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Travel Page

Travel, Nature, and the Outdoors 

This page shares travel, memorable attractions, and fun places to visit. 
It includes suggestions on places to see in Chicago, hiking, camping, and places to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Last Updated:  January 7, 2023

Video on top places in the Midwest


Table of Contents:

1) Travel to Chicago - Great Places and fun attractions 

2) Travel in the Midwest - 5 cool places to visit  

3) Camping Recommendations - Chicago Area

4) Skiing near Chicago 

5) Great Places to Hike near Chicago

6) Bicycle Trails in Chicago Suburbs


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Travel to Chicago - Great Places and fun attractions





Traveling to Chicago?  

Chicago, Illinois offers great attractions, parks, entertainment, restaurants, and bars.  A great destination when traveling with a variety of options available, no matter what you like.  

Visit Chicago, and explore one of the museums, hang out on Navy Pier, or enjoy a bicycle ride down the Lake shore path.  

Chicago attracts both business and vacation travelers.
  • Besides the attractions and museums, Chicago, Illinois offers restaurants, bars, and live entertainment with a terrific music scene (concerts and live music at bars and venues).
  • Chicago offers many amusement parks in the area.  Read the blog post Chicago Amusement Parks for more information.



Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate 
Chicago's famous bean



Here is the list of the museums and main attractions when visiting Chicago:

Zoos, Parks, City Sites, Cycling / Running Path, and Navy Pier:

  • Lincoln Park Zoo 
    • About:  35-acre zoo.  Zoo was founded in 1868 and is the fourth oldest zoo in North America.
    • Free admission
    • Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
    • Website:  https://www.lpzoo.org/
  • Millennium Park
    • About:  includes the famous Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago  
    • Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
    • Website:  Millennium Park Website 
  • Maggie Daley Park
    • About:  Playground, Miniature Golf, Rock Climbing wall, garden area, etc
    • Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
    • Website:  http://maggiedaleypark.com/
  • Navy Pier 
    • About:  Shops, Restaurants, Boat tours, fun rides, food vendors, and nice views of Lake Michigan.  Fireworks on Saturday night at 9:30 PM during the summer
    • Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
    • Website:  https://navypier.org/
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
    • About:  184-acre city park with gardens, swimming pool, fishing lagoon, athletic fields, tennis courts & more
    • Address:  300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
    • Phone #:   (773) 638-1766
    • Website:  https://garfieldconservatory.org/
  • John Hancock Center
    • About:  100-story, 1,128-foot supertall skyscraper located in Chicago and located in the Magnificent Mile district
    • Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
    • Website:  https://875northmichiganavenue.com/
  • Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
  • Color Factory (Lower level of Willis Tower)
    • About:  An interactive art museum located on the lower level of Willis Tower.
    • Address:  233 South Wacker Drive Lower Level 2, Chicago, IL 60606
    • Website:  https://colorfactory.co/chicago/
  • Second City
    • About:  Bringing the funny for over 60 years as the oldest ongoing improvisational theater troupe to be continually based in Chicago.  
    • Mainstage Address:  1616 N Wells St, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60614
    • Phone:  312-337-3992
    • Website:  https://www.secondcity.com/
  • Chinatown Square
    • About:  Serving as the neighborhood's hub, Chinatown Square features a two-level mall housing a variety of local businesses.
    • Address:  2133 S China Pl, Chicago, IL  60616
    • Website:  https://www.chicagochinatown.org/
  • Chicago Film Locations
    • Chicago is well known as a film destination for many blockbuster movies and television shows to be filmed here.  This movie guide lists movie and television show locations for Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med and several blockbuster movies including Home Alone, The Untouchables, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and The Dark Knight


