Illinois State Parks

• What facilities are available at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park?
  • Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park has all of the **usual facilities** you’d expect from an outdoor space such as hiking trails, bike trails, camping sites, fishing piers, boating facilities, and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
• What makes this park stand out?
  • What makes it really stand out is additional recreational opportunities such as swimming, scuba diving, and geocaching.
• How is the swimming beach at the park?
  • The swimming beach is one of the best in the state - a 6.5-mile golden sandy turf along Lake Michigan.
• Does the park have accommodations?
  • The park also has an on-site resort, which is perfect for a couple’s getaway or a vacation with the entire family.

Address: 1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL 60099, Phone: 847-662-4811

• What is the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor?
  • The Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor (I&M Canal) was the first national heritage area to be designated as so by Congress.
• When was the I&M Canal established?
  • Since it was established in 1982, people have come from far and wide to enjoy the well-preserved area, which has significant natural, cultural, and historical value.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at the I&M Canal?
  • You can walk in the footsteps of Chief Shabbona or Abraham Lincoln, have a memorable time on a canal boat tour, or walk the 15-mile stretch of trail, which goes through three interesting canal towns.
• Where can anglers fish at the I&M Canal?
  • Anglers can head straight to Lock 14 on the I&M Canal, which has two distinct fishing environments on the canal and the Illinois River, full of largemouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, and walleye.

Address: I&M Canal Visitor Center: 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL 61301, Phone: 815-220-1848

• What is the history of Big River State Forest?
  • Big River State Forest was acquired by the state in 1925, but prior to that, it was an Oquawka Refuge as well as the Milroy Plantation.
• How large is Big River State Forest?
  • The land has expanded to 2,900 acres since it was established in 1928, but still has some of the area’s oldest and tallest pine trees.
• What natural features can visitors explore?
  • You’ll be able to explore the park’s stunning natural features, such as the vast prairie woodlands, several endangered plant species, and unique flora like Sullivan’s milkweed and kittentail.
• What activities are available at Big River State Forest?
  • Everyone in the family will have a memorable time as they spend their days hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, camping, or hunting.

Address: 1337 Township Road 2850 N, Keithsburg IL 61443-9609, Phone: 309-374-2496

Romantic Illinois State Parks

• What are the highlights of Big Rock Forest Preserve?
  • There are so many beautiful aspects of Big Rock Forest Preserve , but some of its best highlights are the 65-foot deep lake, crystal-clear creeks, the tallgrass prairie, and the mature woodlands.
• What can visitors enjoy at Big Rock Forest Preserve throughout the year?
  • You will find so much to enjoy and explore, no matter what season of the year you visit. You can go birdwatching during the spring migration, fishing during the summer, hiking in the woods and seeing the fall foliage in autumn, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
• Is swimming allowed at Big Rock Forest Preserve?
  • Though swimming is not allowed, fishing is permitted in the Big Rock Quarry, which has several species of fish that are sure to excite anglers.
• What other activities are available?
  • Other activities include picnicking, bicycling, horseback riding, and more.

Address: 46W072 Jericho Rd, Big Rock, IL 60511, Phone: 630-232-1242

• When is the best time to visit Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve?
  • One of the best times to visit Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve is from July to September, when the open prairie is in full bloom, and you can further explore the sloping prairie, the mature maple forest, and the lush meadows.
• What wildlife can be observed at the preserve?
  • It’s a great place to go birdwatching and see all the resident and migratory birds build nests high in the treetops. The forest preserve is also a wonderful place to observe the diverse local wildlife and their various natural habitats.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Blackberry Maples?
  • Things you can do while you’re there include hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and more.
• Are pets allowed at Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve?
  • You can also bring your pets along as fur friends are more than welcome at Blackberry Maples.

Address: 43W231 Main St, Elburn, IL 60119, Phone: 630-232-5980

• What activities can visitors enjoy at Buffalo Rock State Park?
  • From hiking, biking, and camping, to cross-country skiing, hunting, and geocaching, the things you could do while visiting Buffalo Rock State Park are endless.
• Where is Buffalo Rock State Park located?
  • The park is situated on a bluff that was once an island in the Illinois River. Standing there today, you will see amazing panoramic views of the river and the surroundings.
• What camping options are available at Buffalo Rock?
  • For those who enjoy camping, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are three primitive camping sites, offering a beautiful way to experience nature without modern-day influences.
• What facilities are available at the camping sites?
  • The sites are only fitted with a fire ring and can only be accessed by walking or cycling.

Address: 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, Phone: 815-433-2224

Illinois State Parks for Families

• Where is Chain O' Lakes State Park located?
  • Chain O' Lakes State Park is situated right in the heart of Illinois, surrounded by stunning bodies of water such as the Fox River and Grass Lake.
• What water features does the park offer?
  • The state park has a 44-acre lake within its boundaries, which gives visitors an additional 488 miles of shoreline to enjoy during their visit.
• What recreational facilities are available?
  • The park features four trail systems, seven picnic areas, and over eight miles of equestrian trails.
• What camping options are available?
  • If you enjoy camping, you can choose to stay in one of over 230 campsites. There are also three cabins for rent, perfect for those who want to enjoy nature but still need modern amenities.

Address: 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove IL 60081, Phone: 847-587-5512

• What makes Clinton Lake State Recreation Area a great destination?
  • If you’re looking for a place to enjoy nature while fishing off a boat or camping under the stars, then there’s no better place to do so than at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area .
• How large is Clinton Lake and what can anglers expect?
  • The lush green area spans over 9,000 acres and includes a 4,900-acre lake, which is full of bass and catfish. Anglers can catch fish from their boats, from the banks, or from the designated fishing pier.
• What boating opportunities are available?
  • The lake is a popular and busy boating area, full of big and small sailboats as well as motorboats.
• What other recreational activities are available?
  • Other aspects of the recreation area include a sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and campsites.
• Is hunting allowed at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area?
  • Yes, there are designated hunting areas where you can catch deer, rabbit, pheasant, and more.

Address: 7251 Ranger Rd, De Witt, IL 61735, Phone: 217-935-8722

• What is Franklin Creek State Natural Area?
  • The Franklin Creek State Natural Area is an 882-acre green space that was established in 1970.
• What natural features can visitors explore?
  • As you walk through and explore the land, you’ll come across a pristine ecosystem full of hardwood forests, several natural springs, and bedrock outcroppings that provide a home for a varied array of flora and fauna.
• What makes the nature preserve special?
  • The site includes a 198-acre nature preserve that is so diverse and beautiful, you’ll want to capture it as much as possible, so be sure to bring your camera.
• What wildlife can be found at Franklin Creek?
  • Some of the common wildlife you’ll come across are woodpeckers, warblers, raccoons, fox squirrels, and deer. Nearly 20 species of fish live in Franklin Creek.

Address: 1872 Twist Rd, Franklin Grove, IL 61031

• What is Grant Ulysses Park?
  • What Central Park is to New York, Grant Ulysses Park is to Chicago. It is often called “Chicago’s Front Yard” and is a 313-acre green space located in the heart of the city’s central business district.
• What is the centerpiece of the park?
  • The centerpiece of the park is the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, which was built in 1927 to protect the park’s breathtaking lakefront views.
• What major attractions are located in Grant Park?
  • Grant Park is home to some of the area’s most notable attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.
• What recreational facilities does the park offer?
  • In addition to several breathtaking gardens, the park also houses tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and other designated sport areas.
• What events are held in Grant Park?
  • Depending on when you visit, you may be able to attend one of the many events held there, such as The Grant Park Music Festival or The Taste of Chicago.

Address: Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: 312-742-3918