Spring Grove, Illinois

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...

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...

This segment of the Ice Age Trail features stairs, river views, pretty rocks, a nice park, and a golf course.  We started at the north end (not the park end) and enjoyed it.  If you have kids, I would recommend starting at the park end.  It is an out-and-back type hike.  From the south end of the...

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...

This park has it all! Lake Park Bistro, golfing, hiking, a lighthouse, hiking trails, biking trails, and picnic spots galore!  Take the Oak Leaf Trail throughout the park to make a loop around all of the main landmarks in this historic park!  There are many things to see in this park! Multiple ra...

Park Hours: 6AM to 10PM  Official Nashotah Park Website Excerpt from the website: Nashotah Park is a 444-acre park nestled among rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that offer habitat for deer, waterfowl and a variety of songbirds. Nature trails lead through easily identifiable lan...

One of Milwaukee's truly hidden gems, this beach is right off of Capitol Drive and approximately 50 stairs down from the bluffs to the shoreline!  You can park anywhere on the road (Lake Drive) and be a short walk to the main overlook. This beach has many jetties that go out into the water which ...

Hiking around this lake at all times of the year is fun. You can park by the beach on any side of the lake and you are greeted with breathtaking views of Menomonee Park's pond, or "Lannon Quarry" as others have called it. It will take you about 30 minutes to hike the whole thing if you are explor...

Millennium Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.