Hastings Lake Forest Preserve has approximately a 2.1 mile hike. The path is paved and pretty even…read morethroughout. It wraps around the lake which offers nice breezes. Many areas along the trail are shaded by large trees so it's not all sunny and hot. The lake has a good population of turtles and surprisingly also has big mouth bass among other species that you are allowed to fish! They offer a boat ramp to bring your boat or even canoe! They also have plenty of places around the lake to sit and just reflect and relax. The path was very clean and markers easy to spot as there is only 1 path and no diversions. It's a great morning activity with family and friends.

This is a hidden gem with a paved walking path all the way around the lake and beautiful woods.read more

Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve is an excellent place for a picnic, fishing, canoeing, biking and…read morea tranquil walk. The wide gravel path is 2.5 miles around the beautiful Sterling lake. It's shady with many trees and also nice and breezy. They have nice private picnic areas right on the lake front along with a couple restrooms. It's a great fun day out for families!

Easy hike we took the Yellow Trail. Kid friendly, playground and restrooms are available. The trail…read morehad some cool wood chairs around the trail.

Ah, the Winey Mary--a concoction that dares to ask, "Why be ordinary when you can be a cheeky…read morecunt?" This sassy cousin of the Bloody Mary trades in its vodka for a rich, full-bodied stale sake wine, and oh, what a trade it is! From the first sip, you're greeted with the robust warmth of the sake, which pairs oh so harmoniously with the traditional tomato juice base. But don't be fooled; this isn't just a Bloody Mary in a fancy dress. No, the Winey Mary has a personality all its own--bold, slightly rebellious, yet undeniably charming that you'd think it's asking you "Hey, do you come here often?" To which I won't! And let's not forget the garnish. Whether it's a classic celery stalk, a twist of lemon, or a few olives bobbing playfully on the surface, each adds its own layer of whimsy to the classic Bloody Mary. But the Whiney Mary? It's as if the sliver of lime at the bottom of the glass is winking at you, mocking you by what a horrendous choice you've made. So, raise your glass to the Winey Mary--a drink that's not just a cocktail, but an experience. It's the perfect companion for those who like their beach days with a side of alcoholism and regret. Cheers! WORST. PRETZELS. EVER. !!!!

I love this lake and park…read more. Our church has been coming here for their annual picnic/baptism ceremony, the past several years.. I have been along the past three years and have really enjoyed hanging out here each time. The park is beautiful and maintained very well, the amenties are generous for being a public park. there is a small charge of course, but it is worth it. The beach is clean, the lake is beautiful, and the swimming area is very safe, albeit a bit shallow, but great for toddlers and pre-teens to play and cool off on a hot summer day. Hungry?? the field house offers snacks and light food, such as hot dogs, chips, soda, ice cream. Or, you can bring along a BBQ grill or use the grills provided and whip up something you toted along. Grab a spot by one of the many picnic tables and relax. There are some real nice walking paths for those of you that enjoy soaking up nature and hiking thru the prairie. Great place to snap some nature pics or give the kids a nature tour. I would give this place five stars if they put the volleyball nets back up.. but that is just me just feeling a bit disappointed we were unable to play beach volleyball..

This is a great little spot on the Nippersink Creek to put your boat in or spend a little time…read morefishing. Coming from both directions on Route 12 it is just around a curve so it can come up quick, but there is a nice big sign you can't miss. The parking lot isn't huge, but has space for cars as well as trailers and seemed to have been paved fairly recently. Past the parking lot there is a gravel road you can use to access the canoe launch. The facility has bathroom (outhouse), a picnic shelter, a fishing area with a fire pit, and the canoe launch. There is a nice paved trail that you can walk to get to the fishing area. I was very impressed with how well maintained the area was.

Spent the morning at Illinois State Park beach...the biting…read moreflies finally win and chased us away...which led us to this little hidden gem. Jones Island Park is a well kept park full of shade trees, a playground, walking trail with benches, a shelter house, a sand volleyball court...and a beach. It's small, we'll-maintained, the swim area is marked off, the water is warm, the littles can stand, and there are no flies!!! Not quite the view of the Great Lake, but still a beautiful setting. Swim in the lake area. Fish in the canal. Relax beneath a shade tree. A little bit of something here to keep the young and the old content for a very long while!!! Annnnnd, unlike the rest of the local park/beaches....it's free!!!

Fantastic local park, with volleball field, kids park and a small beach. Great fishing too.read more

I was on the web site and a little concerned. It mentions fishing only from approved fishing boats…read moreand I wasn't sure how much fishing we were going to do, but wanted it as an option. I also wanted the canopy of a pontoon boat to keep us out of the sun if we wanted and assumed fishing would be allowed only from their fishing boats (no canopies). When I called they said that fishing was allowed from some of their pontoons. As she put it "the older ones, but they're still nice with a little smaller engines." I booked one of those. I knew we would want to explore the chain of lakes, but might want to fish some too. It's not the easiest place to find, but when we got there and parked, the lady mowing the grass came over and told us where to park and meet her at the "Tiki Bar." She had plenty of information for us, a map, some likely fishing spots and gave us a quick tour of the boat. They take good care of their boats and want you to do the same. The boat was in great shape. I wouldn't have guessed it was one of the "older ones." The engine had plenty of power to explore. We went on a Thursday (yesterday) and the lakes were not crowded at all. The four hours flew by as we were having a great time exploring and doing a little fishing. If I had to complain about something it was the broken fuel gauge on the boat. It's a little unnerving not knowing how much gas you have when you're in the middle of a lake. They weren't trying to gouge us for gas (you pay for what you use when they fill up upon return). I think this is probably a pretty common problem with boat fuel gauges.

Our first visit. Staff are very acknowledgeable, but we waited to have our order for at least 15…read moremins. Server was distracted. Food is good but price is high of how much amount they serve. I wanted to have half bacon & sausage, server says they don't do it. I was hesitant to leave, then the fire alarm went off. It was very loud. Apparently the chef burnt something in the kitchen. Place is clean & it looks like it just got remodeled. Beautiful water view. Am I coming back maybe. But if I have to wait that long to order my food. NO THANK YOU!

There may be a time when this company wasn't corporate owned but that is long gone. Expect 100-300…read moredollars off various fees for cleaning, up charge for gas, any and all kinds of late fees. DO NOT EXPECT THE PRICE THEY QUOTE

We rented to Pontoon ‍ Boats for my birthday last Sunday. I have to tell you they have the best…read morestaff serving the clients or renting boats from them. They went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed to stay safe. Hats off to Management. We will definitely use their services sooner then later. Teddie kossof. Www.teddiekossof.com visit our salon Northfield Glenview area.

The park in general is very nice and beautiful. Lots of thing to do. That alone is 5 stars…read moreespecially being so close. But the thing that ruins it is the Rangers/dedicated law enforcement for this area. They are just fishing for whatever like they have nothing better to do. I've heard stories but my personal story is I got pulled over, complained about how I was speeding and then threatened to search the car. Absolute power trip. Other then the tyrants that work here very beautiful place.

Very rude front desk staff. Ruined the experience of wanting to take the trail walk. She was…read moreunwilling to listen

New owners of the former CJ Smith's Resort. They've made some improvements, they're super friendly,…read moregive them a chance!

Great Blue Heron nesting spot. They also had a flower/plant sale going on when I was there. Neat…read moremarsh to go observe wildlife, in fact, they will loan you some binaculars on weekends!