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Illinois and Wisconsin Getaways:  Best-kept Secret Outdoor Excursions

Matthiessen State Park, Utica, IL

Places reviewed:

Northeast Illinois

Stillman Nature Center

Nestled in the middle of South Barrington, Stillman is easily one of the northwest suburb's best-kept secrets for untamed nature.  The nature center, which is open to the public on Sundays, offers a variety of naturalist-led programs such as owl walks and bird-banding demonstrations.  Its 80 acres houses a number of meandering walking paths, including a handicap-accessible path.  Hiking Stillman, which is funded entirely through private donations, one gets the distinct impression of what the entire northwest suburban area would be like if left to grow and flourish on its own.  Flora and fauna alike seem to know that within these boundaries, they are safe, secluded, and left to do their own thing.

Spring Valley Nature Center

Those familiar with the commerce and traffic that keeps Schaumburg a-buzz with activity may not be aware of this oasis-like sanctuary situated in the middle of it all.  Yet there it is, all 135 acres of it!  Run by the Schaumburg Park District, Spring Valley offers an interpretive center, complete with a library, classrooms, indoor natural exhibits and an observation tower.  Several miles of trails take you through prairie, marsh, pond, forest, and farm.  There is a log cabin, farmhouse, and barn whose eras pre-date the turn of the 20th century, and among the programs are ones that feature re-creations of life in Schaumburg's farming past.  In addition to these events, Spring Valley offers a plethora of programs, catering to kids, families, adults, and schools.

Central Wisconsin

This park is near Baraboo, and is frequently on the list of Things to Do near Wisconsin Dells.  Truthfully, if you've seen the Dells anytime recently, let me assure you, nothing could be further removed from the neo-Las Vegas glitz of the Dells strip.  Devil's Lake features 500-foot bluffs that surround a large and deep lake, with two swimming beaches and inexhaustible trails for all levels of hiking.  Camping is also available, and if you're up for it, so is winter camping.  Having done both the former and latter, I can assure you, there is something calming and pristine about seeing Devil's Lake sans leaves and with a blanket of snow.  Visitors are still a presence, but far, far less visible; at times, it seems you have the whole park to yourself.  If you're more a summer-type camper/hiker, rest assured; even on the most crowded days, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had at this, my and my family's favorite nature recreation spot!

North-Central Illinois

Visit Starved Rock, and you might be startled to discover that Illinois has its ups and downs....in the form of canyons and bluffs, that is.  With plenty of hiking and a visitor's center that promises to be awesome in its new visage (as of our last visit, it was still being remodeled), this is a great day trip for those of us in the Chicago area.  If you happen to catch a visit in spring, many of the canyons still feature their seasonal waterfalls, the result of the snow thaw.  An escape worth taking!

Northeast Illinois

For being such a humble, little-known place, Volo Bog is rich with unique ecosystem; bogs are not your everyday occurrence as it turns out.  There is a wonderful boardwalk-type path that actually takes you through the bog, giving a unique perspective to a place you would otherwise have to enjoy at a distance from the shore.  This is a nice change of pace from the typical settings of our forest preserves.

Central Wisconsin

(review coming soon)

Northwest Illinois

Those of us in the Chicago area often joke about the flatness of Illinois, so imagine the surprise that lies ahead for you when you head out for the distinct roll hills of extreme Northwest Illinois, home of Galena, and....Apple River Canyon State Park.  While not particularly large, this gem features a canyon that is rather impressive by Illinois standards, with inhabitants such as bluebirds and wild turkeys to go along with it.  The hiking is tame but very pleasant; one of the trails takes you right along the top of the canyon, with a nice view of the meandering Apple River below.  Camping is also available, which makes for a nice weekend spent both at this park and at nearby historic Galena, along the Mississippi River.  You'll feel less and less like the proverbial Illinois flatlander following this trip!

Northwest Illinois

(review coming soon)

Southern Illinois

After several visits to the northernmost occurrence (second only to one found in....Delaware!) of a cypress swamp, I am still utterly enchanted that the very same state which houses the Chicago lakefront, unassuming cornfields and a state line to Wisconsin is also home to such a southern, exotic ecosystem.  While this swamp--and its protected surroundings--extends over about 10,000 acres, one of its greatest gems is Heron Pond, a pleasant trail that takes you to a floating boardwalk.  The boardwalk zig-zigs quite a ways into the swamp, enabling the humble visitor to thoroughly enjoy the eerie stillness and noble height produced by centuries-old cypress trees.  Duckweed, knobby "knees" of the trees that poke up above the swamp, and the awareness that cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlers are among the snakes that inhabit the area all add to the mystery of this seemingly primeval habitat.  A long drive is the major drawback, but a three-day weekend will allow for a more complete and relaxed enjoyment of this not-in-a-hurry landscape.

