Braidwood Dunes is a natural area on the edge of this little town that makes a good walk for…read moreawhile. It isn't that long to get around, so it's good for those with only about an hour. Pretty much nothing much is happening around here, but it's all just nature. Check out the grassland and forest. The preserve is much bigger than just the part with a trail. An important thing is knowing where the trail goes. It only loops around a small area of the preserve. There's a lot more than just this. For the part with the trail, it starts off in the parking lot. This is just a small lot with dirt and gravel, so it's not a big attraction around here if that wasn't already obvious. Also this preserve is close to peoples' homes. You can hear them while on the trails and think there's someone else walking these, but they're actually just residents. Be careful to not go too far off or you'll be in someone's backyard. There's also a pond but this is too far off the trail to get to from here. Good place to look around maybe an hour if even. It's a good chance you'll be the only one here. There's people in town who don't even know about it, so it's a well preserved nature preserve.

Midewin is worth the drive from Chicago -- 90 minutes…read more The visitor's center is closed during the pandemic. We followed the signs and went there, thinking we'd find the trailheads. We didn't. We eventually found a man moving grass who recommended we drive north to the Iron Bridge and park there. That was good advice. Not only is there parking, pit toilets, and picnic tables, but the trailhead, and connections to several trails. I recommend everyone start at the Iron Bridge trailheads. We did not see the bison, but we did enjoy a few hours of walking on flat trails. We admired the prairie grasses and flowers, reveled in the sunshine and breeze on this cool day, and just loved every minute we were there. Hikers, remember to wear a head covering. You are on the prairie, after all. Officially, this is a national park, and I brought my national parks pass, but we saw no rangers at all. Nobody checked for park passes or any kind of entrance fee.

If bison, wildflowers, wildlife, & pastures are your thing, you've come to the right place. I'm…read morefrom Ohio and it was my husband's idea to come here. He saw it on a map and said, that's something we've got to do because we live less than 6 hours from it and it's got National in the name... We were not disappointed. I noticed that most people come here for the bison viewing, and that was nothing short of spectacular. However, there are so many trails in addition to that that make this place all the more worthwhile! I especially enjoyed the history, this park was the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, and when you walk some of the trails, that becomes apparent in the sense of abandonment that it gives you. However the peaceful ponds and gorgeous wildlife found along the way makes the hike both interesting and fulfilling. The hikes are not strenuous unless you hike in the heat like we did. There are no inclines or anything. You'll be out in the prairie or into the shade of the woods, but more of the former. Just be aware if you hike in the heat, to bring lots of water and sunscreen, as the sun seems to be more brutal in the open plains. The park gave us plenty to do in our 3 days in the area and it was a unique park for us in the sense that it was a prairie and not woods or mountains or beach...when have you ever hiked a trail through a prairie? Try it, you won't be disappointed.

I've had this trail on my to-do list for a few years and finally made my way down on an upper…read more70's-degree, bright sunny Saturday. I started at the west end, biked to the east end at Willow Springs, and did the full loop for about 25 miles. This trail rides like a straight road that offers little resistance. Yes, there are bends and turns along the length of the trail, but there's not a single spot on this path that really slows you down. The trail is entirely asphalt, and in some places, pure road. All bikers will find this trail user friendly. The asphalt itself is in great shape. Most of it appears to be newer, and the trail is very well taken care of. About the only drawback I saw: the trail becomes a road that shares space with semi's and other large trucks for about a mile. I didn't have any troubles back here, but when a truck drives by, you're going to get some dirt kicked up into the air. Didn't care for that. I parked at the west end which had a bathroom, signage and some seating. I didn't notice many benches on the trail but a 3ft cement wall that resides in many places along it would make for a good stopping point for those who need a rest. All in all this is a nice trail, especially if you're looking to go fast. In terms of site-seeing, I was a little surprised that you're siloed on this path and really don't see much of the surroundings while on the trail. Only a couple spots offer a view. Happy trails.

Very interesting trail and sights! Lots of bugs in April. Can't imagine how bad it would be in full…read moresummer so bring bug spray.

A nice walking and biking trail along the I&M canal. Because the trail follows the old canal there…read moreare no steep grades making for easy walking or cycling. Some parts on Lockport are paved but most of the trail is crushed limestone still easy to travel on. At the end of the trail at Marseilles, IL there is a replica canal about that you can take a ride on and learn some of the history of the canal and area.

The Gaylord Donnelly Canal Trail is 2.1 miles of trail that connects into the larger I&M Canal…read moretrails. There are markers all along the trail that explain the history of the canal. It's great to walk or jog, and really pretty in the spring and fall. It gets pretty buggy in the summer, being right next to the canal.

Can't go wrong with a pleasant walk here with that special someone. Beautiful surroundings of…read morevegetation and wildlife.

A nice wooded area that's dog-friendly if you are looking for a place to walk. There are two spots…read moreto park after turning down the road. The parking areas were well maintained. There are also some simple bathrooms, benches, covered tables/gathering spaces, and grills. We parked in the first area and then walked to the second parking area to enter the trail. We decided to do the longer loop first (~1.35 miles) and then the shorter loop (~.5 miles) afterward. Although you do need to watch for random tree roots, it was a pretty even pathway throughout with some cute bridges. It was very quiet when we visited right before lunchtime, and we only passed half a dozen people and a few dogs the whole time. Although I was somewhat expecting a deer to jump out at any moment, we did see some smaller birds and chipmunks. Since it hadn't rained for quite a while, the whole path was dry. In all, it was a really nice walk. I would return here for a relaxed stroll again in the future.

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.

Basic neighborhood park in a Yorkville residential area. It has essentials like a playground and…read moreopen grass. Kiwanis Park is pretty much used by those living around it. Feels like a nice place to hang a bit. The park is kept up and clean mostly. A park for those living in the Country Hills subdivision, so it's basically the centerpiece. It's got a lot for a small park. There's a playground including a timber cabin and swings. Cool for playing and clean. There's stuff for the older kids too. Has a half court for basketball. There's also a walking path for those wanting to go for a stroll. For sure it's close to the homes surrounding it. It's located on Country Hills Drive in the subdivision. This is a great place for playing or simply walking.

Great place to fish, relax and enjoy the great outdoors!…read more The lake is not far off historic Route 66 and an easy drive. There are several areas to fish from the bank or you can launch your boat. The fishing/boating areas around the lake are well marked and feature other appreciated amenities. The park areas are clean and well maintained, and free! We caught Bluegill, Shad, and Rock Bass. Also saw a few snakes, frogs and turtles. Open dawn to dusk.

This property is beyond beautiful and well maintained just wished it was open to the public more…read morethroughout the year instead of just hunters and fishers