The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Illinois
By Linze Rice|Published May 09, 2023
×
Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Illinois is called the Prairie State for a reason, and this two-day getaway cheat sheet is the perfect example of why. Beginning at a perfectly peaceful lake and ending with a riverfront cottage, this itinerary packs in some of the best natural landscapes the state offers. This Northern Illinois plan also makes sure to include a delicious meal suggestion from a favorite local diner and plenty of recreation ideas, such as hiking through striking limestone canyons and admiring incredible wildlife. For those who love to spend time with nature and explore small towns, these outdoor adventures and activities in Illinois may be just what you’re looking for.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
With less than two hours of drive time between stops, this nature getaway features stunning access to Illinois' beautiful rivers, prairies, and natural wonders.
Fish and canoe at Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area
The 1,350-acre park features fishing, canoeing, waterfront trails, and tons of incredible spots to view wildlife like turtles, owls, heron, baby geese, and more. A day spent fishing could yield rainbow trout, catfish, large- and small-mouth bass, bullhead, carp, bluegill, crappie, muskie, or northern pike.
Advertisement
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, 13608 Fox Rd, Yorkville, IL 60560, USA
Those who plan to fish will enjoy numerous benches, docks, and banks perfect for casting out. If you want to boat, BYOC (bring your own canoe) or rent one from one of the local vendors, and glide down the tree-lined Fox River. You could also explore Fox River in a small-motored boat, or take a non-motorized boat out onto the serene Loon Lake or Beaver Lake. You're captain of the ship on this adventure! If you want to keep exploring, check out the 4-mile trail that hugs the Fox River, taking you through a lush forest that overlooks the lakes.
Advertisement
Watch real bison roam at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Next, explore thousands of miles of native plants and see real buffalo roaming at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
This incredible park was established in 1996 and includes more than 18,000 acres of restored land where greenery grows wildly and majestic buffalo enjoy the sunshine. Take the 3.6-mile Buffalo Viewing Trail loop to get some astonishing views amid a serene landscape. Breathtaking fields of wild flowers and prairie tallgrasses surround you as you walk, hike, or bike through the easy path. Here, you are fully immersed in a seemingly never-ending sea of plant life.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, IL-53, Wilmington, IL 60481, USA
In 2015, a herd of bison were brought into the area to assist with restoration efforts, and quickly became a unique aspect of the park. Whether you're watching a live stream of the buffalo on the park's website or viewing them up close, these incredible beasts in a natural habitat are truly something to behold.
Take a 3-mile walk along Rock Creek to a stunning canyon made of high limestone walls topped with lush trees. You'll be guided over the river itself via a 75-foot suspension bridge.
Kankakee River State Park, 5314 IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA
The trail is full of additional natural wonders, like frothy river waters and a waterfall. My advice: Bring your camera to get some great nature shots here!
This walk-up diner has been a community staple since opening in 1940, serving classic American sandwiches, sides, red hots, and root beer. I love anything with cheese, so this is definitely what I want after an afternoon of hiking and sightseeing.
The home can sleep up to six guests, and two pets of any size are allowed, making it an ideal choice for explorers wishing to bring along their leashed dogs. This cozy cabin has a cute antique cottage theme, but provides tons of light, warm woodwork, a lofted bedroom, high-speed Internet, washer and dryer, and air conditioning to keep cool.
Watch the sky turn from blue to pink from the privacy of the back porch, which overlooks the river. Pro tip: Bring binoculars if you want to see some gorgeous birds. And if you want to keep exploring the area, Knack Brewing, a local microbrewery, is only a short walk away! Feel like making your own food? Take a quick jaunt to the nearby Jewel-Osco grocery store to get anything you may need!
Could you see yourself enjoying these outdoor adventures and activities in Illinois? Which would be your favorite? Tell us in the comments! Discover even more Illinois day trip ideas here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