North-Central Illinois

This has got to be one of Illinois' best-kept secrets.  And it's probably supposed to stay that way, based on the size of the parking lots.  What's ironic is that it's literally just down the street from Starved Rock.  Among its features--and no doubt the primary draw--are several picturesque waterfalls, which meander through a canyon.  Professional photographers and videographers--among them, yours truly--are among the park's frequent visitors, and you'll know why when you have your chance to see it.  But be warned if you intend to capture the beauty on film:  the steady flow of hikers makes for a challenging attempt at uninterrupted footage; best to get there early in the morning, when foot traffic is lighter.

Door County, Wisconsin

This park goes far to capture the essence of Door County, or at least my mind's perception of it.  The campgrounds alone are numerous and diverse; you can return on many occasions and still wind up in a site completely unlike your last one.  Many sites are on or near the water, the water being Green Bay.  Winding through the park are enough trails to occupy an entire week of hiking and exploring.  Among the views you might stumble across are stunning panoramas of Green Bay, the harbors at Fish Creek, or the neighboring town of Ephraim.  This is before you take in the dizzying observation tower, "Eagle Tower," an awesome view of the Door if you dare climb up.  There is also a swimming sand beach, Nicolet Bay, with boat rentals, concession, and a campstore.  The water is clear, and although a bit chilly through most of the swimming season, there is a notable difference both in the air and water temperature between this the Green Bay side (warmer) and those Door County beaches which happen to be on the Lake Michigan side (definitely cooler).  Speaking of cooler, this is one of the Wisconsin state parks that is also open for winter, with trails set aside specifically for this season, and winter camping availability...if you dare!

Door County, Wisconsin

(review coming soon)

Door County, Wisconsin

(review coming soon)

East-Central Wisconsin

(review coming soon)

East-Central Wisconsin

What a delightful park!  I wonder if part of its charm is the fact that it's relatively unknown.  I hope it stays that way at least somewhat, as it's nice to have a two-mile stretch of dune-laden beach along Lake Michigan that is far from overcrowded.  In addition to the ultra-long swimming/hiking beach, the park offers camping, a very nice nature center, and hiking trails that include a walk along the dunes.  Being just south of Sheboygan, you're well within a mere three hours' drive from the Chicago area.  For a double treat, or as a back-up plan, you can interchange your visit at Kohler-Andrae with nearby Harrington Beach State Park, which is just north of Port Washington.

Central Wisconsin

We visited this park in spring only; for this reason, I'm not aware of how crowded it is at the peak of summer.  Assuming the crowds are at manageable levels, this would be a nice destination, for the hiking the swimming beach, and the boat launch.  The lake, for its slender shape, almost resembles a river, and the close proximity of its opposite shores makes for a pleasant landscape of mixed trees.  Considering that this is in the same general vicinity as Devil's Lake, one could easily incorporate these two destinations as part of a relaxing, nature-oriented weekend. 

Southeastern Wisconsin

The big draw to Lake Geneva, as far as I'm concerned, is the unique walking trail that literally scales the entire circumference of the lake, a mere 26 (or 22, depending on which source you read) miles!  These trails can be accessed from various points along the lake, so you can experience different portions of the landscape on several different occasions.  What makes this especially unusual is that the walking trail literally runs right through people's backyards.  These backyards are part of what makes the trail so interesting.  In addition to taking in the beauty of the lake, you'll stroll past homes whose architecture is as varied as the landscapes that surround them.  It's hard to grow bored with the changes of level, trail surface, and shore direction, though you'll also no doubt muse about the obviously staggering wealth behind the creation of some of these mansions.  Your two biggest challenges are 1) pacing yourself; go only half as far as you anticipate wanting to walk, for you'll obviously have to double-back and return the way you came; and 2) bring water, but visit a restroom before heading out, as you're not necessarily going to encounter a facility on the stretch of trail you've chosen.