Here Are a Few State Parks Reopening Near ChicagoAngelica Ruizon May 22, 2020 at 10:18 pm

On May 30, many of the Illinois State Parks will reopen. After weeks of research, Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Health have determined that parks are safe to reopen to the public with some restrictions. Activities like boating, fishing, archery, hiking, and biking are being allowed with social distancing measures in place.

Here are a few state parks closest to the city of Chicago with the green light on reopening.

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state parks near chicago
Photo Credit: © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Chain o’ Lakes State Park

8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, Illinois | Opened May 1st

Chain o’ Lakes State Park is a water-oriented recreation area with special opportunities for boaters, anglers, and hunters. On the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, the park borders three natural lakes — Grass, Marie, and Nippersink — and the Fox River that connects the other seven lakes in this chain. The 44-acre body of water features bluegill, largemouth bass, and walleye, to name a few. Dove, waterfowl, archery deer, and permit pheasant hunting are also available. Three short trails are open for equestrian use, biking, or walking.

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state parks near chicago
Photo Credit: © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area

26421 N River Road, Wilmington, Illinois

Another water-oriented park, Des Plaines State Park features flowing rivers and acres of natural prairie land up against the backdrop of the Kankakee River about 60 miles south of Chicago. Visitors can expect to see an abundance of wildlife creatures within the farmland, woodland, prairie, and swamp territories. Besides the archery range, most of the park is unpaved. Dog-friendly areas and archery make up some of the park’s amenities. There’s also a handicap fishing area on Milliken Lake on the most southern tip of the river.

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state parks near chicago
Photo Credit: Photo Credit: © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area

5010 N Jugtown Road, Morris, Illinois | Opened May 1st

Goose Lake Prairie is a mile southwest from the Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers. The prairie acts as a nature preserve for native plants, animals, and birds including some endangered species. Heidecke Lake offers anglers 2,000 acres of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. The ponds and marshes create a quiet, tranquil environment around crushed limestone foot trails.

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state parks near chicago
Photo Credit: Photo Credit: © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Kankakee River State Park

5314 W Route 102, Bourbonnais, Illinois | Opened May 1st

Kankakee River State Park is over 4,000 acres of recreational area. The park is about 60 miles southwest of Chicago. They’re opening up 10 miles of hiking trails, 10 miles of bike trails, and 12 miles of equestrian trails. Boat ramps and rivers are open for boaters and anglers with a limit of two per boat. The trail is diverse in water, trees, and prairie land — resulting in a diverse group of wildlife.

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state parks near chicago
Photo Credit: Photo Credit: © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Moraine Hills State Park

1510 S River Road, McHenry, Illinois | Opened May 1st

Moraine Hills State Park is a series of ponds, wetlands, and marshes along the Fox River. Over 10 miles of trails will be available for hikers, walkers, and cyclists as well as day-use areas. The trails are paved with crushed limestone and offer visitors a chance to see overhead cranes in the sky. Picnicking is going to be allowed in designated areas and with social distancing guidelines. Boating and fishing will be allowed.

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Photo Credit: Photo Credit: © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

13608 Fox Road, Yorkville, Illinois | Opened May 1st

The attractions at Silver Springs boasts both majestic oaks and prairie grasslands, providing a panorama natural beauty. The Fox River runs through this area. A natural prairie restoration project implies the original landscape with native wildflowers, songbirds, waterfowl, and upload game. The park will open for hiking, fishing, boating, archery, and equestrian use.

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Photo Credit: Photo Credit: © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Volo Bog State Natural Area

28478 W Brandenburg Road, Ingleside, Illinois | May 1st

The Volo Bog is an official Illinois Nature Preserve area. Fifty-six miles northwest of Chicago lies the bog, home to a floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails, and sedges. While the bog is closed for renovations, parts of the marsh and over five miles of trails are open for hiking and wildlife observation.

Hiking Trails
Photo Credit: Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 N 25 East, Chesterton, Indiana | Reopened May 22nd

Apart from recreation buildings, the Indiana Dunes State Park near Chicago has been opened for hiking, bird watching, and beaching along the shore of Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species can be found in the park, providing homes for many types of plants, animals, and aquatic species.

state parks near chicago
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, Wisconsin

About 70 miles from Chicago, Richard Bong has a great family prairie area for kite flying and picnics. There’s room for dogs, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and equestrian use. There are over 16 miles of pet-friendly trail, off-road biking trails, and ATV/UTV rental available. Fishing, hunting, and trapping are available with permit. A parking permit is necessary for travel by car.

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Featured Image Credit: Indiana Dunes

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