Des Plaines offers accessible outdoor fun with hiking and biking trails, paddling on the Des Plaines River, and fishing spots. Popular for bird watching and winter cross-country skiing, it’s a convenient nature escape near Chicago.
Des Plaines offers accessible outdoor fun with hiking and biking trails, paddling on the Des Plaines River, and fishing spots. Popular for bird watching and winter cross-country skiing, it’s a convenient nature escape near Chicago.
Outdoor Recreation in Des Plaines, Illinois
Des Plaines, Illinois, provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities suited for travelers seeking nature close to the city. Whether interested in river paddling or forest trails, visitors find something enjoyable year-round.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Des Plaines, Illinois special.
7.523 miExplore over 5.5 miles of scenic trails at Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake, IL. Ideal for hiking and birdwatching, it's a serene spot for viewing wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall for vibrant scenery.
7.825 miExplore Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, perfect for hiking and birdwatching near Waukegan, IL. Enjoy serene trails through lush forests and spot local wildlife. Ideal for nature walks in spring and fall.
7.851 miExplore Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter, Indiana. Featuring moderate hiking challenges with scenic views, bird watching, and beach access. A family-friendly destination, busy in summer, best enjoyed late spring to early fall.
8.251 miExplore over 15,000 acres at Indiana Dunes National Park, combining dune hiking and beach activities along Lake Michigan. With a variety of ecosystems, it's ideal for nature lovers and birding. Best visited in spring or fall to enjoy its diverse landscapes and avoid summer crowds.
7.852 miExplore breathtaking views at Indiana Dunes National Park Lakeview. Enjoy beach hiking, bird watching, and water sports on Lake Michigan. Best visited in spring or fall. Popular for its diverse wildlife and striking scenery.
6.858 miExplore Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais, IL, featuring trails of varying difficulty and riverside views. Popular for hiking, fishing, and biking, it's an ideal spot for a peaceful day outdoors. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.
6.860 miExplore the scenic serenity at Rock Cut State Park, featuring hiking, fishing, and kayaking across 3,000 acres near Rockford, IL. Enjoy year-round access suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Particularly vibrant in spring for wildlife and wildflowers.
7.872 miExplore Buffalo Rock State Park near Ottawa, Illinois. Enjoy easy hiking and birdwatching with scenic views in a peaceful setting. Known for its sandstone cliffs and Earthworks art by Michael Heizer, it's best visited in spring and fall for vibrant foliage and wildlife.
874 miExplore Ottawa Canyon Trailhead in Starved Rock State Park near Ottawa, IL. Known for its scenic canyons and biodiversity, this location is ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and capturing stunning photos. Best visited in spring or fall.
6.875 miExplore Illinois Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. Known for its stunning sandstone formations and waterfalls, this picturesque area is ideal for photography and wildlife spotting. Best visited in spring and fall. Access is easy via a short drive.
8.675 miKaskaskia Canyon in Starved Rock State Park offers an easy hike with stunning sandstone cliffs and a serene waterfall. Ideal for families, this trail is accessible and beautiful in spring and fall. Perfect for photography and picnicking.
7.275 miExplore Owl Canyon Overlook in Oglesby, Illinois, a scenic viewpoint known for its stunning geological formations and hiking opportunities. The moderate trails offer a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Discover curated outdoor adventures and verified guided tours in Des Plaines, Illinois, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your journey.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Des Plaines, Illinois.
12 bookable experiences
Chicago, Illinois
Wheeling, Illinois
New Buffalo, Michigan
Chicago, Illinois
Schaumburg, Illinois
Schaumburg, Illinois
Schaumburg, Illinois
Schaumburg, Illinois
Schaumburg, Illinois
Schaumburg, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.
Make the most of your visit to Des Plaines, Illinois with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected public lands.
Des Plaines, Illinois hosts celebrated events showcasing local heritage, outdoor recreation, and regional community gatherings.
Experience the vibrancy and outdoor culture of Des Plaines, Illinois during Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Race. Check local schedules and reserve travel accommodations early.
Experience the vibrancy and outdoor culture of Des Plaines, Illinois during Lake Park Fishing Derby. Check local schedules and reserve travel accommodations early.
Experience the vibrancy and outdoor culture of Des Plaines, Illinois during Des Plaines Summer Concert Series. Check local schedules and reserve travel accommodations early.
Des Plaines, Illinois is surrounded by pristine national parks, forests, and wilderness preserves offering backcountry trails and scenic recreation.
The Des Plaines River Trail is a multi-use path that follows the Des Plaines River through northeastern Illinois, offering scenic river views, diverse outdoor recreation, and access to numerous forest preserves and natural areas.
The Grove Forest Preserve is a historic and expansive natural area in Illinois offering diverse ecosystems, scenic trails, and a rich cultural history ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful outdoor recreation.
Pike Woods Forest Preserve offers a serene natural escape with mature hardwood forests, diverse wildlife habitats, and miles of trails for hiking and wildlife observation just outside Chicago.
Skokie Lagoons is a 1,100-acre wetland and waterway complex in northeastern Illinois offering diverse recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in a scenic forested setting.
Check weather before paddling, as river levels can vary seasonally.
Some hiking and biking paths link to larger Cook County forest preserves.
Winter skiing conditions depend on snowfall; verify groomed trail status.
Watch for ticks and mosquitoes during warmer months when exploring wooded areas.
Always check local regulations, park permits, trail advisories, and weather forecasts before embarking on any adventure around Des Plaines, Illinois. Respect wildlife and preserve our shared outdoors with Leave No Trace ethics.