From rock-climbing, urban kayaking, ziplining, scuba diving and canoeing the majestic Mississippi River, to braving great heights at the top of one of Chicago’s skyscrapers, there is something for every adventure seeker this spring/summer throughout the state of Illinois.
KAYAK THE WINDY CITY…The Chicago River flows across the city, crossing the downtown Loop, and is famous for having its flow reversed in the late 1800's. The 156-mile-long river links the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. While you can always stroll along the beautiful Riverwalk, why not hop into a kayak and wind your way through the metropolis. Paddle your way along the river in a single or double kayak with the help of an expert guide from Kayak Chicago. This river outfitter offers guided tours, classes and rentals, as well as individual and group instruction.
REACH NEW HEIGHTS ON THE GRAFTON SKY TOUR…This new unique aerial lift, known as the Grafton Sky Tour, will open at Aerie’s Resort & Winery along the Great River Road this spring, offering amazing views overlooking the Mississippi River. The Grafton Sky Tour, will be one of the few ‘chandola’ (chair and gondola) style designs in the United States.
GO HIKING AT THE GARDEN OF THE GODS…The adventure begins on the southern tip of Illinois at the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest. Hike through dramatic rock formations and rugged bluffs, jump across crevasses and meander through woodland to get to the top in order to experience spectacular views of the forest and surrounding area. The forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails for guests to find their feet in. For rock climbing, take a short trip to Draper’s Bluff. This private climbing park offers several fantastic climbs, including the ‘Ant Hill’ and the ‘Bloody Nose’ climb.
NAVIGATE THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI…For travellers navigating the Mississippi River, the Navarro Canoe Co. is a welcoming stop, home to beautiful, handcrafted canoes and a genuine Illinois hospitality in Rock Island, along the banks of the Mississippi River. From there, canoers can head down the Mississippi River to Alton, a town in-between the beautiful Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, against a backdrop of trees and limestone bluffs. Alton was recently featured as one of 50 most charming small towns in America by Travel Channel.com. Canoeing can be done throughout the state of Illinois, for more information see here.
ZIP LINE THROUGH THE TREES…Zip through the Shawnee National Forest at the state’s first entirely tree-based, eco-friendly canopy tour, located deep in 83 wooded acres. Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours in Makanda has eight lines, with the longest stretching an incredible 1,100 feet. It’s an adrenaline-filled adventure and educational experience with a low environmental impact - there’s even a night tour. For a zip lining adventure closer to Chicago, check out Zip Chicago, located 80 miles southwest of the city in Marseilles. Whiz 85 feet above the ground at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, while taking in views of the river valley below.
LIVE ON THE EDGE IN CHICAGO…360 Chicago is an attraction that will forever change the way visitors see Chicago. A one-of-a-kind experience, TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile. TILT gives thrill-seekers an exciting and safe way to take in unsurpassable views of the city, from a never-before-seen angle.
PLAY MERMAID IN MERMET SPRINGS…Mermet Springs is a top spot in the state for fresh-water scuba diving. Belknap is an abandoned quarry lake with a full-service dive site and scuba training facility, featuring submerged training platforms, easy entry docs, dives from 15 - to 120 feet in depth and several sunken treasures to explore. It’s a first-rate diving experience for all ability levels, in a picturesque wooded setting surrounded by cliffs. Mermet Springs offers a comprehensive dive schedule throughout Spring/Summer 2019 with highlights including the Mermet Springs Open Water Classroom on 13-14 April and a Mermet Open Water Check Out Dives on 20-21 July 2019.
GO BIKING ON ROUTE 66…The Illinois Route 66 Trail offers 369 miles of quiet rural roads and city streets, and even some off-road adventure. Start in Chicago where the Mother Road begins and travel south soaking up classic Americana along the way, ending at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Collinsville.
EXPLORE THE WILD MIDWEST…In Wildlife Prairie Park, near Hanna City, guests can experience the Illinois Prairie as it once was. Explorers can experience more than 2,000 acres of natural habitat by train, or hike winding trails that overlook prairie and wetlands dotted with 150 animals native to Illinois, from elk and otters to wolves. The park has 14 miles of walking trails, 20 miles of mountain bike trails, and five fishing lakes to be uncovered.
CHASE WATERFALLS AT STARVED ROCK STATE PARK…Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons dominate the epic landscape at Starved Rock State Park. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and beautiful vistas along the Illinois River. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddle boat cruises, cross-country skiing (seasonal), trolley rides, fishing and picnicking. Take a splash in one of the many waterfalls in the area. The best times to dip into the waterfalls are in the spring when the days get longer and the snow and ice melt from the winter.
WHERE TO STAY? Starved Rock State Park: To be in the centre of the adventure, stay in the cabins at Starved Rock Lodge.
Shawnee National Forest: Stay in the stunning Makanda Inn and Cottages, an eco-friendly retreat located on 18 forest acres and constructed with all-natural building materials.
Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins: Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and spend a night in a treehouse, the closest lodging to the famous Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest. Spend your days hiking, cycling, horse riding, bird watching or fishing, then return to the comfort of your home away from home in the trees, complete with a bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning. Timber Ridge also offers two modern log cabins, an authentic antique log cabin built in 1852 and two modern homes.
