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  Explore the Region’s Trails, Waterways, and Outdoor Spaces.
  
  The Openlands Get Outside Map
  
  With the Openlands Get Outside Map, discover places and ways to enjoy nature in the Chicago region.
  
  Paddle Northeastern Illinois
  
  An interactive guide to the Northeastern Illinois water trails system, which encompasses 10 waterways, ranging from creeks that flow through densely wooded forest preserves to the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago.
  
  Explore Regional Trails
  
  Utilizing trails is the easiest way to enjoy our region’s natural landscape. Find peace and solitude or share an experience with family and friends while you run, bike, or hike in natural serenity!
  
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  One of the simplest ways you can take action against Climate Change is by advocating for the protection of nature and wildlife. Learn more about current campaigns to support.
  
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  Learn more about our Education programs including, Birds in My Neighborhood, Space to Grow, and school garden support opportunities.
  
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  Learn more about conservation-friendly practices for farmland in our region.
  
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  Stewarding environmental responsibility and change in the region for 60 years.
  
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  As innovative protectors and stewards of the land, we work to create access to nature for all.
  
  Learn About Our Projects
  
  Our projects strive to give back to our region’s open spaces and create new ones so that we can continue to enjoy their solace and health benefits for generations to come.
  
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  Find a place to hike, paddle, and explore
  
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  Register to be an Arborist Apprentice
  
  Get technical assistance with my property
  
  Contact a conservation expert at Openlands
  
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  Apply for the ComEd Green Region Grant
  
  Newsletter Signup
  
  Shop the Openlands Native Plants Sale!
  
  Give nature and the land you love something big by planting something small. Openlands Native Tree and Plant Sale offer a gorgeous selection of native plants that, in addition to soaking up stormwater, cleaning the air, and beautifying our properties, provide the much-needed habitat that pollinators and other wildlife depend on.
  
  Learn More

Donate

Search

Get Outside
- Get Outside Mega Menu
  
  Explore the Region’s Trails, Waterways, and Outdoor Spaces.
  
  The Openlands Get Outside Map
  
  With the Openlands Get Outside Map, discover places and ways to enjoy nature in the Chicago region.
  
  Paddle Northeastern Illinois
  
  An interactive guide to the Northeastern Illinois water trails system, which encompasses 10 waterways, ranging from creeks that flow through densely wooded forest preserves to the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago.
  
  Explore Regional Trails
  
  Utilizing trails is the easiest way to enjoy our region’s natural landscape. Find peace and solitude or share an experience with family and friends while you run, bike, or hike in natural serenity!
  
  Paddling Newsletter Signup
Get Involved
- Get Involved Mega Menu
  
  There are many ways to help protect the nature you love with Openlands.
  
  Take Action Now
  
  One of the simplest ways you can take action against Climate Change is by advocating for the protection of nature and wildlife. Learn more about current campaigns to support.
  
  Education Programs
  
  Learn more about our Education programs including, Birds in My Neighborhood, Space to Grow, and school garden support opportunities.
  
  Training & Certification
  
  Join our ever-growing community of tree ambassadors that care for the Urban Forest in Chicagoland.
  
  Bring your property into harmony with nature
  
  View volunteer opportunities
  
  Become a charity runner for Team Openlands
  
  Sign up as an arborist employer
  
  Newsletter Signup
  
  Upcoming Events
Get Help
- Get Help Mega Menu
  
  Get the help, information, and resources you need to maintain and protect your land.
  
  Property Owner Landscape Practices
  
  Bring your property into harmony with the Earth through conservation-friendly practices.
  
  Protecting Public & Private Lands
  
  Learn more about how we help public and private landowners create a web of healthy land and water across the Chicago metropolitan region.
  
  Food and Farmland
  
  Learn more about conservation-friendly practices for farmland in our region.
  
  ComEd Green Region Grant
  
  TreePlanters Grants
  
  Urban Forestry
  
  Contact Us
Get Expertise
- Get Expertise Mega Menu
  
  Stewarding environmental responsibility and change in the region for 60 years.
  
  Our Experts
  
  As innovative protectors and stewards of the land, we work to create access to nature for all.
  
  Learn About Our Projects
  
  Our projects strive to give back to our region’s open spaces and create new ones so that we can continue to enjoy their solace and health benefits for generations to come.
  
  Get the Help You Need
  
  Questions for us? Contact our expert team.
  
