{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2020-08-28T16:23:02","modified_gmt":"2020-08-28T16:23:02","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Illinois and Indiana are both brimming over with wonderful places to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation, from vast state parks and federal reserves to county and city parks and greenways. The varied landscape encompasses shimmering lakes, deep forests, rolling rivers, colorful meadows, sweeping grasslands, and pristine wetlands for a full array of ecosystems and environs. Even within the cities and towns, active parks and recreation departments develop and manage a world of facilities and amenities. Programs are available for all age groups and interests, from summer camps and family activities to senior field trips.<\/p>\n

STATE \/ FEDERAL PARKLAND<\/strong><\/p>\n

Northeast Illinois Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buffalo Rock State Park<\/strong>
\nOttawa, IL 815-433-2224
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Chain O’ Lakes State Park<\/strong>
\nSpring Grove, IL 847-587-5512
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Channahon State Park<\/strong>
\nChannahon, IL 815-467-4271
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area<\/strong>
\nWilmington, IL 815-423-5326
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Gebhard Woods State Park<\/strong>
\nMorris, IL 815-942-0796
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area<\/strong>
\nMorris 815-942-2899
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Heidecke Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area<\/strong>
\nMorris, IL 815-942-6352
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Ice Age National Scenic Trail<\/strong>
\nInformation 608-441-5610
\nwww.nps.gov\/iatr<\/a><\/p>\n

Illinois Beach State Park<\/strong>
\nZion, IL 847-662-4811
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail<\/strong>
\nInformation 815-942-0796
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

James “Pate” Philip State Park<\/strong>
\nBartlett, IL 847-608-3100
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Kankakee River State Park<\/strong>
\nBourbonnais, IL 815-933-1383
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Moraine Hills State Park<\/strong>
\nMcHenry, IL 815-385-1624
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area<\/strong>
\nBraceville, IL 815-237-0063
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

North Country National Scenic Trail<\/strong>
\nInformation 616-319-7906
\nwww.nps.gov\/noco<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n

North Point Marina<\/strong>
\nWinthrop Harbor, IL 847-746-2845
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area<\/strong>
\nYorkville, IL 630-553-6297
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Volo Bog State Natural Area<\/strong>
\nIngleside, IL 815-344-1294
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

William G. Stratton State Park<\/strong>
\nMorris, IL 815-942-0796
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

William W. Powers State Recreation Area<\/strong>
\nChicago, IL 773-646-3270
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Northwest Indiana Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore<\/strong>
\nPorter, IN 219-395-1882
\nwww.nps.gov\/indu<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana Dunes State Park<\/strong>
\nChesterton, IN 219-395-1882
\nhttps:\/\/www.nps.gov\/indu\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Potato Creek State Park<\/strong>
\nNorth Liberty, IN 574-656-8186
\nwww.in.gov\/dnr\/parklake<\/a><\/p>\n

Tippecanoe River State Park<\/strong>
\nWinamac, IN 574-946-3213
\nwww.in.gov\/dnr\/parklake<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Regional Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bailly Homestead<\/strong>
\n1100 North Mineral Springs Road
\nPorter, IN 219-395-1882
\nwww.nps.gov\/indu\/learn\/historyculture\/bailly_homestead.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Chellberg Farm<\/strong>
\n1100 North Mineral Springs Road
\nPorter, IN 219-395-1882
\nwww.nps.gov\/indu\/learn\/historyculture\/chellberg.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Buckley Homestead Living History Farm<\/strong>
\n3606 Belshaw Road
\nLowell, IN 219-769-PARK
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Deep River County Park<\/strong>
\n9410 Old Lincoln Highway
\nMerrillville, IN 219-769-PARK
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\n6201 Parrish Avenue
\nHammond, IN 219-844-3188
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Forked Creek Preserve & Forsythe Woods<\/strong>
\nKahler Road
\nWilmington, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park<\/strong>
\n21690 Range Line Road
\nHebron, IN 219-769-PARK
\nwhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n

Hammel Woods<\/strong>
\nRoute 59
\nShorewood, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Hickory Creek Preserve<\/strong>
\nWest La Porte Road
\nMokena, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center<\/strong>
\n700 Howe Road
\nPorter, IN 219-395-9555
\nhttps:\/\/duneslearningcenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center<\/strong>
\n20000 Western Avenue
\nOlympia Fields, IL 708-481-2330
\nwww.ironsoaks.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Isle a la Cache Preserve<\/strong>
\n501 East Romeo Road
\nRomeoville, IL 815-886-1467
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Lake Etta County Park<\/strong>
\n4801 West 29th Avenue
\nGary, IN 219-769-PARK
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Lemon Lake County Park<\/strong>
\n6322 West 133rd Avenue
\nCrown Point, IN 219-769-PARK
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Ly-Co-Ki-We Horse & Hiking Trail<\/strong>
\nBrummitt Road
\nChesterton, IN 219-926-7561<\/p>\n

