Lake Villa, Illinois

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. 

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...

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...

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...

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...

This is a six-mile loop along the banks of the Salt Creek in Oakbrook, IL. The flat trail features trees and wildflowers (great walk to do in autumn). Trail is also good for bike riders. There is a picnic area and the Graue Mill and Museum. Graue Mill is 150 years old and played a part in the Und...

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 Ma...

This trail is almost 7 miles one-way (14 miles out-and-back) of paved path, makes for an ideal biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running path. The trail runs out-and-back along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for a...

To access the complex, head south from downtown Milwaukee along 1st St. Once you reach Greenfield Ave., turn left heading East. You'll pass under a concrete train bridge before seeing an open field on your right. Park your car along the street and head south past the crumbled brick of another for...

Urban explorers, meet your new favorite spot. Located right outside of downtown Milwaukee, Jones' Island is home to a water reclamation facility, road salt storage, milorganite, the Port of Milwaukee and more. But us explorers view it as a desolate haven ready to become our canvas. Train tracks a...

Officially called the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, this is a great stop to learn about some plants and take some photographs.  You can even catch live music or a light show!    Location: Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory - 524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215 Admission...

Visiting Chicago I was on a mission to find a great outdoors spot to be in. This definitely fulfilled my goal of finding a beautiful garden to hangout in! There are plenty of different paths and areas to explore just within the city! Location Located in Millennium Park it will be easy to find,...

Elm Grove Park is one of the most picture perfect parks in the SE WI area, so be sure to stay for sunset as the sky lights up! The 1 mile long trail wraps the perimeter of the park. It is paved the entire way, if you want to venture off trail feel free. Dogs are permitted at this park! There is a...

Lakeshore State Park is kind of considered a hidden gem. While yes, it's right along the Milwaukee lakefront, people don't realize just how nice and beautiful it is! This urban state park features two loops (the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf) that total 1.7 miles. To access the park, you can either par...

You will find plenty of unique things going on at this park at all times. People swimming at the beach on the east end of the lake, people canoeing from the boat launch, grilling, hiking around the perimeter of the lake, and plenty of people fishing on one of two piers. Dogs are welcome and encou...

There are not many sandy beaches in the lovely state of Wisconsin.  This might be the best one.  If you are from Wisconsin, you also might consider Lake Michigan an ocean when you are craving a real ocean.  And it comes close!  Even though it’s not on a real ocean, this beach has it all. There’s ...