With endless natural beauty and adventures to discover at every turn, Illinois is a state made for outdoor activities. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to go for epic outdoor adventures in Illinois. The following is a list of destinations that are bound to bring out your inner-adventurer, from beautiful state parks to fascinating rock formations, rivers, and just about everything in between. So let’s get started exploring some outdoor adventures in Illinois!

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Where else should readers go to have fun adventures in Illinois? Did any of your favorite destinations miss the list? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! And to learn more about any of the above state parks in Illinois, be sure to check out the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. If you’re looking for even more fun things to do in Illinois, check out our list of the best family-friendly hikes in Illinois.

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Outdoor Adventures In Illinois

What activities can I do with kids in Illinois?

If you're planning a trip to Illinois with the whole family, you might be wondering what kinds of activities you can do that will entertain all ages. Fortunately, you'll find that Illinois is a wonderful destination for everyone in the family. If you're in Chicago, you might consider going to the top of the Chicago Observation Deck and enjoying the jaw-dropping view from the top. Other activities include a trip to Starved Rock State Park, exploring Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, going to the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, and the Peoria Zoo.

Where can I go in Illinois that only the locals know about?

If you've lived in Illinois for any amount of time, you've likely discovered your fair share of hidden gems. Indeed, there are some places in Illinois that only the locals know about. Some of these destinations include Villa Kathrine, Linmar Gardens, Aikman Wildlife Adventures, Leone Beach, Eaglewood Resort & Spa, Graceland Cemetery, Raging Rivers WaterPark, and Ravenstone Castle. Learn more about these hidden gems in Illinois.

What are the best parks to visit in Illinois?

The article above outlines some of the best outdoor adventures in Illinois, focusing on our amazing state parks. However, it's by no means a complete list. Illinois has an abundance of parks and each is worth visiting. Some of the best parks in Illinois include Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, Big River State Forest, Big Rock Forest Preserve, Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve, Buffalo Rock State Park, Chain O' Lakes State Park, and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Curious to learn about some beautiful destination in Illinois? Check out our list of the 8 best natural attractions in Illinois.