Starved Rock State Park

Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons dominate the storied landscape at Starved Rock. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddleboat cruises, cross-country skiing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking. Visitors can stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge or in one of its cozy cabins.

CITY: Utica

Starved Rock Lodge

Full-service Conference Center in Starved Rock State Park. Dining room, bar, veranda, outdoor dining, indoor pool (for Lodge guests). Retreats, meetings, banquets and dream weddings. Lodge has 69 rooms and 21 cabin rooms in a rustic, wooded setting.

CITY: Oglesby

Kayak Chicago

Kayak through canyons of skyscrapers and architectural wonders, or explore the waters just off beautiful Lake Michigan. Kayak Chicago is Chicago’s premier full-service outfitter, offering a variety of tours with certified instructors and guides. It’s a truly unique way to experience the urban landscape.

CITY: Chicago

Egyptian Hills Resort

Egyptian Hills Resort is your passport to the Ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether you are into waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sport fishing, or pleasure boating; the Lake of Egypt is a boater’s paradise. All within a stone’s throw of your cabin. Within minutes of your cabin, your family can enjoy guided expeditions such as; horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, geo-caching, wildlife photography and many other outdoor activities. Whether planning a single activity or multiple activities for your group, we at Egyptian Hills are your personal concierge in planning your ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether onsite or through one of our partner guides, all activities are tailored for all ages and experience levels.

CITY: Creal Springs

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

At Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa go golfing on one of four championship courses, horseback riding along hilly wooded trails, boating on the sapphire waters of Lake Galena, or soaring over the countryside in a hot air balloon with Galena on the Fly. Relax in the luxury of the resort’s Stonedrift Spa with a pampering massage. Eagle Ridge offers a wide variety of lodging that ranges from traditional inn rooms to golf villas and distinctive homes.

CITY: Galena

Argyle Lake State Park

Find serenity at this beautiful 1700-acre wooded park situated along an old stagecoach route between Galena and Beardstown. Featuring 95-acre Argyle Lake, the park is home to countless beaver dams and more than 200 bird species and 5 miles of hiking and biking trails.

CITY: Colchester

Paddle and Trail

Paddle and Trail is an independently owned, full service outdoor retailer and outfitter specializing in paddle sports, bicycling, trail runninng, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and adventure racing. Explore the beautiful waterways and trails of northern Illinois with Paddle and Trail trips. The store hosts the Regional Activity Center located beyind their building on Windsor Lake, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking and more water sport activities.

CITY: Loves Park

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

Kayak Quincy

Experience the Mississippi River from a new and unique perspective! These 2- hour tours include basic instruction in how to properly pilot a kayak and guided tour of the Quincy Bay and river area. The guided tour includes all necessary equipment as well as instruction and tour, both given by a certified instructor and Mississippi River enthusiast. Open June through September. Self-guided tours/kayak rentals are also available. Reservations required. Call the Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information or reservations! 217-214-3700.

CITY: Quincy

McConnell Bobtown Landing

Enjoy the natural wonders of the Pecatonica River, Stephenson County's water trail, as is meanders nearly 60 miles through undisturbed Midwestern beauty. This landing offers ample parking, two picnic areas, portable toilet, 10' x 20' floating dock, fire pits and charcoal grills, two ADA fishing piers and canoe/kayak and boat launch. Camping at the site is available for canoes, kayaks and boaters. Reservations required.

CITY: McConnell

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

McNeil's Damascus Landing

Enjoy the natural wonders of the Pecatonica River, Stephenson County's water trail, as is meanders nearly 60 miles through undisturbed Midwestern beauty. Access the river at McNeil's Damascus Landing which offers ample parking, a picnic area, fire pit and charcoal grills, portable toilet, 10' x 20' floating dock and canoe/kayak and concrete boat launch with access docking. Camping at the site is available for canoe, kayaks and boaters. Reservations required.

CITY: Lena