Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Illinois
Will Suphan
Author
Our landscape in Illinois really comes to life during springtime. We love it when the wildflowers bloom, the wildlife is abundant, and the trees become lush with leaves. Getting out on road trips and enjoying outdoor activities like water parks and hiking trails makes us feel more alive. It’s the perfect time to explore the beauty of our state. Plus, what a time to visit Lincoln Park Zoo, get an ice cream, and then go to the top of Willis Tower to get an amazing view of Chicago! To get you started, here are 12 of the best Illinois spring activities to explore this year.
Flower Blooms In Illinois
When the meadows fill with wildflowers, it’s a wonderful time for an outdoor stroll. Seeing the cherry trees coming into bloom is one of the most spectacular sights there is. It’s one of the best free things to do in Illinois in spring. Here are two of the best places to go to see wildflowers in Illinois.
1. Hidden Acres Park
While there are several other species of wildflowers in Hidden Acres Park, one particular species is particularly abundant: Virginia bluebells. You’ll see wide swaths of them covering the ground when you walk through this park. There’s something so soothing about being surrounded by these flowers in varying hues of pink, lavender, blue, and purple.
2. Rocky Bluff Trail
If you hike along the Rocky Bluff Trail during the spring, you’re sure to be surrounded by wildflowers of many colors like trillium, bloodroot, celandine poppies, yellow trout lily, and the lovely blue-eyed Marys. It’s a short and easy trail and one of the best family things to do in Illinois in spring.
Botanical Gardens In Illinois
If you can’t make it out to a meadow or hiking trail to see all the lovely foliage, the next best thing is to visit botanical gardens in Illinois. They’re usually quite accessible and arranged with beauty in mind as well as education about conservation efforts to protect endangered plants that you may not see in many other places. Visiting these gardens is one of the best cheap things to do in Illinois in spring.
3. Washington Park Botanical Garden
With 1,800 species of plants spread out over 20 acres, the Washington Park Botanical Garden in Springfield is quite a mesmerizing sight. Not only will you see flowers and plants of every description, but you’ll also see Japanese torii gates and Roman columns that give these gardens a sense of visiting different eras of history. Guided tours for students are offered free of charge, and admission is always free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
4. Chicago Botanic Gardens
Boasting one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in America, the Chicago Botanic Gardens is truly a sight to behold. When the weeping willows grow back their leaves and the great collections of orchids and tulips are in bloom, it’s a breathtaking wonderland. Combine this with visiting the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, and you’ll have a weekend getaway like no other.
5. The Morton Arboretum
Sprawling over 1,700 acres, The Morton Arboretum is one of the largest American arboretums. Intriguing sculptures and art installations can be found all over the place, making it feel like you’re inside a fairy tale. Collections and gardens abound, like the Maze Garden, Children’s Garden, and collections from various American climes and global locations. You could easily spend an entire day here and not see everything.
Parks To Visit In Illinois This Spring
While we’re most known for the amazing city of Chicago with its Chicago Riverwalk, buildings created by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the shores of Lake Michigan, Illinois is also home to a great selection of gorgeous parks of all kinds which are some of the most fun things to do in Illinois in spring. Let’s explore 3 of the best parks to visit in Illinois this spring.
6. Millennium Park
Speaking of the Windy City, its famous Millennium Park is an amazing place to visit during the spring! Its 24.5 acres of walkways, sculptures, fountains, gardens, and more bring people here every day from all over the state and the country. Cloud Gate, locally known as “The Bean” is perhaps the most famous landmark in the city. When driving along Michigan Avenue, it’s hard not to stop at this park and take in its beauty. Plus, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium make for a nice side trek a few blocks south as does the Magnificent Mile just a few blocks north. This lakefront park is a must-see!
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7. Buffalo Rock State Park
Buffalo Rock State Park is a rather small park and has many gorgeous secluded spots. Beautiful rock formations overlook a range with actual buffalo. For outdoor adventures, there are e-bike rentals and you can take a kayak along the Illinois River and take in the natural beauty of this place. It should certainly be on your spring bucket list!
8. Pere Marquette State Park
If it’s stellar views you’re looking for, you’ve got to check out Pere Marquette State Park. There’s a hike to an observation deck where you can look out over the Illinois River and the verdant surroundings. At over 8,000 acres, it’s one of the largest state parks in Illinois. The sunset views from the overlook are astounding and this place will bring you a great sense of relaxation and peace.
Spring Hikes In Illinois
With all this beautiful nature to enjoy, what better way to enjoy spring break than to hike along our stunning hiking trails in Illinois? Hike to flowing waterfalls and green groves and let your worries float away as you hear the breeze through the trees and the singing of birds and meet some adorable wildlife frolicking among the flowers. Here are two of the best spring hikes in Illinois.
9. Pontiac Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and Beehive Overlook Trail
One of the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois is the Pontiac Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, and Beehive Overlook Trail just outside of Oglesby next to the Illinois River, and not far from Starved Rock State Park. As the name states, there are two marvelous canyons and a stunning overlook, and the whole trail is just over two miles long. Some areas have a wooden boardwalk and it’s one of the easier hikes in the state. Perfect for a family spring outing!
10. Rim Rock Recreational Trail
Rim Rock Recreational Trail is a popular spot to hike during the spring due to its intriguing rock formations, verdant trees, and sheer natural beauty. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this 1.7-mile loop trail has a lot of stairs to traverse, however the scenery is staggeringly beautiful. Definitely come here in spring when it is at its most flourishing.
Spring Picnic Spots In Illinois
With all these enchanting spring destinations, you’d probably like to find one where you can share a lovely spring picnic with your significant other. It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Illinois in spring. We’ve got you covered. There are so many delightful spots in the state for it, but here are two of the very best spring picnic spots in Illinois.
11. Promontory Point
Promontory Point looks as though it was made specifically for picnics. Lots of trees giving wide areas of shade and spectacular views of Lake Michigan all around make it such a wonderful place to have a lovely picnic. It’s a great place for when you don’t want to go too far out of the city but want peace, quiet, and beauty.
12. Horseshoe Mound Preserve
The Horseshoe Mound Preserve is a splendid place for a picnic! There’s a council ring to explore and wildflowers abound in the spring. There are picnic tables available and plenty of grassy space to lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy the views of the surrounding bucolic farmlands and vineyards of the Galena area. Plus a stroll through the streets of Galena with its European architecture makes for a wonderfully romantic day.
Have you been to any of these places for Illinois spring activities? What are your favorite places in the state to visit during spring? Let us know in the comments. Besides the fantastic places listed above, be sure to spend a few days in Chicago to see not only the parks but also Wrigley Stadium and the magnificent Shedd Aquarium:
The Shedd Aquarium In Illinois Is Offering Free Livestreams Of Angelfish, Yellow Tangs, And More
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