  Newsletter Signup
Get Me To
- Get Me To Mega Menu
  
  Find a place to hike, paddle, and explore
  
  Take action on a current campaign
  
  Learn about ways to support Openlands
  
  Register to volunteer
  
  Register to be a certified TreeKeeper
  
  Register to be an Arborist Apprentice
  
  Get technical assistance with my property
  
  Contact a conservation expert at Openlands
  
  Apply for a TreePlanters Grant
  
  Apply for the ComEd Green Region Grant
  
  Newsletter Signup
  
  Shop the Openlands Native Plants Sale!
  
  Give nature and the land you love something big by planting something small. Openlands Native Tree and Plant Sale offer a gorgeous selection of native plants that, in addition to soaking up stormwater, cleaning the air, and beautifying our properties, provide the much-needed habitat that pollinators and other wildlife depend on.
  
  Learn More

Donate

Search

Home / Explore the Outdoors / Get Outside

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Get Outside

With over 400 parks, preserves, and natural areas to choose from on the Openlands Get Outside Map, discover new places and ways to enjoy nature in the Chicago region. Explore using either the List View or Map View below.

Home / Explore the Outdoors / Get Outside

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County
- Boone County, IL
- Cook County, IL
- DuPage County, IL
- Grundy County, IL
- Kane County, IL
- Kankakee County, IL
- Kenosha County, WI
- Lake County, IL
- Lake County, IN
- LaPorte County, IN
- LaSalle County, IL
- Lee County, IL
- McHenry County, IL
- Porter County, IN
- Putnam County, IL
- Racine County, WI
- Walworth County, WI
- Waukesha County, WI
- Will County, IL
Benefits
- Accessible Campsites
- Accessible Canoe Landings & Boat Launches
- Accessible Fishing Areas
- Accessible for Wheelchairs
- Accessible Picnic Shelters
- Arts & Culture
- Beach Access
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Education & Science
- Facilities & Parking
- Family-Friendly
- Fishing
- Free Admission
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Openlands Restoration
- Pet-Friendly
- Picnic Shelter
- Public Transit Access
- Snow Sports
- Trail Activities
- Water Sports
- Wetlands
- Wildlife & Habitats

Curved paved path in lush forest with tall trees and dappled sunlight on the ground.

26th Street Woods

LaGrange Park, IL

A little girl riding a bike down a dirt road

Algonquin Woods

Des Plaines, IL

Three people in a canoe paddling on the water

Allison Woods

Northbrook, IL

Almond Marsh Forest Preserve

Grayslake, IL

a wetland teeming with water and encircled by trees

Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve

Michigan City, IN

Person with backpack using binoculars in grassy field under partly cloudy sky.

Arie Crown Forest Preserve

Hodgkins, IL

Group enjoying a fishing event by a lake with trees in the background.

Arrowhead Lake Forest Preserve

Orland Park, IL

A field of tall grass with a blue sky in the background

Arthur J. Janura Forest Preserve

Hoffman Estates, IL

a forest abundant with trees and lush green grass

Axehead Lake

Des Plaines, IL

una casa de ladrillo rojo rodeada de árboles con hojas amarillas

Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm

Porter, IN

a couple of birds sitting on top of a pole

Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve

Inverness, IL

Barker Woods Nature Preserve

Michigan City, IN

Sunset over grassy field, line of trees, orange and pink sky.

Bartel Grassland Land and Water Reserve

Tinley Park, IL

People in life jackets boarding wooden canoes at a riverside dock surrounded by greenery.

Beaubien Woods

Chicago, IL

a group of people cycling down a dirt road

Beck’s Woods Conservation Area

Chemung, IL

Belleau Lake

Park Ridge, IL

Serene lake with leafless shrubs and autumn trees under a clear blue sky.

Belly Deep Slough

Palos Hills, IL

Illinois Nature Preserve sign and ordinance, field with trees under clear sky.

Belmont Prairie Nature Preserve

Downers Grove, IL

A man and woman walking two dogs down a path

Bemis Woods

Western Springs, IL

Three people paddling a canoe on calm water near a tree-lined shore in sunny weather.

Big Bend Lake

Des Plaines, IL

a sunset over a lake with trees silhouetted in the foreground

Big Foot Beach State Park

Lake Geneva, WI

Cyclist jumps on dirt track beneath bright sun and clear blue sky.

Big Marsh Park

Chicago, IL

a meadow filled with tall grass and yellow flowers

Big Woods Forest Preserve

Aurora, IL

Wooden dock on calm lake with mist, surrounded by greenery and partly cloudy sky.

Blackwell Forest Preserve

Warrenville, IL

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Have Questions?

Please contact us at getoutside@openlands.org. To get out on the water, check out Paddle Illinois Water Trails or explore our regional trails.

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