TOP 10 Public land recreation in Illinois

Splash Landings Aquatic Center, located at 2400 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview, Illinois, is a top-rated water park that offers year-round fun for all ages. Voted the best water park on the North Shore, Splash Landings features four indoor pools and a variety of swimming lessons through the Starfish Swim School. Our nationally-recognized swim instruction curriculum ensures that children of all ages can learn important swimming and safety skills. Due to a shortage of aquatics staff, our schedule has been adjusted to ensure proper lifeguard coverage. The facility will be closed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting April 8th, but we are actively recruiting and training additional staff to return to normal hours soon.

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) is a school located at 9383 2400 North Road in Collison, Illinois, United States. This institution is dedicated to providing education and training in the field of fish and wildlife conservation. Students at Middle Fork State FWA have the opportunity to learn about local ecosystems, sustainable practices, and wildlife management. With a focus on hands-on learning and field experience, this school prepares students for careers in natural resource management and environmental conservation. Come visit Middle Fork State FWA and see how we are shaping the future of conservation education.

Century Park, located at 1675 Apple Valley Road in Bolingbrook, Illinois, is a vibrant park within the Bolingbrook Park District. This park offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables, a new playground, and beautiful green spaces. Visitors can reserve picnic areas for social gatherings and enjoy the various fun birthday party options available, such as Poolside Birthday Parties at Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park and “Game On!” sports parties. In addition to the park's recreational offerings, the Bolingbrook Park District operates two community centers, an indoor/outdoor aquatic park, a golf course, banquet facility, fitness center, outdoor skate parks, sports complex, conservation area, and over 50 parks spanning 1,106 acres of land. The district is dedicated to providing a wide range of programs and activities for the community, including Week of the Young Child celebrations and spring programs for all ages.

Bloomfield Oasis, part of the Bolingbrook Park District, is a fun and exciting park located at 1614 Prairieview Boulevard in Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States. This park offers a variety of birthday party options, including Poolside Birthday Parties at Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park and "Game On!" sports parties. You can also reserve a picnic area for your next social gathering at one of their beautiful parks, each with varying sizes and amenities. In addition to the birthday parties and picnic areas, Bloomfield Oasis features picnic tables and a new playground at 398 W. Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook. The park district offers a range of programs and resources, including Budgets, Forms, Documents, and Reports. Non-resident ID Cardholder Registration is available on January 26, and the Week of the Young Child celebration takes place from April 15-20 with free fun activities for children and families.

Ivanhoe Park, part of the Bolingbrook Park District, is a beautiful park located at 190 Falconridge Way in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This park offers a variety of fun birthday party options, including Poolside Birthday Parties at Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park and "Game On!" sports parties. You can also reserve picnic areas for social gatherings at one of the many parks within the district. In addition to the playground and picnic tables, Ivanhoe Park also offers a range of resources including budgets, forms, documents, and reports. The park is a great place for families to enjoy outdoor activities and events.

Catlin Park, located at 2560 East 1251st Road in Ottawa, Illinois, is a picturesque tourist attraction and recreational park open to the public free of charge. Donated by the Catlin family, the 333-acre park boasts a well-maintained trail system with 14 distinct trails and numerous connector trails winding through its diverse habitats, including streams and ponds. The park's horse trails are renowned for their quality, making them a favorite among equestrians in the central area. Additionally, Catlin Park is a popular venue for local schools' cross-country track teams to compete. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature and explore the park's scenic trails while appreciating the land as much as the generous family who donated it.

Harmony Trail is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Marion, Illinois, United States. As part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can easily pay entrance fees, purchase annual vessel passes, and reserve campsites through recreation.gov. This national wildlife refuge offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Whether you enjoy hiking, canoeing, hunting, camping, picnicking, wildlife photography, or birdwatching, a visit to Harmony Trail is a great way to explore the outdoors. In addition to recreational activities, the refuge will be a prime viewing area for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, providing over 4 minutes of total eclipse viewing time. Visitors can prepare for this event by learning safety tips and viewing opportunities. Some commercial, recreational, and research activities on the refuge require a special use permit, ensuring the conservation of the area.

Russell Woods Forest Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 11750 Illinois 72, Genoa, Illinois, United States. The Natural Resource Center at Russell Woods is currently closed for remodeling, but the park offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. The DeKalb County Forest Preserve District's mission is to preserve and protect the flora, fauna, and natural beauty of the land for the education and recreation of citizens. The forest preserves in the area serve as living museums, reflecting the past and offering serenity and beauty in the present.

Historic Wagner Farm, located at 1510 Wagner Road in Glenview, Illinois, is a museum that sits on 18.6 acres of land and is one of the few remaining farms in north suburban Cook County. Originally owned by the Wagner family, the farm was preserved by the Glenview Park District after the last surviving member, Rose Wagner, passed away in 1997. Visitors can learn about local agriculture, past and present, through the farm's programming, partnerships, and daily activities. The farm offers a unique gift shop where visitors can purchase fresh produce, eggs, cakes, pies, and other food products that are produced onsite. The farm also hosts farm-themed birthday celebrations and events at their award-winning Heritage Center. Visitors can connect with their food and farmers through educational opportunities, recreation, and volunteer programs.