Museums, Aquarium, Planetarium:
  • Adler Planetarium - Public museum dedicated to astronomy and astrophysics. It was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler
  • Art Institute of Chicago - Collection of art spanning centuries and the globe
  • Chicago History Museum - Discover Chicago history through family-friendly activities
    • Address:  1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
  • Field Museum - One of the largest Natural history museums in the world
  • Museum of Science & Industry - Cool place for kids of all ages - many exhibits including model railroad, U-505 Submarine, and United Airlines Boeing 727 airplane.  Museum located in Jackson Park, in the Hyde Park neighborhood between Lake Michigan and The University of Chicago.  
  • Shedd Aquarium - Indoor public aquarium.  Opened on May 30, 1930, the 5 million US gal aquarium was for some time the largest indoor facility in the world. Today it holds about 32,000 animals
  • Museum of Ice Cream - Chicago - Just Opened in Summer 2022;  Learn all about ice cream and its history across 14 multi-sensory installations


Shopping, Restaurants, and Craft Breweries

  • Water Tower Place - shopping mall with restaurants, theatre, and hotel
    • About:  758,000 sq ft shopping mall, hotel, theater, and condominiums in a 74-story skyscraper
    • Stores Include: American Girl, Claire's, Sephora, LEGO, chico's, and many more
    • Restaurants include: JoJo's Shake Bar, Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, Harry Caray's, and many more
    • Harry Potter Magic at Play:  Opened November 11, 2022 @ Water Tower Place.  Tickets on Sale now. 
    • Address:  835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
    • Website:  shopwatertower 
  • The culmination of Chicago's world famous food scene and a large Mexican population blesses Chicago with some fantastically great taquerias.  Check out Taco Chicago - Best Taco places in Chicago for the top 12 taco places in Chicago.
  • Best Chicago Brunch Places provides details on the most recommended brunch spots amongst Facebook users in Chicago and the suburbs. 
  • Chicago is home to great local craft breweries.  See the list of craft breweries that are located throughout the Chicago area by going to Chicago Area Craft Breweries





Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears Stadiums
  • Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)
    • About:  Located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.  The home stadium of the Chicago White Sox
    • Address:  333 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616
    • Website:  https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/ballpark
  • United Center (Bulls and Blackhawks stadium)
    • About:  Indoor arena on the Near West Side of Chicago and Home to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks
    • Address:  1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
    • Phone #:  (312) 455-4500
    • Website:  https://www.unitedcenter.com/
  • Soldier Field 



Chicago Arenas


  • Allstate Arena - a multi-purpose arena in Rosemont, IL.  Located near the intersection of Mannheim Road and Interstate 90, adjacent to the city limits of Chicago and O'Hare International Airport
    • Address: 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
    • Phone: (847) 635-6601
    • Capacity: 18,500
    • Sports Teams: Chicago Wolves, Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball
  • Credit Union 1 Arena (formerly known a the UIC Pavilion) - multi-purpose arena located on the Near West Side of Chicago which opened in 1982
    • Address: 525 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
    • Phone: (312) 413-5700
    • Capacity: 9,500
    • Sports Teams:  UIC Flames men's basketball, Chicago Eagles
  • Fifth Third Arena - Chicago Blackhawks Community Ice Rink
    • Address: 1801 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
    • Phone: (312) 455-7600
  • NOW Arena - multi-purpose arena in Hoffman Estates, a northwest suburb 25 miles from Chicago, near land which formerly contained the Poplar Creek Music Theater.   Since 2016, the arena has been home to the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls' affiliate in the NBA G League.
    • Address: 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
    • Phone: (847) 649-2222
    • Capacity: 11,218
    • Sports Teams:  Windy City Bulls, Chicago Mustangs, Chicago Bliss
  • Wintrust Arena (formerly known as DePaul Arena or McCormick Place Events Center) - Sports venue in Chicago's Near South Side community area that opened in 2017
    • Address: 200 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
    • Phone: (312) 791-6900
    • Capacity: 10,387
    • Sports Team: Chicago Sky


Chicago Live Theatre and Lyric Opera House


  • The Athenaeum Theatre - Community theater offering classes and produces art, comedy & dance performances
    • Address: 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
    • Phone: (312) 820-6250

  • Briar Street Theatre - Home to the long-running Blue Man Group. Originally the carriage house for the Marshall Field and Company horses, the space was purchased by Walter Topel and reconstructed into a theater.
    • Address:  3133 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
    • Phone: (773) 348-4000
    • Capacity: 625

