Outdoors & Recreation in NW illinois

Your paradise awaits

Northwest Illinois is a paradise for outdoor adventure, with something for nature lovers and adventurers and recreation opportunities for every interest. Explore lush pathways, discover different species, and reconnect with nature in state parks, preserves, and forests across the landscape. Explore your limits with adrenaline-pumping adventure sports. With high-quality bait and tackle, cast your line into the sparkling waters for a thrilling fishing experience. Enjoy boating, sailing, or paddling on our waterways. Golfers of all skill levels can play on both outdoor and indoor courses, while horseback riders can bond with nature while riding through scenic landscapes. Birdwatching, a beautiful ballet of feathered beauties, will lift your spirits. The Blackhawk Waterways offer nature, entertainment, and infinite opportunities for beautiful moments.