You Can’t Afford To Miss These 10 Free Outdoor Activities In Illinois
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
Anyone who thinks Illinois is an expensive state to travel doesn’t know it well enough. There are a wealth of fun and free outdoor activities that will keep both your wallet and your photo album full.
These 10 attractions are best enjoyed on a nice day with no precipitation. Check the weather, and then check these out:
Built as a memorial to a man's son who loved the game Dungeons and Dragons, this medieval-themed playground is one of the coolest places in the state, especially for children. The castle-themed structures, play dragon, and statues of knights and princesses will instantly transport you to another world. There is never admission to enter the park, and it is located at 31 Homewood Dr., Carbondale, IL 62902. Learn more from previous coverage here.
Nestled along the converse of the Mississippi and Apple rivers, this is an amazing place to walk around and enjoy nature. Always free to enter, this lesser-known state park is an oasis of rock formations, river views, and dense forestry. Find it at 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, and learn more about it here.
Advertisement
Created in 1981, this beautiful walking area is park of a Chicago suburb that is known for its quaint and beautiful downtown. Located near the city's most infamous boutique shops and restaurants, this lovely park features many wonders. Find fountains, wildlife, statues, and much more at 105 Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540, and learn more here.
Advertisement
This lovely collection of nature is both beautiful and educational. Used by students on campus studying biology and other sciences, this stunning garden is a museum of trees that is worth a visit. As it is part of the campus, it is always open to the public to walk around, making it one of the best free outdoor activities around. Find it at 2001 S Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802.
This is Chicago's premier zoo, and it is the only free one in the entirety of North America. Spot all your favorite critters at this amazing lakeside attraction that has been around since 1868. Find it at 2001 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, and learn more here.
Related Stories
The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Choo Choo In Illinois
This Drive-Thru Barbecue Spot In Illinois Has Been Serving Delicious Eats Since 1952
Enjoy A Lakefront Airbnb Adventure Under the Stars At This Illinois Spot
This might be Illinois' most popular state park. It is full of canyons, waterfalls, rocky bluffs, and amazing trails that let you see it all. Discover the unforgettable views at this free nature preserve located at 2668 E 875th Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348, and learn more about it here.
Holding the remains on our 16th president and his family, this historic location is a lovely place to walk around and learn about the history of Abraham Lincoln. Located at 1500 Monument Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, this is just one of many fabulous things to witness in our state's capitol.
Colorado isn't the only one with stunning rock formation that are worthy of the gods. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this is one of the best free outdoor activities on the list if you love nature. The views here will blow you away. Access this incredible place at Picnic Rd., Herod, IL 62947, and learn more here.
Advertisement
While pretty much all of the attractions at Navy Pier cost money, it is absolutely free to just go and walk around. You'll enjoy sights like Lake Michigan, the Ferris Wheel, and the city skyline. Find this never-ending carnival at 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
If you love walking around bright green gardens with trees and flowers that are in full bloom, you need to check out this incredible place while the weather is hot. Though you may enter the park for free, there is a price to park your car, which spans $5 to $10 depending on when you plan to visit. Free days are every first Wednesday of the month between March and December as well as on several holidays, like Veterans Day. Find it at 1 S 151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189.
For more budget-friendly things to do, check out eight restaurants in Illinois where your meal is free if you can eat it all.
What other free outdoor activities do you love? Share your favorite places with below in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.