  • Cadillac Palace Theatre - A unique brass themed interior dating back to pre WWII era, the theater is steeped in history, and is an iconic location in the Chicago area
    • Address:  151 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
    • Phone:  312-384-1502
    • Capacity:  2,344

  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Located in Navy Pier.  A non-profit, professional theater company
    • Address:  800 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
    • Phone: (312) 595-5600

  • Chicago Theatre - Built in 1921, this landmark theater is located on North State Street in the Loop
    • Address:  175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
    • Phone: (312) 462-6300
    • Capacity: 3,600

  • Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace - 971-seat venue offers Broadway shows, local productions & concerts, plus dining & events
    • Address:  100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
    • Phone:  (630) 530-0111

  • Goodman Theatre - Located in Chicago's Loop. Is the city's oldest currently active nonprofit theater organization.
    • Address:  170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60601
    • Phone: (312) 443-3800

  • Lyric Opera House of Chicago - Housed in a 45-story office with an Art Deco interior.  The second-largest opera auditorium in North America
    • Address:  20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
    • Phone: (312) 332-2244
    • Capacity:  3,563-seat opera house

  • James M. Nederlander Theatre - Previously known as the Oriental Theatre, it opened in 1926 as a deluxe movie palace and vaudeville venue
    • Address:  24 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
    • Phone: (312) 977-1700
    • Capacity: 2,253

  • Steppenwolf Theatre - A not-for-profit organization relying on community support to produce or present up to 16 plays and nearly 700 performances, readings and other events every year on three stages
    • Address:  1650 N Halsted Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
    • Phone: (312) 335-1650
    • Capacity: 894

  • Strawdog Theatre Company - Mission is to enrich the lives of community, audiences, and artists with dynamic, intimate theatre experiences; crafted through compassion, inclusivity and ingenuity



Chicago Visitor Resources


Useful resources for visitors to Chicago:

  • Tennis Facilities:
    • Midtown Athletic Club
      • Indoor Courts:  Sixteen (16) indoor tennis courts 
      • Address:  2444 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
      • Phone:  (773) 796-6523

    • McFetridge Sports Center
      • Indoor Courts:  Six (6) hard indoor tennis courts
      • Address:  3843 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
      • Phone:  (773) 478-2609

    • Schaumburg Tennis Plus
      • Indoor Courts:  Eight (8) Indoor Tennis Courts
      • Address:  1416 Payne Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
      • Phone:  (847) 884-0678




Beaches**:
  • 63rd Street Beach

    • Address:  6300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
    • Phone Numbers: Main 312-742-PLAY
    • Has Restroom, Metered Lot Parking
    • Swimming permitted usually

  • Calumet Beach

    • Address:  9801 S. Avenue G, Chicago, IL 60617
    • Phone Number:  Main 312-74-BEACH
    • Has Restroom
    • Swimming permitted usually

  • Foster Beach 

    • Address:  5200 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Has Restroom and Wi-Fi
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Lane Beach

    • Address:  5915 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Leone Beach

    • Address:  1222 W. Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Loyola Beach

    • Address:  1230 W. Greenleaf Ave. (Greenleaf Ave. @ Lake Michigan), Chicago, IL 60626
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Margaret T. Burroughs Beach

    • Address:  3100 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Marion Mahony Griffin Beach

    • Address:  1208 W. Jarvis Ave., Chicago, IL 60626
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Montrose Beach

    • Address:  4400 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60613
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Has Wi-fi, restrooms, and beach house
    • Swimming usually permitted
  • North Avenue Beach

    • Address:  1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Has Wi-Fi, Metered Lot Parking, Restrooms, and beach house
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Oak Street Beach

    • Address:  1000 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Oakwood Beach

    • Address:  4100 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60653
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Swimming usually permitted

  • Ohio Street Beach

    • Address:  600 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
    • Phone Number:  312-74-BEACH
    • Swimming usually permitted

