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Jul 18, 2022 · Big Foot Beach State Park is a 271-acre park located about a 1 and a half-hour drive from Chicago. The park is popular among families and nature enthusiasts. The park is situated along Lake Geneva and so offers beautiful sandy beaches along with wooded campgrounds, forest hiking trails, and more.
Warren Dunes State Park is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Address: 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49124 Driving Distance From Chicago: Approximately 1.5 hours Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 10:00PM Entrance Fee: $10 daily fee for non-residents, $36 annual pass fee for non-residents.
- Illinois Beach State Park. If you love sparsely populated beaches, bird watching, and tromping around valleys of bursting wildflowers, Zion’s Illinois Beach State Park is one of the closest to Chicago and only a short Metra ride away.
- Indiana Dunes State Park. Midwesterners are proud that part of our beloved shoreline Indiana Dunes was named a National Park in 2019, and Hoosiers still claim Indiana Dunes State Park, the 2,000 acre park situated alongside its federally managed neighbor.
- Kettle Moraine State Forest. Covering over 50,000 acres of southwestern Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine State Forest is just over two hours by car from Chicago and offers some of the hilliest hiking and trail running routes in the region.
- Warren Dunes State Park. Though Warren Dunes State Park offers an easily accessible beach with food trucks, kayaking, hang gliding and more, there is more to this nearly 2,000-acre Michigan state park than just the water.
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
- Kankakee River State Park
- Shabbona Lake State Park
- Channahon State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Chain O’Lakes State Park
Situated along Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the most stunning recreational areas you can visit in the area. The park spreads on a territory of over 2,000 acres, protecting white sand dunes and the beautiful shoreline of the lake. Visitors can enjoy various types of activities, such as bird-watching, fishing, swimming or hiking ...
One of the best natural spots for a day trip from Chicago is Starved Rock State Park. Mostly known for its interesting sandstone formations and steep canyons, the park is a real paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The trails are winding through the vertical stone walls offering scenic views of the Illinois River. It is not just the 18 beautiful canyon...
Deep forests, interesting canyons, peaceful streams and beautiful waterfalls will greet you at Matthiessen State Park. Covering close to 1,700 acres, this green paradise is situated less than 100 miles away from Chicago. Due to its close proximity to Starved Rock State Park, you can easily explore both parks in one day, as long as you have made you...
Spreading on a territory of more than 8000 acres, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest within Illinois. The distance of 300 miles from Chicago, however, means that you cannot visit the park on just a day trip. Keep in mind that it will take you around 5 hours to get there, so it is better to plan an entire weekend to admire the picturesque view...
Despite the fact that it has not been recognized as a state park, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a 2,500 -acres protected area that is totally worth the visit! Located in DuPage County, the reserve can easily be reached in less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. Home to 740 plant species and more than 300 animal species, the park features de...
With history dating back to the 1670s and 1680s, the Kankakee River State Park is one of the most interesting and unspoiled natural landmarks near Chicago. With the first steps into the woods and the first glimpse of the quiet river waters forming beautiful cascades, you will feel like you have found a peaceful hidden gem. The 4000-acres park offer...
The man-made fishing Shabbona Lake is situated 70 miles away Chicago. Nowadays, together with the water reservoir and the surrounding 1,500 acres have been declared as a state park, perfect for a weekend escape from the busy city streets. If you enjoy water activities, such as fishing, boating and kayaking this is the place for you! There are a few...
If you have just a limited amount of time in Chicago and would like to stay close to the city, you can easily reach the Channahon State Park in less than an hour. Nestling between the Dupage, Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers, the name of the park means “the meeting of the waters”. The cool calm river waters are a real delight during the hot summer d...
If you would prefer to spend your time relaxing on the beach, swimming and sunbathing, you should certainly visit Illinois Beach State Park. Covering more than 4,100 acres, the park has around 6 miles of pristine white sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan. As one of the 10 best state parks near Chicago, the area will provide you with the ultimate sp...
Home to nine connecting lakes, Chain O’Lakes State Park is the perfect family-friendly destination. Besides the 10 miles of hiking paths trough the forest, visitors can enjoy the wide beach and the cool and peaceful water. There are a number of picnic spots with barbecue pits, so make sure to bring some food and enjoy a fantastic day by the beach. ...
Feb 2, 2022 · 3. Indiana Dunes State Park. Pixabay/tpsdave. If you're ready to get out of the state, head to the dunes along Lake Michigan, which are about 47 miles east of Chicago. The 1,530 acres of sand dunes are formed by receding waters and wind-blown sand from the lake catching on plants and other dunes.
Feb 17, 2023 · White Pine Forest State Park is the place. Spend the night in their historic White Pines Lodge before hiking through the southernmost forest of native white pine trees in the Midwest. Size: 0.6 square miles. Amenities: Campgrounds, lodge, cabins, giftshop, restaurant, picnic areas, and hiking and skiing trails.
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Jan 26, 2022 · 1. Starved Rock State Park. Location: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348. Carved by eons of glacial runoff, Starved Rock State Park is a geological wonder with steep sandstone canyons, several of which have seasonal waterfalls. The park is an hour and a half drive southwest of Chicago and worlds away from the hubbub.
