Matthew Sampson

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 lake side of the building to access The Lakefill. Follow the path to the right to reach the southea...

From downtown Fish Creek in Door County, WI, head west on Main St. until the road dead ends at the water. Park your car on either side of the street and take a seat at a bench, explore the shoreline, or relax on the stone fence lining the shore. There's no better spot to catch the sunset in Fish Creek. This spot can get crowded in the summer, so head here during a weeknight or during the should...

The loop begins at the parking lot of Eagle Bluff/Panorama and immediately descends 200 feet along the Green Bay coast. While paralleling the shoreline, you'll have a chance to explore caves, get your feet wet on the shores of Green Bay, and wander through white cedar forests. The hike is moderately strenuous due to the uneven hiking surfaces along the rocky bluffs and over exposed roots. After...

The Morton Arboretum is located off of Route 53 in Lisle, IL. The arboretum spans both the east and west sides of the road. Head to the east side of the park to access the Main Trail Loops. Visitors have to pay a small fee to enter the arboretum ($14 April through November, $9 December through March). Additionally, Wednesdays in the warm months are also $9. After paying admission, head to the p...

From the intersection of Schauer Road and N. Cave Point Drive in Jacksonport, WI, take Schauer Road towards the lake. You will see a gravel parking area at the entrace to the park and a small boat launch at the shore. Unpack your kayaks, and then park your car at one side of the gravel lot.Once in the water, head south (to the right) to begin your route to Cave Point County Park. On the way, th...

From Highway 42 in Door County, WI, there are two entrances into Peninsula State Park, on the south and north ends of the park. If coming from the south, turn left onto Shore Road and take this road around the perimeter of the park until reaching the parking lot at the base of Eagle Tower. If traveling from the north, turn right onto Shore Road at the north entrance to the park, and travel to t...

Driving on Highway 42 from Sturgeon Bay, cross the bridge over the canal heading north. Take the first right after crossing the bridge on Utah Street. Turn right on Cove Road, followed by a left on Canal Road. Follow Canal Road along the canal until the road comes to a dead end at the U.S. Coast Guard Station. You can park your car in the dirt parking lot outside of the station. Be sure to read...