2
Superior National Forest
National forest
This sizable tract of land features many recreational opportunities, including camping & fishing.
4.80 (2.3K reviews)
4
Iona's Beach Scientific & Natural Area (SNA)
Nature preserve
👍👍 Also known as "Pink Beach," this place was pretty cool. If you are sun seeking, go here. There is not much for shade. The big rocks on the beach are not easy to walk on but the vast display of large smooth pink stones is worth checking out. The waters are crystal clear. So pristine. We found a Crack...
4.80 (664 reviews)
5
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve
Nature preserve
👍👍 One of my favorite thing to do is go on extreme hikes that require jumping between borders. Likely enough this park has just that. From the fishing area past the light house you'll find boulders. The best part of the park with lots of shade you will find by entrance to the fishing path. The sunsets...
4.80 (389 reviews)
9
Pine Dunes Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
👍👍 I’ve been going to Pine Dunes for the 6 years since they opened, and the restoration has been remarkable. [ 2020 Update...Restoration appears to be complete, with the workers trailer removed ]
Multiple ponds and hillocks combined with extensive prarie areas, and some woodlands make for a diverse se...
4.80 (126 reviews)
10
Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway
Nature preserve
👍👍 A nice big, beautiful, well-mantained loop around the lake! Perfect for getting in a good hike and for seeing wildlife, open sky, wildflowers and more. Trail is very accessible and well-marked.
4.80 (92 reviews)
11
Openlands Lakeshore Shoreline
Nature preserve
👍👍 Great views. Didn’t expect Illinois to have such views as this place does. During the coronavirus pandemic the stair case was blocked off so we had to climb down through the side of it. It was very slippery, so if you find yourself in this position, be careful.
The parking lot that’s the closest to...
4.80 (63 reviews)
12
Lake Apopka North Shore
Nature preserve
Sprawling nature preserve along Lake Apopka featuring hiking, biking & horseback riding trails.
4.70 (992 reviews)
15
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Nature preserve
Scenic, serene nature preserve featuring a natural bog & trails for walking & cross-country skiing.
4.70 (670 reviews)
17
Half Day Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
Scenic preserve featuring picnic shelters, pond fishing & areas for viewing migratory songbirds.
4.70 (645 reviews)
19
Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
Dog-friendly 781-acre nature preserve with hiking/biking trails, picnic tables & wildlife watching.
4.70 (499 reviews)
20
Heron Creek Forest Preserve
Nature preserve
242-acre nature preserve featuring 2.3 miles of trails, a playground & over 100 species of birds.
4.70 (350 reviews)