Monee Reservoir<\/strong>
\n27341 Ridgeland Avenue
\nMonee, IL 708-534-8499
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Oak Ridge Prairie County Park<\/strong>
\n301 South Colfax Street
\nGriffith, IN 219-769-PARK
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education <\/strong>
\nIndiana Dunes
\n100 North Lake Street
\nGary, IN 219-938-8221
\nwww.nps.gov\/indu\/planyourvisit\/deec.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

The Perry Farm<\/strong>
\n459 North Kennedy Drive
\nBourbonnais, IL 815-933-9905
\nhttps:\/\/www.btpd.org\/parks\/perry-farm-park\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Rock Run Trail<\/strong>
\nAccess Points Vary
\nJoliet, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Sagawau Environmental Education Center<\/strong>
\n12545 West 111th Street
\nLemont, IL 630-257-2045
\nhttp:\/\/fpdcc.com\/nature-centers\/sagawau-environmental-learning-center<\/a><\/p>\n

Stoney Run County Park<\/strong>
\n9230 East 142nd Avenue
\nHebron, IN 219-769-PARK
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sugar Creek Preserve<\/strong>
\n17540 West Laraway Road
\nJoliet, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Sunset Hill Farm County Park<\/strong>
\n775 Meridian Road
\nValparaiso, IN 219-465-3586<\/p>\n

Three Rivers Park County Park<\/strong>
\n2800 Colorado Street
\nLake Station, IN 219-769-PARK
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Veterans Woods<\/strong>
\nJoliet Road
\nRomeoville, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Whihala Beach County Park<\/strong>
\n1561 Park Road
\nWhiting, IN 219-659-0860
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nature Centers & Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bessemer Park<\/strong>
\n8930 South Muskegon Avenue
\nChicago, IL 312-747-6023
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com\/parks\/Bessemer-Park<\/a><\/p>\n

Braidwood Dunes & Savanna Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\nRoute 113
\nBraidwood, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Brookfield Zoo<\/strong>
\n3300 Golf Road
\nBrookfield, IL 708-688-8000
\nhttps:\/\/www.czs.org\/Brookfield-ZOO\/Home<\/a><\/p>\n

Chicago Botanic Garden<\/strong>
\n1000 Lake Cook Road
\nGlencoe, IL 847-835-5440
\nwww.chicagobotanic.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Cosley Zoo<\/strong>
\n1356 Gary Avenue
\nWheaton, IL 630-665-5534
\nwww.cosleyzoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Crabtree Nature Center<\/strong>
\n3 Stover Road
\nBarrington, IL 847-381-6592
\nhttp:\/\/fpdcc.com\/nature-centers\/crabtree-nature-center<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Gabis Arboretum & Gardens<\/strong>
\n450 West 100 North
\nValparaiso, IN 219-462-0025
\nhttps:\/\/www.pnw.edu\/venue\/gabis-arboretum\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Garfield Park Conservatory<\/strong>
\n300 North Central Park Avenue
\nChicago, IL 312-746-5100
\nhttps:\/\/garfieldconservatory.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\n6201 Parrish Avenue
\nHammond, IN 219-844-3188
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\nMain Street
\nGriffith, IN
\nhttp:\/\/www.lakecountyparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Horner Park Nature & Wildlife Garden<\/strong>
\n2741 West Montrose Avenue
\nChicago, IL 773-478-3499
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com\/parks\/Horner-Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens<\/strong>
\n7402 West Lake Katherine Drive
\nPalos Heights, IL 708-361-1873
\nwww.lakekatherine.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\nRenwick Road<\/strong>
\nPlainfield, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Lincoln Park Zoo<\/strong>
\n2001 North Clark Street
\nChicago, IL 312-742-2000
\nwww.lpzoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center<\/strong>
\n9800 Willow Springs Road
\nWillow Springs, IL 708-839-6897
\nhttp:\/\/fpdcc.com\/nature-centers\/little-red-schoolhouse-nature-center<\/a><\/p>\n

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\nRoute 53 & Division Street
\nLockport, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\nBruce Road
\nLockport, IL 815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary<\/strong>
\n4400 North Simonds Avenue
\nChicago, IL 312-742-PLAY
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Morton Arboretum<\/strong>
\n4100 Illinois Route 53
\nLisle, IL 630-968-0074
\nwww.mortonarb.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Nichols Park Wildflower Garden<\/strong>
\n1355 East 53rd Street
\nChicago, IL 312-747-2703
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com\/parks\/Nichols-Park<\/a><\/p>\n

