Lake Villa, Illinois

Top Spots in and near Lake Villa

  • Lake Villa, Illinois

    Hike Hastings Lake LCFP

    5.0
    2.37 mi / 88 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of Butler Lane (see map) to access the trail. This trail is open year round, is dog-friendly, and offers a variety of activities. In the winter, bring your snow gear!
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  • Ringwood, Illinois

    Hike the Glacial Park Loop Trail

    2.3 mi / 216 ft gain
    Glacial Park is located in McHenry County Conservation District, near Richmond, Illinois. The park features prairies, a flowing river, and over 40 endangered plant and animal species. The park is open for hikers, horseback riders, fishers, and those wishing to canoe. Glacial Park is part of the H...
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  • Vernon Hills, Illinois

    Big Bear and Little Bear Lake Loop

    1.74 mi / 43 ft gain
    Big Bear and Little Bear Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Vernon Hills, Illinois.
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  • Cary, Illinois

    The Hollows Trail

    3.77 mi / 220 ft gain
    The Hollows Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, Illinois.
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  • Deerfield, Illinois

    Hike the Prairie Wolf Slough Loop

    3.0
    1.01 mi / 9 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of half day road (see map) to access the trail. Accessible year round, great for all skill levels, and dog-friendly.
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  • Northfield, Illinois

    Bike the Skokie Lagoons North Loop

    3.0
    4.5 mi
    Starting at Tower Road, the path follows the bridge east to Forest Way Drive. The path mostly follows the road, and the shoreline of the lagoons up to Dundee Road, where you turn back West. Once across the bridge, you then head south on the paved trail back towards Tower Road. The Route is marked...
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  • Des Plaines, Illinois

    Watch the Sunset at Axehead Lake

    In a large city, it's nice to be able to find pockets of nature oasis amidst the chaos. It's great to come here with a journal or sketchbook and pass the time while watching the sunset. Fishing is available at this lake and there is a forest preserve that has a couple small trails. 
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  • Evanston, Illinois

    The Lakefill

    5.0
    From the Northwestern University campus, head to the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts to access the southern-most section of The Lakefill. If driving, parking is usually available nearby on Sheridan Road, to the southwest of The Lakefill. Once at the Ryan Center, take the pedestrian bridge on the...
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  • South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Hike the Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park

    5.0
    0.98 mi / 72 ft gain
    Placed along the Lake Michigan lakeshore in Grant Park about 10 minutes south of Downtown Milwaukee, Seven Bridges Trail offers beautiful scenery that seems like something out of a fairy tail. The trail begins at the the Covered Bridge Entrance which you can access by entering off of Grant Park D...
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  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Take a Stroll around the Lagoon at Wilson Park

    2.2 mi
    Whether your looking to relax or are going for a run, Wilson Park is a perfect place for whatever recreation you desire. The lagoon is one of the best in the city and offers some beautiful scenery during the evening hours. After taking in the lagoon, head through the trails around the park to exp...
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Run Chicago’s Lakefront Trail

    5.0
    6.7 mi
    Chicago – the third largest city in the US and home to the deep dish pizza – doesn’t exactly scream “outdoorsy.” In reality, there is much more to Chicago than skyscrapers; there are dozens of parks, outdoor music venues, and the city is right on Lake Michigan, making it very easy on the eyes. Be...
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  • Cudahy, Wisconsin

    Experience a Sunrise at Sheridan Park

    5.0
    Sheridan Park is home to one of the most beautiful, stunning and scenic sunrises in Wisconsin. Located about 10 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee, this location is accessible by hiking about 10 minutes from your parking location. Follow the winding path down to the beach and you'll find abandon...
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  • Palmyra, Wisconsin

    Hike the Bald Bluff Trail

    3.2 mi / 475 ft gain
    Parking There is a small parking lot off of County Rd H. The trailhead is marked at the back of the lot. Please be advised that there are no facilities here. Trail Description The Bald Bluff Trail starts at the trailhead marked behind the parking lot. From there, the trail traverses 0.5 miles up ...
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  • Warrenville, Illinois

    Herrick Lake Trail

    4.0
    8.2 mi / 390 ft gain
    This is an easy trail for beginners, with a packed gravel clearly-marked trail shared  by walkers, runners, bicyclists, and even horses (the trail is next to Denada Equestrian Center).  Gently sloping trails lead through prairie land, next to small ponds filled with singing frogs, some wooded are...
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    North Avenue Beach

    North Avenue Beach, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, is one of the city’s most popular lakefront spots. Its iconic beach house, designed to resemble an ocean liner, offers 22,000 square feet of space, including upper decks and portholes for stunning views of Lake Michigan and the bustling lakef...
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  • Waukesha, Wisconsin

    Bike or Run the Glacial Drumlin Trail (Waukesha to Wales Segment)

    5.0
    14 mi
    Your journey begins at the Fox River Sanctuary and E.B. Shurts Environmental Education Center at 810 College Avenue in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Parking is plentiful, and you'll find restrooms and bubblers (or, water fountains to you non-natives) available seasonally. The Glacial Drumlin Trailhead is ...
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Camping and Lodging in Lake Villa

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Union, Illinois

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Lake Villa

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Erica Zazo