Top Things to do in Illinois
Top Hotels in Illinois
What to do and see in Illinois, United States: The Best Bodies of Water
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Cache River State Natural Area, Pinckneyville City Lake, Tri Township Park District, Lake Lou Yaeger, Barth Pond, Lake Michigan, Cannon Park, Marge Cline Whitewater Course, Skokie Lagoons, Lake Vermilion County Park.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. Cache River State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
State-owned and managed nature reserve consisting of 11,768 acres of wetlands including bald cypress and tupelo gum swamps.
Reviewed By TravelHappy2Day - South Lancaster, United States
I've visited the Cache River State Natural Area many times, and I love it. But you must beware that you are encroaching on the folks that call that area home. If you're not sure what I mean by "beware," then I guess I should spell it out. (I'll spell it so little kids don't hear you say it... S-N-A-K-E-S.) Yep, there's everywhere. Water moccasins. They love water, so they're right at home. Always an interesting trip. Enjoy!
2. Pinckneyville City Lake
3. Tri Township Park District
4. Lake Lou Yaeger
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By loring556 - Saint Louis, United States
This is a beautiful spot in central Illinois. The lake offers swimming and boating and a host of other outdoor activities. Highly recommend a visit to this lovely lake.
5. Barth Pond
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Barth Pond is the primary feature in Patriots Park, a lovely community park in Downers Grove. The main function of the pond is to help with flood prevention. In addition, it enhances various recreational opportunities. The pond is surrounded by a blacktop paved path that is about a half mile loop with beautiful landscaping and scenery. The pond is also popular for recreational fishing. Ducks seem to love this pond. Two parking lots provide easy access to the community park. Barth Pond and the park are excellent for family entertainment and enjoyment.
6. Lake Michigan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,848 reviews
Chicago sits on the shore of this Great Lake.
Reviewed By Bandit2118 - Columbus, United States
Staying at The Drake was perfect to walk to Lake Michigan; across one road and under the others and onto Lake Michigan recreation avenue so to speak. There was a lot of people the day we arrived to 95 degree weather with people swimming in Lake Michigan and some volleyball games. Lots of people walking, running and cycling. And the beach was so cool. There was people doing outside yoga at different spots. Simply an epic venue for most recreation activities and I will make it a point to go to Lake Michigan with every single trip to Chicago. I love being around a lot of people enjoying the beautiful lake in many different ways. So convenient and so fun and so scenic and diversity at its best. Everyone embracing and accepting each other with commonality of recreation in an epic setting with smiles and embracing nature within one of America’s great cities! Enjoy Lake Michigan while in Chicago.
7. Cannon Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
8. Marge Cline Whitewater Course
9. Skokie Lagoons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Visited the Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka on a great Fall day in November and enjoyed a beautiful bike ride on the paved trails, through the woods and around the lagoons. Skokie Lagoons also appear to be a great destination for water sports with public boat access, fishing piers, and canoe rentals. The bike loop around the lagoons is about 4.4-miles long. It connects up with the North Branch Trail System which goes through the Chicago Botanic Gardens (north of the lagoons). The relatively flat trail is an excellent place for walking, hiking, biking, and trail running with great views of the forests along the river. The only drawback was a short section of the trail next to the busy and noisy I-94 highway. Skokie Lagoons are a great place for awesome nature enjoyment. Possibilities are endless.
