the ants go marching
two by two - hooray, hooray
one of my favorite weekend activities is driving to a state park and getting lost for the day. starved rock is one of my local favorites that i've been going to since i was a child. i remember walking through the canyons with my parents singing the ants go marching song. starved rock is a very popular place because it is close to chicago and offers up a much different landscape compared to most of illinois. i prefer to go in the winter when you will only come across a few people out on the trails. the lodge offers up a wonderful sunday brunch, complete with an omelet chef & mimosas.
the parks that i talk about on this page are all within a few hours of chicago, most in illinois while a few are over the border in wisconsin or michigan.
nice walks, places for doggies to play & afternoon picnics in the chicagoland area
white pines - near oregon in mt. morris, il.
starved rock - canyons, waterfalls, lodge, camping, fishing in the illinois river, hiking and all that good stuff.
matthiessen park - more beautiful than starved rock, matthiessen is just a mile up the road.
buffalo rock - across the river from starved rock. a nice alternative, hiking on the bluff.
silver springs - this park is in yorkville, and while small, offers great paddling and a nice place to bring your furry friend for a walk.
morton arboretum - beautiful throughout the year.
kettle moraine south - check out the emma carlin for hiking or the john muir for biking.