Located in Lena, Illinois, the Lena Community Park District is a popular tourist attraction for residents and visitors alike. With four large park properties and various green spaces throughout the village, there is plenty of outdoor recreation to enjoy. Lions Park, the largest park in the district, features a Splash Land Pool, Mini Golf Course, ball diamonds, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, and a frisbee golf course. The Lena Community Park District offers a wide range of programs and events for all ages and interests, making it a great place to live and visit. Be sure to check out the 2024 Summer Program Guide for upcoming activities and events. Welcome to Lena Community Park District!

Pond is a unique institution located at 105 East Hanover Street in New Baden, Illinois, United States. As a florist and store, Pond is known for its exceptional culture that has earned it a national ranking as a “Best Place to Work.” The institution is dedicated to giving back to communities through engagement and inspiration. Pond offers a wide range of services including architecture, community planning, education, healthcare, hospitality, interior design, land development, landscape architecture, municipal services, parks and recreation, procurement services, public safety, trails and greenways, and transit. They also serve clients in the Air Force, Army, Federal Planning, National Guard, and Navy/Marines.

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is a park and tourist attraction located at 19031 E County Road 2110N, Havana, Illinois, United States. This refuge is a crucial rest stop for migratory birds along the Illinois River, highlighting the importance of wetlands on the floodplain. Visitors can explore the primitive trails, including a 5-mile trail along Lake Chautauqua surrounded by various tree species. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the trails and combat invasive species like bush honeysuckle. For those interested in recreational activities, the refuge offers birding, wildlife watching, hunting, and fishing opportunities. With diverse habitats supporting a range of fish, wildlife, and plants, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Contact [email protected] to volunteer and make new friends while working on public lands. Please note that external websites linked to the refuge may not comply with Accessibility Requirements and do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Sunset Park, Bolingbrook Park District is a vibrant institution located at 1500 Waterside Drive in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This park offers a variety of fun birthday party options, including Poolside Birthday Parties at Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park and "Game On!" sports parties. You can also reserve picnic areas for social gatherings at one of their beautiful parks, each varying in size and amenities. In addition to the birthday parties and picnic areas, Sunset Park features picnic tables and a new playground for visitors to enjoy. Non-resident ID Cardholder Registration is available on January 26th, and the Week of the Young Child celebration will take place from April 15-20 with free activities for children and families.

Erickson Park, located within the Bolingbrook Park District in Illinois, offers a variety of fun activities and amenities for visitors. The park features picnic tables, a new playground, and beautiful green spaces for social gatherings. In addition to the park facilities, the Bolingbrook Park District also offers exciting birthday party options, including Poolside Birthday Parties at Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park and sports parties. Visitors can reserve picnic areas at various parks within the district, each offering different sizes and amenities. The Bolingbrook Park District is a public park and recreation agency that operates multiple community centers, aquatic parks, a golf course, fitness center, skate parks, sports complex, conservation area, and over 50 parks spanning 1,106 acres of land. The district is located just 25 miles from Chicago and has been recognized as one of the nation's Top 100 Cities to Live by Money Magazine.

Drafke Park, Bolingbrook Park District is a public park and recreation agency located at 1125 Quail Run Avenue in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This park offers a variety of fun birthday party options, including Poolside Birthday Parties at Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park and “Game On!” sports parties. You can also reserve picnic areas for social gatherings at one of their beautiful parks, each with varying sizes and amenities. In addition to the picnic tables and playground, Drafke Park features various resources such as budgets, forms, documents, and reports for visitors to browse. The park is located at 398 W. Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, located at 7071 Riverview Rd in Thomson, Illinois, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that has been a sanctuary for fish, wildlife, and people since 1924. Stretching 261 river miles along the Mississippi River floodplain, this refuge protects over 240,000 acres of land. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational activities, with over 3.7 million annual visits to the refuge. The Pool Maps provide detailed information on where you can engage in these activities. The refuge also allows for some commercial, recreational, and research activities with a special use permit. Come explore the refuge and discover the diverse wildlife that changes with the seasons, from the sounds of frogs in the summer to the fall migration. Join us in conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural habitats for the benefit of all Americans. Please note that some website links may not comply with accessibility requirements and do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Welcome to Chouteau Island, a remarkable natural oasis located at 4205 Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City, Illinois. Nestled in the heart of Madison County, just a mile west of Granite City and minutes north of downtown St. Louis, Chouteau Island offers a unique blend of wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and historical significance along the Mississippi River. Managed collaboratively by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Madison, Chouteau Island is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, providing a serene escape from urban life. The island is part of a trio, including Gabaret and Mosenthein Islands, which together span over 5,500 acres of pristine natural landscape. This area is one of the few places in the St. Louis Region where you can enjoy direct public access to a 10-mile stretch of the Mississippi River, known for its high-quality habitat and absence of barge traffic.

Welcome to Mel Foster Co. Moline, your trusted real estate agency located at 2500 41st Street, Moline, Illinois. Proudly serving the vibrant communities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois since 1921, we specialize in residential and commercial real estate sales. Our locally owned and operated company is dedicated to providing comprehensive services, including insurance, farm and land sales, land development and management, relocation, career development, new construction, and senior services. Mel Foster Co. is a recognized leader in the Quad Cities, including Bettendorf, Clinton, Eldridge, Davenport, Galesburg, Geneseo, Kewanee, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding areas. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our promise to deliver the highest level of service through integrity, professional competence, financial stability, and teamwork. We are deeply committed to our community, striving for consistency and leadership in real estate and insurance.