10 Outdoors- Other to Explore in Will County

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park is a perfect way to get out and explore nature. Located on historic Bluff Trail, the park offers a variety of recreational activities from kayaking and fishing to hiking and bird watching. With nearly 500 acres of land spreading out along both sides of the Des Plaines River, there's plenty to explore! The park also features multiple picnic pavilions, loaders for personal boats, boat beaches, a restroom building open during summer hours.

Channahon State Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking natural beauty. Covering over 2,000 acres, this state park is filled with sprawling prairies and marshes along with deep ravines and wooded areas. It provides a prime habitat for numerous plant and animal species throughout its diverse ecosystem. Outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, camping, walking trails and picnic areas allow visitors to fully appreciate the park's incredible ecological diversity.

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area, contains wooded areas as well as wetlands that provide habitat for local wildlife such as white-tailed deer, waterfowls and amphibians. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, birdwatching or simply taking in the tranquil beauty of the forest and all of its creatures. Facilities like primitive camping spots and a picnic area are also available to take advantage of the area's peaceful atmosphere.

The DuPage River Park offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. Boasting over 40 miles of trails that connect to numerous other parks, the DuPage River Park is ideal for walking, biking and even horseback riders. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll or explore the wetlands and woodlands, there's something here for everyone. The park also includes fishing piers and boat launches, giving anglers access to the river.

Eaton Preserve Park is a fantastic natural retreat spanning 77 acres, the park offers a wide variety of activities for nature lovers to enjoy including picnicking, fishing, bird watching and more. The park is set in a beautiful wooded valley that is filled with diverse flora and fauna native to the area. In addition to recreational activities available at Eaton Preserve Park there are also several miles of trails for visitors to explore.

Hickory Creek Preserve, is a nature lover's paradise. This 748-acre public park contains some of the most stunning landscapes in the Midwest, many of which are protected by state and federal law. Visitors can take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, wildlife watching, and even horseback riding on unique bridle trails. With two lakes for fishing as well as picnic areas and observation platforms for bird-watching.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal is a historically important transportation route that has been connecting towns since the early 19th century. The I & M Canal ran for a distance of about 98 miles beginning in Bridgeport on the Chicago River and ending at LaSalle-Peru at the Illinois River. Some say the move from Native American portage trails to the canal was what enabled the Chicago area to become a center of commerce in the young United States of America.

Messenger Marsh is a wetland complex that has become home to many different types of plant and animal species. This beautiful marsh is situated on 1200 acres of land and is one of the most significant habitats in Illinois for migrating waterfowl. As well as its striking beauty, Messenger Marsh provides excellent recreational opportunities for visitors including fishing, boating, birdwatching and more. Populations of frogs and turtles find refuge in this wetlands area.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a remarkable example of conservation success. Once the site of a US Army Ammunition plant, the 19,000+ acre federal reserve is now home to some of the most diverse grassland wildflowers and biodiversity found anywhere in the Midwest. From celebrating endangered species that can survive here to allowing visitors to roam throughout areas on trails and activities such as guided tours.

Shorewood Park is a great choice for a peaceful and picturesque getaway. It is 38 acres of breathtaking scenery, providing plenty of outdoorsy activities like kayaking, canoeing and fishing for experienced or novice visitors. The park also has an ADA accessible trail which takes visitors through the oak-hickory forest and past the pond overlooking the DuPage River. No matter if you are looking for a peaceful nature escape or an active day of recreation, Shorewood Park has something for everyone.