annual regattas.

CITY: Carlyle

Old Bates Campground

Located on the west side of Rend Lake off of Route 148 at the intersection of Peach Orchard Road. Offers electricity, water and sewer, shower house, bottle gas filed, dumping stations as well as campers to rent. Owners: Robert and Angela Holder.

CITY: Sesser

Washington Park

Washington Park is the city's original central square laid out by Quincy's founder, John Wood, in 1825. The square was formerly called John's Square, named in honor of President John Quincy Adams. In 1858, Washington Park was the site of the sixth Lincoln-Douglas debate. Laredo Taft's sculpture now marks the setting of the debate site. Today, a farmer's market is held in the park every Tuesday and Saturday mornings from May to October.

CITY: Quincy

Cannon Park

Picnic shelter, playgrounds, and a lake for visitors to enjoy fishing.

CITY: Carterville

S.I. Bowl

Bowling and bar. There is a game room and a bar and lounge. They have youth programs, tournaments, leagues, and parties. Offers cosmic bowling

CITY: Carterville

Fox River Canoe & Kayak

This is self guided river trips with canoe or kayak. The St. Charles trip takes about 2 1/2 hours.

CITY: St. Charles

Bow Hunting at Sand Creek Recreation Area

Bow hunting of deer by permit only. Herd reduction program runs through November and December.

CITY: Decatur

Lakeside RV Park

Located north of Olney adjacent to East Fork Lake, this park features all the amenities campers seek.

CITY: Olney

Prairie Ridge State Natural Area

Located southwest of Newton, Prairie Ridge is a wonderful site for observing rare species of grassland wildlife. Over 2500 acres, visitors will enjoy bird watching, nature study, photography and much more.

CITY: Newton

Macedonia Game Preserve

A state-licensed hunting preserve, we provide hunters with a good environment and quality deer management. Also quail, pheasant,chukar and dove hunting available. Package prices available upon request for walk-in hunts, corporate & business hunts.

CITY: Macedonia

Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge

Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge offers several packages for all individuals. Hunting, fishing, golfing or family getaways can be enjoyed in their luxurious cabins located Southwest of Newton.

CITY: Newton

Todd Hall Retreat and Conference Center

Visitors are invited to walk the tree-lined paths and beautiful labyrinth. The center is open for group reservations.

CITY: Columbia

Tomahawk Camp Ground

142 sites, electricity, water, sewer, showers.

CITY: Pocahontas

White Hall Rez

No fee for camping but campers must register with the Police Department. Boat motors with 5HP or less allowed. Fishing is allowed at the lake. No swimming.

CITY: White Hall

Twin Lakes Park

East lake - swimming, camping, boat dock, walking trail, primitive camping. West lake - fishing, picnic, large pavilion, shelter, fireworks, horseshoes, tent camping, trailer camping, permission by police for primitive camping.

CITY: Paris

Ruffit Park

Located west of Sterling & Rock Falls on Rt. 30 & 2.

CITY: Sterling

Eagle Point Horseback Riding Farm & Eagle Point Paintball Games

Horseback riding for young and old. Trails follow Elkhorn Creek. Great for the more experienced rider. Paintball field is on island off Elkhorn Creek.

CITY: Milledgeville

Lake Hillsboro

Located on Lake Hillsboro , many camp sites, hiking and horseback trails, picnicking areas, playground and swimming beach

CITY: Hillsboro

Leisure Lake Campground

68 full hookup sites, of which 32 are pull-thru. All are 20 & 30 amp. Hookup (50 amp available), pay phones, full laundry.

CITY: Rock Falls

Jaycees Park

Offers picnic & playground areas, sand volleyball courts, soccer field, basketball court.

CITY: Lena

Burrell Woods Park & Campground

30 camping sites in northern Carmi.

CITY: Carmi

Gold Hills Golf Club

Rolling hills make up this 18-hole golf course. Carts, a driving range and a putting green are available.

CITY: Colchester

Four Willows Golf Course

Four Willows features a nine-hole, par 35 course.

CITY: Mason City

Fairfield Golf Club

This club features an 18-hole, regulation length golf course.

CITY: Columbia

Steeleville City Park

The focal point of this park is a monument dedicated to fallen soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

CITY: Steeleville

Tri-Township Park

Just miles off I-55, I-70, and I-270, the park has easy access and has many features for travelers, like a petting zoo, playground equipment, picnic pavilions and a small lake.

CITY: Troy

Skate Station

Family-oriented roller skating with video/redemption games and a complete snack bar including pizza. Birthday, private parties, and all night lock-ins are available.

CITY: Lena

Country Kitchen Hunting Club

Waterfowl hunting, goose and ducks. Guides available.

CITY: Marion

The Canoe Shack

Trip 1 - So. Elgin to St. Charles. Our most popular canoe or kayak trip. Relax and enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the beautiful Fox River. This is a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hr. 7 1/2 mi. paddle with no dams. Each canoe can hold 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 small kids. Rental includes a canoe or kayak, paddles, life preservers and shuttle. A nice trip for families, friends and groups of up to 100. Open mid April to mid - November. Please call in advance for reservations.

