River Forest is a suburban village located adjacent to Chicago, Illinois. Its population is approximately 11,717. It is home to Concordia University Chicago and Dominican University. It is also closely connected to its larger neighboring community, Oak Park. There are a number of great places to visit in River Forest.
Starved Rock State Park
If you want to see the falls and the rock formations, you should head to Starved Rock State Park. The park has 18 canyons, 14 of which contain waterfalls. The most beautiful are French, Tonty, Ottawa, and Kaskaskia Canyons. For those who love hiking, the park also has 13 miles of trails.
The park is a great place to explore the local history and culture. It’s home to the Reddick Mansion and the Hegeler-Carus Mansion, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park also features the LaSalle County Historical Museum. Another great place to visit is the Rootbeer Stand, which has a nostalgic feel and serves up tasty ice cream and floats. The park also has plenty of picnic tables.
The park’s name is derived from a Native American legend. In the 1760s, an Ottawa tribe chief named Pontiac was trapped by an Illinois-Peoria brave on a 125-foot butte along the Illinois River. In the aftermath, the chief was stabbed and was left a crippled man. Survivors took refuge on the great rock and eventually died of starvation.
The park has many hiking trails and guided tours for visitors. It’s also a wonderful place to camp. The state park has 129 Class-A Premium campsites that feature a cement pad for an RV, electric hookups, and a picnic table. The park also has a lodge, which offers luxury lodging and fine dining.
In addition to hiking trails, Starved Rock State Park has several lakes, streams, and waterfalls. The park is located less than 100 miles north of Chicago, and offers a variety of outdoor activities. Its 13 miles of trails provide ample opportunity to enjoy nature. Guests can also enjoy snowmobiling, boating, and equestrian trails.
Another state park in the area is Matthiessen State Park, which is about 2.5 miles south of Starved Rock. This park has several hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as interesting bird species.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois Beach State Park, officially known as Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park, is one of the state’s premier parks. The park covers more than 4,160 acres and features 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is a nationally recognized natural landmark and is home to rare sand-loving plants. You can also take a nature walk or enjoy geocaching.
The state park contains two distinct sections. The southern portion is situated near Seventh Street, and the northern section is just south of 29th Street. Both sections offer hiking and biking trails and both units have designated swimming areas. The northern unit is also a great spot for cross-country skiing in the winter.
This Illinois state park is located along the lake, north of Chicago. It has a boat launch and provides access to the river. The park also has campsites and cabins, as well as showers and electricity. A state-wide pool is also available to keep you cool and comfortable while visiting the state park.
For those who love bird watching, Horseshoe Lake State Park is an excellent destination. The lake is located right next to the Mississippi River, which is a prime flight corridor for rare birds. This park also features a 40-acre lake that features a built-in filtration system.
Illinois Beach State Park is home to over 650 species of plants and several rare species. Birdwatchers can spot the endangered Yellow-throated Warbler and the American Bittern. The state’s largest birds, the Bald Eagle and the Osprey, can also be seen here.
For families, the state park also has plenty of opportunities to keep kids entertained. Visitors can take part in various outdoor activities including hiking and cross-country skiing. Those interested in history can also take a guided tour of the park and its grounds. The park has several lodging options located near the Mississippi River.
For climbers, Giant City State Park is another excellent place to visit. The state park is home to a stunning lake and massive rock features. There are three climbing routes: the Indian Head, the Twin Sisters, and the Indian Head.
River Forest State Park
The town is located just a short drive from downtown Chicago. The city has many attractions for visitors, including a state park and a riverfront lake. Visitors to River Forest can enjoy the riverfront park, fish in the lake, and hike in the forest preserve. There are also boat launch permits, solar-powered EV charging stations, and automated pay stations.
The Savage River State Forest offers over 54,000 acres of rugged terrain. Hikers and anglers will find it challenging. Visitors can also experience the longest continuous whitewater rapids in the Midwest. The park is also home to family campgrounds and boat-in campsites along the river.
Another great attraction of the state park is the salmon river, which can be found near the Salmon Bridge. This area was acquired through assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. In addition, visitors can enjoy a wide array of hiking trails, picnic areas, and other activities in the park.
Whether you’re looking for a place to hike or simply relax after a day of sightseeing, River Forest State Park is a fantastic destination. Located on the banks of the Eno River, this park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The area is also home to several state parks, including Eno River State Park.
White River National Forest
One of the most beautiful areas in the country is the White River National Forest, which spans 2.3 million acres in central Colorado. It is the site of the iconic Maroon Bells and the Green Mountain Reservoir, and home to 11 world-renowned ski resorts. Some of the most well-known resorts are Aspen, Vail, and Silverthorne. You’ll also find hidden gems such as the Ashcroft ghost town, the Flat Tops, and Eagles Nest Wilderness.
A visit to the White River National Forest is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy a wide range of recreational opportunities. You can explore trails for mountain biking, hiking, or equestrian activities. It also offers many off-road adventures, with numerous developed facilities. In addition, there are seven Ranger Districts that serve the area.
The White River National Forest is one of the most visited in the United States, with 2.3 million acres of protected wilderness areas and miles of trails. Several notable attractions are found in the forest, including the Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark and the Crystal Mill, a restored 1892 wooden powerhouse. Other popular spots to visit in the forest include the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area, and the Vail Ski Resort.
The White River National Forest is home to eight wilderness areas, 12 ski resorts, and countless lakes and rivers. The area is popular for its variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Camping is also a great way to experience the stunning scenery of the White River National Forest. There are dozens of campgrounds in the area.
For camping, consider staying in a cabin or a campground. Whether you’re looking for a quiet location to camp or a luxurious getaway, there is a campsite for everyone. Camping on the White River National Forest is a wonderful way to experience the forest without feeling like you’re leaving home.
Meeker, Colorado is located on the edge of the White River National Forest. This charming town is known for its pristine beauty and offers many recreational opportunities including mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and camping. Its elk herd is also one of the largest in North America, and the area has excellent hunting opportunities.