** For latest beach conditions go to:  https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/beaches


Places to see in the Chicago Suburbs

  • Home Alone House - 671 Lincoln Ave , Winnetka, IL 60093
  • Michael Jordan's Chicago Estate - 2700 Point Dr, Highland Park, IL 60035
  • Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
    • 385 acres of landscaped gardens with millions of plants & flowers
    • Address:  1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
    • Phone #:  (847) 835-5440
    • Website:  https://www.chicagobotanic.org/
    Morton Arboretum Lisle Illinois
    Morton Arboretum
    in Lisle, IL

  • Homer's Restaurant & Ice Cream:  1237 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA

  • Cantigny Park (Western suburbs of Chicago)
    • War museum
    • War Tanks for kids to climb on
    • Beautiful Gardens, picnic area, and playground
    •  500-acre park in Wheaton, Illinois, 30 miles west of Chicago. It is the former estate of Joseph Medill and his grandson Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publishers of the Chicago Tribune
    • Address:  1 S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189
    • Website: https://cantigny.org/ 


Catigny Park Wheaton Illinois
Catigny Park 
in Wheaton, IL

  • Chicago Amusement Parks (in Chicagoland area)
    • Six Flags Great America - Gurnee
    • Santa's Village - Dundee
    • Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
    • Pirate's Cove - Elk Grove Village (for younger kids)
    • Haunted Trails - Joliet, Burbank
    • Enchanted Castle - Lombard
  • SweetSpot Candy and Ice Cream parlor in Barrington, Illinois







Travel in the Midwest - 5 cool places to visit (Author picks): 

1)  Baraboo, Wisconsin:  Devil's Lake State Park




Do you enjoy nature?  Devil's Lake is for the nature traveler.  

Dream Big, enjoy the outdoors and get away to be in God's country.  

Great place to journal, hike, and enjoy life.

Devil's Lake is beautiful, scenic, and great for hiking, camping, rock climbing, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc.

Just north of Madison, Wisconsin

15 minutes from the Wisconsin Dells.  



Devils Doorway in Devil's Lake state park
Devil's Doorway rock formation

Pictured is the rock formation called Devil's Doorway.  Love this place.  Check it out.

Here is the link to the state park website:  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake

Enjoy your adventure at Devil's Lake State Park.  Swim, hike, or rent a paddle boat or Kayak.


2)  Lake Geneva, Wisconsin


Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a great place to hike, swim, shop, and to boat. 

Lake Geneva is about 1 1/2 hours Northwest of Chicago.  There are great shops, ice cream shops, restaurants, and fun attractions to choose from in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The lake shore path is breath taking for hiking and nature enthusiasts.  

Enjoy the beautiful trails, beaches, and picnic tables available along the lake.

Lake Geneva is a great place for fishing, boating, and jet skiing. 

Swimming is available at the public beach or at Big Foot Beach State park in Lake Geneva.

The Lake Geneva 60th Annual Venetian Festival is planned for August 17 - 21st, 2022.  Learn more about the venetian festival at:  Lake Geneva Venetian Festival


Lake Geneva Shore path
Map of Geneva Lake shore path


For more information on the Geneva Lake shore path check out:  https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/things-to-do/shore-path/


3)  Springfield, Illinois



Lincoln tomb - Springfield, IL
Abraham Lincoln tomb
Springfield, Illinois is rich in culture and history.  Travel to the Midwest is not complete without visiting Springfield, Illinois.  Besides the Lincoln Presidential museum, state capital, Governors mansion, and Lincoln's tomb, there are many other attractions that are great to see.  

Nearby Lincoln's tomb are the war memorials

Frank Lloyd Wright fans will want to visit the Dana Thomas House.  Also, Lincoln's New Salem is a short drive outside Springfield.

Springfield, Illinois is rich in history and education.

Check out the official tourist site for Springfield to plan your visit:  https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/

Pictures on this page are of Lincoln tomb, War memorial, and the Dana Thomas House (Frank Lloyd Wright)

Springfield, IL - Lincoln tomb
Abraham Lincoln tomb
War Memorial - Springfield, IL
War Memorial

War Memorial in Springfield, IL
War Memorial


Dana Thomas House
Dana Thomas House


4) Dayton, Ohio & Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (near Dayton, Ohio)



Wright-Patterson Air Force Base houses the World’s largest military aviation museum - it includes more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space and has more than 350 aerospace vehicles, missiles and thousands of artifacts.  Admission and parking are FREE.

