It’s spring, so we’re basically in full summer mode. And what better way is there to enjoy the weather than being out on the water? Here are 10 things you must do this summer in Illinois to enjoy the state’s gorgeous waterfront locations.
- Navy Pier
Robert Lowe/Flickr Yes, it’s touristy, but when’s the last time you did it? Get an ice cream cone, walk around, and enjoy the fireworks.
- Lake Bluff
Lucy Gray/Flickr Lake Bluff is one of those hidden gems in Illinois. Check out this view! You can sail as well as swim in these waters.
- Zion
Curtis Abert/Flickr Head to Zion to explore Illinois Beach State Park. Walk along 6.5 miles of sandy shores of Lake Michigan.
- Savanna
CinCool/Flickr This might be the best view of the Mississippi. Mississippi Palisades State Park offers a fabulous view of the view. There are numerous trails, some of which let you get closer to the water.
- Rock Island
quillons/Flickr All of the quad cities offer some phenomenal views. Rock Island offers the Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show. You will also really enjoy the Mississippi River Visitors Center.
- Benton
Benjamin Gonzales/Flickr People flock to Benton from all over to view Rend Lake. The lake is 13 miles long and 3 miles wide. Stay at the South Marcum Campground.
- Shelbyville
Dan/Flickr Lake Shelbyville is a whopping 11,000 acres. If you prefer to stay on land, there are 50 miles of multi-purpose trails.
- Rogers Beach (Chicago)
renee_mcgurk/Flickr Sure, there are plenty of wonderful Chicago beaches to choose to walk along, but Rogers Beach might be the prettiest. This 2.43 acre beach and park are loads of fun.
- Peoria
CinCool/Flickr Get out on the water with the Spirit of Peoria day tours. Take a break from the water (but not from the great views) at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Walk along the riverfront and stop in at the Peoria Riverfront Market.
- St. Charles
David Wilson/Flickr St. Charles is a nice town off the Fox River. Going on the St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats is fun for everyone–a true step back in time. Walk around Pottawatomie Park. Walk through downtown and explore the shops.
Are you going to enjoy the water this summer? Where are you heading?
Robert Lowe/Flickr
Yes, it’s touristy, but when’s the last time you did it? Get an ice cream cone, walk around, and enjoy the fireworks.
Lucy Gray/Flickr
Lake Bluff is one of those hidden gems in Illinois. Check out this view! You can sail as well as swim in these waters.
Curtis Abert/Flickr
Head to Zion to explore Illinois Beach State Park. Walk along 6.5 miles of sandy shores of Lake Michigan.
CinCool/Flickr
This might be the best view of the Mississippi. Mississippi Palisades State Park offers a fabulous view of the view. There are numerous trails, some of which let you get closer to the water.
quillons/Flickr
All of the quad cities offer some phenomenal views. Rock Island offers the Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show. You will also really enjoy the Mississippi River Visitors Center.
Benjamin Gonzales/Flickr
People flock to Benton from all over to view Rend Lake. The lake is 13 miles long and 3 miles wide. Stay at the South Marcum Campground.
Dan/Flickr
Lake Shelbyville is a whopping 11,000 acres. If you prefer to stay on land, there are 50 miles of multi-purpose trails.
renee_mcgurk/Flickr
Sure, there are plenty of wonderful Chicago beaches to choose to walk along, but Rogers Beach might be the prettiest. This 2.43 acre beach and park are loads of fun.
Get out on the water with the Spirit of Peoria day tours. Take a break from the water (but not from the great views) at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Walk along the riverfront and stop in at the Peoria Riverfront Market.
David Wilson/Flickr
St. Charles is a nice town off the Fox River. Going on the St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats is fun for everyone–a true step back in time. Walk around Pottawatomie Park. Walk through downtown and explore the shops.
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