Crown Point, Indiana

The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trail is typically used for hiking, walking, and birding. If you want to amp up your hike, hop on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, an 11 mile trail connecting the iron works to the Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve. 

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...

The trail features chances to see bison, and scenic wild flowers. The Buffalo Viewing Trail is in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and is open year-round. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Old army bunkers are scattered along the trail. The trail winds through a prairi...

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...

The trail is open for use year-round, and is great for snowshoeing in winter months. This trail allows dogs, but please keep your dog on a leash throughout the duration to avoid disturbing the wonderful bison.  Be weary of ticks - bring bug spray for you and your dog. 

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...

New Buffalo Public Beach is nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. This destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts provides a stretch of sand beachfront with family-friendly amenities, making this a great spot to visit.  Lifeguards:Lifeguards are on duty only during the...

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...

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...

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. 

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...

The Glacier Flats Trail is a 1.5 mile loop that guides you through the Old Field Trail and past the Buttonbrush Wetland and observation platform. You will continue along the trail past an open field and then into the woods.  Along the way you will enjoy the colors of the wildflowers and likely an...