National Museum of the United States Air Force
National Museum of the United States Airforce

The aviation museum is definitely a must see near Dayton, Ohio.  The museum has exhibits that take you through the early days of aviation with the Wright brothers all the way to current aviation times including Space exploration and a Space shuttle exhibit.  

The aviation museum has some virtual reality experiences for a fee, also. 
Plan at least a full day if not 2 to see the entire property.    More information is available at:  https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/

Nearby is the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park located in the city of Dayton.  

The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park has great information about the Wright brothers including a tour of the Wright brothers cycle shop which is where the Wright brothers got there start in aviation.  More information is found at:  https://www.nps.gov/daav/index.htm

Nearby, also, is the Cox Arboretum Metro park in Dayton, Ohio.  There are gardens, nature trails, children's maze, education center, and neat tree tower (house) you can climb.  More information on the Cox Arboretum Metro park is found at:  https://www.metroparks.org/places-to-go/cox-arboretum/

Cox Arboretum Metro Park
Tree Tower at
Cox Arboretum
Metro Park












5) Wisconsin Dells



Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin is considered the water park capital of the World by many.

Wisconsin Dells has much to offer - Duck rides, water parks, restaurants, ice cream shops, and bars in the downtown area.

Wisconsin Dells provides much more than  water parks:  Zipline tours, Go-carts, Miniature Golf, and shopping are all available and nearby you can go fishing or hiking at Mirror Lake State Park.  And at night you can tune in for some live entertainment, whether animal antics at Circus World (in nearby Baraboo) or a double feature at the Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater. 

To plan a trip check out:  https://www.wisdells.com/

Some top attractions in the Wisconsin Dells are:
  • Wilderness Territory Resort                 Wilderness Territory - Wisconsin Dells, WI

  • Mt. Olympus water park                       Mt. Olympus Wisconsin Dells, WI
  • Wisconsin Deer park                               Wisconsin Deer Park
  • Riverside & Great Northern Railway     Riverside & Great Northern Railway
  • Kalahari Resorts Dells
  • Ripley's Believe It Or Not

And also nearby the Wisconsin Dells are the Ho-Chunk Casino, Devil's Lake in Baraboo, WI, and Mirror Lake State Park.

Bring your bathing suite, have fun, and enjoy your experience in the Wisconsin Dells.

Other Travel Ideas

Check out these posts for other travel ideas in the United States:


Camping Recommendations - Great Places to Camp

If you enjoy the outdoors and are looking for places ideal for camping, we can recommend several places around Chicago, IL and Wisconsin.  

Feel free to share your camping recommendations in the Comments below.

Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake State Park

1)  Mirror Lake State Park (Wisconsin) - Mirror Lake State Park is a 2,179-acre Wisconsin state park in the Wisconsin Dells region.  If you enjoy nature, peace, and scenic areas, Mirror Lake State Park is fantastic for camping.  Check out more at:  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/mirrorlake   


2) Rock Cut State Park (Illinois near Rockford) - Located near Rockford in Winnebago County, it covers 3,092 acres, enveloping Pierce Lake and Olson Lake.  Lots to do at Rock Cut State Park - hiking, boating, fishing, swimming.  Just outside the park is go carting, miniature golf, and an arcade.  Explore more:  https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/RockCut.aspx 


3) Devil's Lake State Park (Wisconsin) - Around thirty-five miles northwest of Madison, WI and is on the western edge of the last ice-sheet deposited during the Wisconsin glaciation is Devil's Lake State Park.  Just south of Baraboo, Wisconsin.  Great for fishing, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, rock climbing, kayaking, and biking.  Explore further at:  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake


4) Warren Dunes State Park (Michigan) -  A 1,952-acre Michigan state park, located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Berrien County. The park's large sand dunes and lakeshore beaches make it one of the most popular of Michigan’s state parks.  Find out more at:  https://www.michigan.org/property/warren-dunes-state-park


5) Illini Sate Park (Illinois - near Starved Rock State Park) -  On 510 acres in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States.  This state park is approximately 15 minutes from Starved Rock State park.  Lots of shade at these campsites.  Find out more at:  https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/Illini.aspx

6)  Starved Rock State Park (Illinois) - Area by the Illinois River in Illinois. Known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater.  The state park has many canyons with waterfalls.  Wooded trails lead to Lover’s Leap Overlook, with views of the river and Starved Rock Dam.  Area wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bald eagles and migratory birds.  The state park has regular and cabin camping.  