CITY: St. Charles

Lil' General Mini Golf

Located next to the Palace Campgrounds and only 2 miles west from Galena, play on an 18-hole miniature golf course, complete with a cascading waterfall, rapids/streams and a fountain. Visit our video arcade and concession stand.

CITY: Galena

Rall Woods State Natural Area

280 acres for public hunting, hiking, nature viewing. Area has native hilltop prairies and views of the Mississippi River.

CITY: Hanover

George's Skate Center

Fun skating for kids and adults alike! Great chance to get some healthy exercise with your friends and family, and even plan birthday parties for even greater fun!

CITY: Decatur

Bobber's River Tap

Bobber's is an open, outdoor, deck bar and picnic area, along the banks of the Pecatonica River. A relaxing stop for travelers by road or river. Bobber's is a converted 95 year old lumberyard. Bring your own pole and boat, or just sit and relax with a cold drink and watch the river flow by.

CITY: Winslow

Golconda Marina

One of the finest fishing and boating areas in the nation, this marina is the gateway to the Ohio River's Smithland Pool, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 619-acre full-service boat marina has more than 200 slips.

CITY: Golconda

Long Prairie Trail

This 14.6 mile paved recreational trail runs south of Illinois Route 173 and winds past the Northern Boone County towns of Caledonia, Capron, Belvidere and Poplar Grove.

CITY: Caledonia

Timber Trails Camp Ground

150 sites, electricity, 100 sites with water, 50 sites with sewer, showers, reservations.

CITY: Mulberry Grove

Schmidt's Canoeing Service

Camping, trips, outfitting and instructions.

CITY: Elgin

Franklin Creek State Natural Area

Developed by local volunteers, it offers scenic trails, horseback riding, fishing, and limited hunting. The site contains the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill and a 180-acre dedicated nature preserve.

CITY: Franklin Grove

South Sandusky Campground

120 camping sites with electricity and 8 tent sites on beautiful Rend Lake. Full hookups on selected sites. Beach.

CITY: Sesser

Oak Glen Country Club

This challenging 18-hole course is open year round, and features a clubhouse, driving range and tee times for non-members.

CITY: Robinson

Chester Country Club

Golf the par 9 course at this country club.

CITY: Chester

Fox Creek Golf Club

Fox Creek features an 18-hole golf course.

CITY: Edwardsville

Prophet Hills Country Club

Built in 1966, this semi-private, 18-hole golf course is situated on extremely hilly terrain, and features a putting green and chipping area.

CITY: Prophetstown

Shambolee Golf Course

This beautiful, well-maintained 18-hole course has a long front nine with mature trees, and a short tricky back nine with water, bent grass, trees and greens.

CITY: Petersburg

Lost Nation Golf Club

This beautiful 18-hole course with large, smooth greens and rolling hills is open to the public, and offers a pro shop and restaurant.

CITY: Dixon

Raymond Shoal Creek Golf Course

This nine-hole course is par 36.

CITY: Raymond

Illinois Wildlife Connections

Located in rural Jasper County, northeast of Newton, Illinois Wildlife features a lodge for hunters during deer seasons and in the off-seasons hosting meetings, receptions and off-season lodging.

CITY: Newton

Fullersburg Woods Environmental Educational Center

Educational facility offering exhibits, interactive programs and interpretive trails that highlight DuPage County's unique natural history. Open daily. Admission free.

CITY: Oak Brook

Holes & Knolls Miniature Golf Course & Clubhouse in Maryknoll Park

The perfect setting for business & pleasure. Holes & Knolls features two 18-hole miniature golf courses and a clubhouse in a 25-acre park setting. The course design incorporates cascading waterfalls & streams. The clubhouse is available for rent.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

Burns Goose Club

Located 1.7 miles west of Illinois Route 148 on Grassy Road just south of the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl and deer hunting on 960 acres. Guides available. One of the top three harvest clubs in the southern Illinois quota zone.

CITY: Carbondale

Oak Brook Park District

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The Oak Brook Park District represents five parks totaling 150 acres, and four facilities: Family Recreation Center (the Family Aquatic Center and Premiere Fitness Club), the Racquet Club, the Dorothy and Sam Dean Nature Sanctuary and Central Park West.

CITY: Oak Brook

Keough Effigy Land & Water Reserve

Explore the past along Keough's hiking trails. Come and see its mining and Native American history.

CITY: Galena

Fido Fields

2.5 acre fenced off leash park in Fairview Park. Register at the DISC, 1295 W. Wood St. or call 217-422-5911.

CITY: Decatur

Grafton Harbor

Visit this "Key West" of the Midwest located where the Illinois River and Mississippi River meet. In addition to harbor faciltiies, a floating swimming pool and the Big Kahuna Bar and Grill, Grafton Harbor features a gift shop where boaters and landlubbers alike can find unique trinkets and treasures. Snacks, beer and wine, boating accessories and parts, clothing for all ages, navigational maps and gifts for that special child are all available.

CITY: Grafton