Plum Creek Nature Center<\/strong>
\n27064 Dutton Road
\nBeecher, IL 708-946-2216
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Portage Park Nature & Wildlife Garden<\/strong>
\n4100 North Long Avenue
\nChicago, IL 773-685-7235
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com\/parks\/Portage-Park<\/a><\/p>\n

Prospect Gardens Park Nature & Wildlife Garden <\/strong>
\n10940 South Prospect Avenue
\nChicago, IL 312-747-6163
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com\/parks\/Prospect-Gardens-Park<\/a><\/p>\n

Red Oak Nature Center<\/strong>
\n2343 South River Street
\nBatavia, IL 630-897-1808
\nwww.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org\/facilities\/red-oak-nature-center<\/a><\/p>\n

River Trail Nature Center<\/strong>
\n3120 Milwaukee Avenue
\nNorthbrook, IL 847-824-8360
\nhttp:\/\/fpdcc.com\/nature-centers\/river-trail-nature-center<\/a><\/p>\n

Rutherford Sayre Park Nature & Wildlife Garden<\/strong>
\n6871 West Belden Avenue
\nChicago, IL 312-746-5368
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com\/parks\/Rutherford-Sayre-Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sand Ridge Nature Center<\/strong>
\n15891 Paxton Avenue
\nSouth Holland, IL 708-868-0606
\nhttp:\/\/fpdcc.com\/nature-centers\/sand-ridge-nature-center<\/a><\/p>\n

Thorn Creek Nature Center<\/strong>
\n247 Monee Road
\nPark Forest, IL 708-747-6320
\nhttp:\/\/tcwoods.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Washington Park Zoo<\/strong>
\n115 Lakeshore Drive
\nMichigan City, IN 219-873-1510
\nwww.washingtonparkzoo.com<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PARKS & RECREATION CONTACTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

State & County Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Illinois State Parks<\/strong>
\nNorthwest Region
\n815-772-4708
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs<\/strong>
\nDepartment of Natural Resources
\n317-232-4200
\nwww.in.gov\/dnr\/parklake<\/a><\/p>\n

Forest Preserve District of Cook County<\/strong>
\nGeneral Information
\n800-870-3666
\nwww.fpdcc.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Forest Preserve District of Will County<\/strong>
\nGeneral Information
\n815-727-8700
\nwww.reconnectwithnature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Lake County, IN<\/strong>
\nGeneral Information
\n219-769-PARK
\nwww.lakecountyparks.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Porter County, IN<\/strong>
\nGeneral Information
\n219-465-3586
\nwww.porterco.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Local Park Districts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alsip, IL<\/strong>
\n708-389-1003
\nwww.alsipparks.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Chicago, IL<\/strong>
\n312-742-PLAY
\nwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Hickory Hills, IL<\/strong>
\n708-598-1233
\nwww.hhparkdistrict.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Homewood-Flossmoor, IL<\/strong>
\n708-957-0300
\nwww.hfparks.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Joliet, IL<\/strong>
\n815-741-7275
\nwww.jolietpark.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Kankakee Valley, IL<\/strong>
\n815-939-1311
\nwww.kvpd.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Lemont, IL<\/strong>
\n630-257-6787
\nwww.lemontparkdistrict.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Lockport, IL<\/strong>
\n815-838-1183
\nwww.lockportpark.org<\/a><\/p>\n

New Lenox, IL<\/strong>
\n815-485-3584
\nwww.newlenoxparks.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Mokena, IL<\/strong>
\n708-390-2401
\nwww.mokenapark.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Valparaiso, IN<\/strong>
\n219-462-5144
\nwww.valpoparks.org<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quicklinks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chicagoland Fishing<\/strong>
\nwww.chicagolandfishing.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Explore America<\/strong>
\nwww.recreation.gov<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Friends of the Parks<\/strong>
\nwww.fotp.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Illinois Audubon Society<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/illinoisaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Illinois Conservation Foundation <\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/ilconservation.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Illinois Fishing Guide<\/strong>
\nwww.ifishillinois.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana Audubon Society<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/indianaaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana Lake Management<\/strong>
\nwww.indianalakes.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana Park & Recreation Association<\/strong>
\nwww.inpra.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Nationwide Camping Guide<\/strong>
\nwww.gocampingamerica.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Nature Conservancy<\/strong>
\nwww.nature.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Sportsman’s Connection<\/strong>
\nwww.sportsmansconnection.com<\/a><\/p>\n

USDA Forest Service<\/strong>
\nwww.fs.fed.us<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE Illinois and Indiana are both brimming over with wonderful places to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation, from vast state parks and federal reserves to county and city parks and greenways. The varied landscape encompasses shimmering lakes, deep forests, rolling rivers, colorful meadows, sweeping grasslands, and pristine wetlands for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":683,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/NWIndy3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}