  • Address:   2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348
  • Information on the lodge at Starved Rock is at:   www.StarvedRockLodge.com 
  • More information on Starved Rock amenities and camping is found here:   Starved Rock info

7) Kettle Moraine State Forest (Wisconsin) -  A state forest in southeastern Wisconsin.  The area is great for horseback riding, camping, and hiking.  There are several campgrounds to choose from at Kettle Moraine:  Ottawa Lake, Pinewoods, Whitewater Lake.  

  • Ottawa Lake campground is the only year-round campground in the Southern Unit and offers 100 sites, including 65 electrical sites, two shower buildings, flush toilets and a winter vault toilet building.
  • Pinewoods has 101 campsites, flush toilets, vault toilets and showers.  The campsites at Pinewoods are well shaded, very beautiful, and majestic.  This is the camping area we visited. 
  • Whitewater Lake campground is a primitive campground with 63 beautiful campsites.

Find out more at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kms/recreation/camping

Share your favorite camping spot in the comments and if you like any of the camping spots mentioned.  Enjoy!!!


Skiing Near Chicago

There are several places to ski near Chicago.  Most of the ski areas are in Wisconsin, however, there are a couple of local Illinois places if your looking to stay near Chicago.

All these places rent equipment and have the ability to make their own snow.

Villa Olivia - Year-round resort with an 18-hole golf course & a banquet hall, plus skiing, tubing & snowboarding

Slopes:  3 main slopes for skiing and snowboarding

Tubing hill:  Separate tubing hill available

Address:  1401 W Lake St, Bartlett, IL 60103



Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports - Small ski area with a terrain park just outside Chicago in Lisle, IL

Slopes:  Small ski area with 4 to 5 short runs

Address: 5750 Lakeside Dr, Lisle, IL 60532



Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort - Traditional ski mountain offering skiing trails & snow tubing, plus rentals & a cozy eatery.  Has a nice kids ski school.

Slopes:  6 to 8 slopes for skiing and snowboarding 

Address:  11931 Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 53192



Cascade Mountain -  located in Portage, Wisconsin.  Has 47 trails, 4 terrain parks, and an 800-foot-long chute for snow tubing.

Slopes:  7 to 9 slopes for skiing and snowboarding

Address:  W10441 Cascade Mountain Rd, Portage, WI 53901



Devil's Head - full-service ski resort nestled in the heart of the glacier-formed, Baraboo Bluffs in South Central Wisconsin

Slopes:  8 to 9 slopes for skiing and snowboarding

Address: S6330 Bluff Rd, Merrimac, WI 53561


  


Great Places to Hike near Chicago

  • Waterfall Glen - Lemont, Illinois -  Main Entrance is on Northgate Road - Phone # (630) 933-7248
  • Starved Rock State Park - 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348 - Phone # (815) 667-4726
  • Indiana Dunes State Park - 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304 - Phone # (219) 926-1952
  • Kankakee River State Park - 5314 IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 - Phone # (815) 933-1383
  • Moraine Hills State Park - 1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051 - Phone # (815) 385-1624
  • Morton Arboretum - 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532 - Phone # (630) 968-0074
  • Des Plaines River Trail - 15601 West Russell Road Wadsworth,IL 60083 - Phone # 847-367-6640


Bicycle Trails in Chicago Suburbs


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I am James Bamberger, an experienced long term investor, MBA, PMP, and Certified Scrum Master who enjoys traveling, the outdoors, family, and spending time with my four kids. You will find Information on leadership, journaling, investing, travel, and the outdoors here. Post a comment if you don't find the information you are looking for. We (my oldest daughter and I) are adding new material often.

Bocaiw Directory

Bocaiw Directory