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

Loved to go fishing there 40 years ago. Used to catch some…read morenice fish. A place of peace and quiet, silent reflecton.

This is the place where the 2006 movie the Lake House was filmed starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu…read moreReeves! I advise to research this fantastic time travel romantic film that is based on the Korean film Il Mare! Maple Lake is part of the beautiful Cook County Forest Preserve. This is one of my favorite places to visit in Illinois!

Beautiful area along the river. Great for picnics,walking,birding etc. Plenty of parking and picnic…read moretables. Paths are crushed limestone or grass.

I never knew these lush, gorgeous woods were here! I work just 5-7 minutes away by car, and came by…read moretoday to Churchill Woods, on my lunch hour. I regret missing out on the last few years of lunch time walks here!! I will definitely come by more often. The hiking trail is off the far end of the parking lot. The lake is to the right as you pull into the lot. I saw ducks and bunnies and heard all sorts of other animals along the path in the woods. The path can be a little rugged in some parts, requiring you to step over tree roots, or duck under a fallen tree branch, but is mostly easy to navigate. There were only 3 people at this lot at noon on a Wednesday. Perhaps the crowds pick up on the weekend?

Wait, you can review Fay's Point? Where's my sixth star??…read more Let me tell you a bit about me. I'm a proud Cal-Sag junkie. So much local history can be found in our waterways and so little of it is known. Briefly: Blue Island really was an island. Some 15,000 years ago, when glacial Lake Chicago existed, Blue Island stood proud above the lake. As it receded our rivers, creeks and wetlands were formed. Fay's Point, uniquely, sits just past where the Little Calumet River turns back on itself and empties into the Calumet River. Stony Creek meandered to the west. From the 1840s to the 1870s a feeder canal helped keep the I&M Canal filled, and in the 1910s the Cal-Sag Channel was dug, reversing the flow of the Calumet River and altering Stony Creek forever. The Cal-Sag Channel opens for business in 1921, at its widest only 60 feet across. In the 1960s it was expanded to its current width of 225 feet. Go for a walk along the north bank of Fay's Point. Across the Cal-Sag, on the north bank, you'll see some the "ruins" of the Blue Island lock. From the 1920s to 1960s this was the controlling works for the Cal-Sag, the boundary between Lake Michigan, the Illinois Waterway and ultimately the Mississippi River. You can still tour this amazing waterway. Local boaters often complete a "triangle tour" down the Cal-Sag, up the Ship and Sanitary Canal, into Lake Michigan and back to the Calumet River. The more adventurous might take the Cal-Sag into the Desplaines and Illinois rivers, into the Mississippi and all the way to the gulf. Who knew you could connect to the whole world from Blue Island?! Fay's Point features a marina with 88 boat slips. This active marina can hold boats up to 40+ feet. It offers an idyllic setting on the bank of the Little Calumet River. The north bank has been restored with native wetland plants and is a haven for birds and other critters. Across the river is the Forest Preserve District and Joe Louis golf course. It might be worth renting a slip just for a chance to hang out on the river in such a relaxing setting. This safe and modern marina is the best in the region. The Little Calumet River is also becoming popular with paddlers, and offers a great course for families and beginners looking to explore our region's waterways. Check out the Calumet Waterway Stewards website for annual paddling and clean up events.

From the owner: Built in 2006, the Fay's Point Marina sits on the Little Calumet River, just 25 minutes south of…read moredowntown Chicago. Many community members have already made the Fay's Point Marina a second home. Between weekend relaxation, aquatic sports, golfing, and barbecue gatherings, you'll never run out of ways to spend your hard-earned free time.

Hidden gem in LITH!! Peaceful, lovely scenic trails. It's a beautiful walk. The pavilion is great…read morefor a packed lunch or hanging out with a good book.

This place is a true hidden gem. You would never know it existed if not for stopping in and taking…read morea walk down a trail. The kids and I love to take in a trail and go amateur bird watching. My son loves fishing and he's participated in a few fishing derbies here as well as caught a few on a couple of quick trips out. The little ponds have all sorts of fish, but we've only really seen the bluegill and the sunfish. The trails on the west side entrance are grassy paths with various states of brush and shrub. There are even some stone formations for sitting or for the kids to play on. I've seen people jog and walk their dogs at safe distances, though now and again some inconsiderate patrons leave animal waste on the trails. I haven't been on the east side trails in a while, but from what I remember, they are more hilly. If you are in the area, you have to stop by... it's a natural wonder!

it is so fun I have a lake house up there its 10 out of 10 experience me and the boys coming up her…read morenext weekend to look at it and really good for fishing and hotdogging.

After one visit to Lake Shannon, my wife and i were literally sold. We look forward to keeping an…read moreeye on properties here. Not Redneck, but very Rural. There are NO nearby grocery store or gas station. but that should not effect your lake life relaxed stay. A bit South of Joliet, we had no idea how to get there, and were way out of our comfort zone in an adventurous sense. I was told that our friend had "plenty of beds" so surely this could not be a trailer home. To my surprise these deluxe double wides, or manufactures homes, are extremely nice. Many have large porches, garages, or 2 floors! A lot of the boat docks have coverings and winter storage options like lifting the boat directly out the water where it sits. This is a "speed boat" lake. A flooded strip mine that gets up to 100ft deep in the center. There is NO sand bar, or party cove. Only families with kids skiing, tubing, and cruising. The lake could not be more picturesque with a cute bridge, various channels and beautiful landscaping. We cannot wait to be invited back, and will keep an ear to the street when a property, complete with Boat, goes up for sale.

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.

Nice little spot to sit and relax around the lake with your smoky or jus by yourself, also good…read moreplace for kids to play in the open area. Have multiple places around the lake to get some fresh air. Well maintained, does have a portable potty. It's more of a picnic place, I see a lot of people come here mostly for fishing. I ended up here looking for trails to run by in he neighborhood. Even though it comes up in suggestions when you are looking for nearest trails for nice long run, this isn't the place for that. It does have little unpaved path around the lake which almost comes around close to a mile but not a recommended one for runs/walks. Parking available too.

This is an adorable hidden gem. Great picnic location and looks amazing in photos! Would totally…read morerecommend to all ages. The walking trail isn't paved so be weary about your shoe choice. Saw tons of people fishing and relaxing with their dogs. Overall, had a great time!

Located in the middle of corn fields,this 840 acre preserve is made up of woodlands,marsh and…read moreprairie. There is a small creek that runs along a gravel path that is a 1.3 mile loop around a 65ft deep quarry filled lake. Pets are welcome including horses. Swimming is not allowed but the lake is great for fishing and kayaking. Bathroom facilities are available along with plenty of parking. Part of the Kane County Forest Preserve.

Peaceful preserve with a former quarry now lake that has a gravel trail (also used by horses) going…read morearound it. Nice variety of trees and a few wildflowers. Many species of birds call this area home as there is a creek running through it as well. Part of Kane County Forest Preserves. Saw paddle boarders and kayakers enjoying the serenity. Not far off of Rt 47.

One of the cleanest lakes in IL-- spring fed, and the friendly staff make every visit a treat.read more

Fantastic beach. We grew up coming here and it's amazing to see it's still open. Same as it was…read more40 years ago. Also still has the raft you swim to and lay out in. Fun place to go with family