Nature lovers looking for respite from city life will find it at Apple River Canyon State Park in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois.

Inside the park, visitors can see the Apple River carving its way through a limestone canyon.

Anglers will appreciate early spring trout fishing along with summer sunfish and small-mouth bass fishing.

Four picnic areas along the scenic river give visitors an opportunity to barbecue and make use of park grills, tables, and nearby restrooms.

Hikers are advised that the five rugged trails crisscrossing the woods present potential hazards. Flora and fauna are abundant in the park.

8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, IL, Phone: 815-745-3302

Milwaukee (1 hour 35 minutes) Holland, Michigan (2 hours 30 minutes) Kettle Moraine State Forest (2 hours 40 minutes) Lake Geneva (1 hour 40 minutes) Naperville (40 minutes) Village of Oak Park (15 minutes) Six Flags Great America (1 hour) North Utica (1 hour 45 minutes) Chicago Botanic Garden (35 minutes) Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (1 hour) Old State Capitol State Historic Site (3 hours) Apple River Canyon State Park (2 hours 30 minutes) Starved Rock State Park (1 hour 35 min) Brookfield Zoo (25 minutes) Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (3 hours) Anderson Japanese Gardens (1 hour 40 minutes) The Morton Arboretum (35 minutes) Cantigny Park (40 minutes) Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (20 minutes) Huron-Manistee National Forests (4 hours) Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (2 hours) Oglesby (1 hour 40 minutes) White River State Park (3 hours) Peoria (2 hours 40 minutes)

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