So Tinley park has this massive storm water reservoir with a lake at the center that they turned…read moreinto a community park. They have a couple of large parking lots there to stash your vehicle while visiting. One of the main entrances is right past one of the Tinley Park fire stations. Many paved trails to walk around the lake, with a high route and a low route to vary up the scenery. On the high elevation they have a number of picnic tables and the like for those that want to have a meal. They also have a large playground there for the kids to keep busy while the parents chill. The lower route is mainly for jogging and walking ... although you'll find a lot of bikes in the area also. At the other end you'll find baseball and soccer fields, skateboard, and basketball too. They also have a little dock off which you can fish. Be forewarned - no dogs allowed, which is good for some people and not so much for others. This is a sort of difficult kind of place to find, but that keeps it a treasure.

So peaceful. People…read morereally seem to be respectful and take care of the property for the most part. Trash usually isn't all over. I really enjoyed my evening out it was restful and gave me a sense of calm even though this is in the the middle of a really busy suburb. Didn't hear any cars, horns, sirens or anything like that. There was some noise from the ball fields but that was also far enough away that that wasn't crazy loud either. Check it out when you have a chance

Some of the clearest waters you'll see in Illinois. So much fun to kayak in and around the lake. It…read moregets up to 100 feet deep! That and the clarity can give you some really pretty views inside the lake. Not the best for fishing which is kinda a bummer. Roomer has it there's some good walleye here though. Overall such a beautiful lake and do recommend. mildly busy and there are kayak rentals available if you don't have your own

We had a 12:00pm appointment. The 2 very kind workers that were there were unfortunately unable to…read moreunlock the doors to give us the kayaks that we reserved. They were on time but their manager/supervisor was bringing them a key. Unfortunately for us, their manager didn't arrive until 1:45 almost 2 hours after our scheduled appointment time. The 2 workers were very apologetic with us responding it's not their fault. We would like to say to the management, do better!! How dare you have people wait for your slow behinds!! it was extremely hot and very inconveniencing to your patrons. And to make matters worse we didn't even get offered a discount for our inconvenience!! If offered a discount it would have at Least showed you had some professionalism but alas you didn't. Had you shown just an ounce of professionalism I would have possibly considered giving you another try. I wouldn't recommend Whalon Lake Kayak rental to my dog. Sincerely, Very hot and disappointed patron

Nice place to go for a picnic or a hike down the trails , can even camp out if you like, we usually…read morego during the week when less people have lunch and fish a little

A great place for the "outdoorsy" types! You can camp, fish, hike, picnic, and there is a free…read moreboat launch area. Good fishing along the river. You do compete with the river traffic, such as speed boats and barges, but we were able to catch fish. The grounds are pretty clean overall and you experience the a plethora of river foul. I also saw four water moccasins, so you should use some care along the waters edge.

Nothing ever stands still in life, it is either slowly disintegrating or being constantly improved…read more Joyfully, the Old Plan Road Trail is continuously improving. I have always loved the trail and never more than in the summer. I start many days by walking or riding my bike in this perfect balance of natural and civilized. I say hi to the friendly folks, I drink in the nature and I savor the glory that is this wonderful redo of an old railroad bed. This year it is even better! They have added more bag stations for when your dog leaves a little souvenir. They installed a stop for pedestrians sign so you can get across White Street without taking your life in your hands. Plus the trail is cut and maintained and home to new benches and picnic tables. It is the best in government services combined with nature and a grateful public. Come take a walk or a ride and if you see me, say hi. I am the one who is huffing and puffing but smiling all the way!

A perfect autumn ride. The trees and brush are changing colors. Birds arechirping. Squirrels and…read morechipmunks are scurrying around. It's a well kept, asphalt road on what was once a railroad track. Perfect for children.

A nice place for some nature in Joliet. It seems like an interesting place for a couple of minutes…read more Pilcher Park doesn't have a ton to do but it's good for kids with a short attention span. Check out the nature center. There's some woodland critters like snakes and turtles. It kind of is out of the way from the rest of Joliet but that helps this be not as busy. Often it's pretty quiet and only a few people are here. There's some fantastic learning opportunities. Good for kids. It doesn't have a whole lot to look at so good to get in and out. They have some interesting critters to look at while in there. Be sure to check the nature center's hours. It's only open a few hours or so. There's up close and personal interactions with woodland critters if you're a fan of especially snakes and whatever.

I'm walking down memory lane and ended up here at Pilcher Park. I haven't been here since age 14 -…read morenever mind how long ago that was! It's changed a bit. Some of the buildings are in disrepair and the wishing well is dry. Regardless, it's still an amazing park. The green trees and lush foliage are breathtaking still. The walking/bike trails are well maintained and everyone appeared to be relaxed and enjoying themselves. What a great day!

Great little "getaway" park! It has fishing, a separate dog park area, places to BBQ and hiking…read moretrails. The Dock is handicapped accessible and a good place to fish. You can also walk around the entire water source. The pond/small lake has northern pike, rock bass, blue gill, smallmouth bass, turtles, and bullfrogs. Super clean park and well cared for pavilion and picnic areas. Also has facilities for those needing a bio break!

Cute park with a dock for fishing or just checking out the little blue gills and turtles. There is…read morea small covered picinic area, baseball diamond and jungle gym. Dog park was spacious for our dog to run wild!

Upon our first visit at Tampier Lake we were able to stop at the boating center directly on the…read morepeninsula of the lake. I was always under the impression people were able to rent kayaks or boats, but I was happy to find out even more information. Staff were very professional, verifying all customers wear a mask. I was promptly reminded to do so upon entering. This is the rule for all, vaccinated or non-vaccinated. I inquired with the staff what the minimum age to ride any water craft was and was told children have to be at least 3 years of age. All boaters are to also wear a life vest and the last rental is at 6PM. Rates seem very reasonable, as kayaks, boats, and paddle boats are $20 per hour. Fishing boats are $25 per hour with a minimum rental of two hours. Whereas it was our first time and we were just visiting the lake we now have all the details moving forward. Leave the little one at home and rent away! We will return.

This preserve is a quick trip for us to walk after dinner and enjoy the sunset. An easy gravel…read moretrail winds around Quarry Lake and along the west branch of the DuPage River. Depending on the time of the year you can see wildflowers and many species of birds. We have encountered coyote but they generally stir clear of people. There are piers out into the lake that many people use for fishing. I have seen people on kayaks there too. There are a few picnic tables and benches as well.

Great for a walk,bird watching,fishing or have a picnic. Piers for fishing. Limestone paths. Dogs…read moreare welcome. Boat launch off the parking lot. Bathroom facilities available. Great way to spend a morning or afternoon