Pec N Paddle

47.8 km

We had a family reunion here on one of the hottest, stickiest days of the summer. It was one of…read morethose days when an afternoon picnic outside doesn't sound the most appealing and you ask yourself what your family would think of you if you show up in a swimming suit, carrying a bucket of ice water. The shelter we reserved is on the northeast side of the lake (though I question how this qualifies as a lake - more like a pond in my mind) and with a hillside just to the east of it, the shelter was as good as air-conditioned! Hallelujah! There was a cool breeze thanks to the lake and since the shelter was shaded for half of the day, it wasn't until 3pm when the space finally started feeling too warm. The proximity of the shelter was also great as the Monticello Public Pool is right across the road and the kids were able to go enjoy a pool day once they were finished chasing toads around the pond (sorry Freddie the Toady Toad. Also, sorry the kids couldn't decide on a better name).

View from the island | photo by Monticello Chamber of Commerce

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The montesian well & information about the well. | photo by Scott Larson

Pecatonica River Forest Preserve

4.5

(4 reviews)

26.2 km

This place is great for a hike. Winding trails that cut through lush woods and alongside the river…read more Highly recommend to take a relaxing hike.

Absolutely beautiful great hiking, great camping, we went for years and the people were kind and…read morefriendly.

Dang chemtrail ruined nature & my pic!

View from grilling area

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Lake Carroll

28.9 km

Located about 2.5 hrs from Chicago, Lake Carroll has it all. I don't think there's a better place…read moreto own lakefront property. The amenities are endless. The gorgeous private lake, golf course, indoor pool, snow tubing hill with a tow rope to drag you and your tube up the hill, the lodge, and equestrian center. It's year around fun no matter what your interests are. It's very small town for Chicagoans, but the friendliness and sense of community almost feels movie-like. I really love this place.

Lake Carroll recently added weed killer to the lake due to excessive weeds. For well over a week…read morenow I have been asking for a status as members of the family were planning on swimming at the beach this weekend. I have emailed them multiple times and received no response. Multiple members of the board are on the emails and all do not feel it necessary to extend the common courtesy of an answer... STAY AWAY!!! NEGATIVE STARS FOR LAKE CARROLL MANAGEMENT IF POSSIBLE!!!

"Who needs friends when you can own a boat?" Indeed, child. Indeed.

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Rushing Waters Fisheries

A great place to but fresh fish and smoked fish Special gourmet cheeses and spreads. The smoked…read moretrout spread is amazing.

Reviewing fishing for trout in their stock pond. DO IT! Take your kids, take your parents, take…read moreyour neighbors for an afternoon of catching your food. Yes, they'll clean and ice it for the trip home! Rushing Waters is in the brook trout business, raising them for restaurants, stores, and consumers. Some of the more hospitable and helpful people in the service industry that I can recall in recent years. They furnish you with a pole, bait, and bucket for your catch, the pond is a short walk down from the parking lot. No fishing license is required! We took in 8 over the span of a couple of hours, had half of them merely cleaned, and half fileted, as I wanted to try different cooking methods when I got home. Did the whole fish over charcoal, the filets on the flattop griddle. Both preparations were excellent. We will definitely return. Fun day! Open seven days, and year-round, I believe. Also, a small market of related items like prepared fish, spreads and seasonings. About 30 minutes north of Lake Geneva, WI, two hours from Chicago.

Trout after returning home, prior to cooking.

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Lowden State Park

4.1

(12 reviews)

40.4 km

I'd heard great tales of the park with the big statue and we finally went to check it out. The…read morestatue is impressively large! Definitely worth a visit. You then have 3 options to walk down to the river. One that is stairs straight down and two others that call themselves steep/ rough. Honestly all seem pretty steep! we took one of the side rough trails which was a gradual decline down to the river. Although you had to pay attention to where you were going it wasn't too tough to navigate. The river was a nice reward at the end. We used the other trail to go back up and it seemed more steep and tricky. But fun! I'd say it took about 20 minutes each way. It was a fun little outing!

This park was a gorgeous weekend getaway from Chicago. It's easy to find right along the Rock…read moreRiver. We camped in a tent but the weekend we were here, there were mostly RVs around us. If you camp here in dry weather, the site B38 is the most perfect one because there are no neighbors to your sides - yet it's somewhat close to the toilets/showers, and a comfortable distance from the trash bins. (The site is on lower ground, so in wet weather, it looks like a rivulet goes right through the site.) I've been camping all my life and I've never been in a quieter campground! People were so respectful. It's also super clean and well maintained, though the shower building was small and older. The camp hosts were super laid-back but did their patrols. Be sure to go say hi to the friendly guy at Quirky's camp store and hot dog stand. Then take off into the quiet, well-marked trails, don't miss the Blackhawk statue and breathtaking view, and meander along the river. So peaceful!

Back side of statue from parking

Here we go!

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Statue

Canoe the Kish at Larsen's Landing

4.0

(6 reviews)

48.2 km

If you've never been kayaking and want to try it, check this place out. $45 a person per kayak, or…read moreyou can rent a canoe for less. The owner will take you to the drop off site at Epensheids park and away you go. Life jackets are provided. The trip can take 4-8 hours depending on what you do along the way. You can bring a soft sided cooler that can mount on the boat. Wear shoes as there are some rocky stopping spots. My friend and I had a blast on a gorgeous day on the Kish river.

CAMPING: I camped with a private group at Larsen's Landing…read moreas part of a weekend canoe package. We had the campground pretty much to ourselves. Pros: This camp site is off the beaten path. Literally. The road is not paved. There's no city noise and it really feels like you're in the wilderness even though you're just a short drive to civilization. Cons: You're in the wilderness. This is rustic camping. Forget about electric hookups. No water spigot. Not even a pit toilet. They did provide a port-a-potty. CANOEING: The canoe portion of our trip was no fuss. They drove our group by bus up-river and dropped us off - each with a sack lunch and a canoe - with instructions to just follow the river back to the landing. This was very well organized and they made sure everyone was set before taking off. I wouldn't change a thing. TIPS: If you're camping, bring your own water and a roll of TP. Invest in a dry box. Your canoe *WILL* tip when you least expect it. The sack lunch is worth it.

Shabbona's Lakeside Bait & Tackle

90.2 km

Great place to buy bait, rent nice boats and have a good time fishing. I give them an A plus…read more Kerry L Elgin Illinois

On Sunday, 6/30/19, we reserved a boat for four hours for the next day. That next morning, it…read morestormed. We waited 90 minutes in our car then showed them that the National Weather Service was showing storms for the rest of our reservation. They expected us to wait it out in our car and go the four hours after our reservation (if it was clear). The owner, Clint, refused to refund our reservation. We had to leave with a store credit that we may not be able to ever use. BEWARE.

Paul Malone Fishing

105.0 km

I was camping in Mississippi Palisade State Park for the weekend with my Girlfriend Lily. I had…read morecontacted Paul a few weeks prior to book a trip while we were there for the weekend. We met Paul at Albany, IL boat ramp where we began our 4-hour outing. He had a great bass boat with a trolling motor, depth finder/navigation, and power poles. He has fished in many tournaments and was well versed with his equipment. We caught dozens of crappie and a good number of catfish! A few bluegills and a bowfin as well. We kept a good number of the crappie and catfish which made for some great meals back at camp! Anyone unfamiliar with the area should give Paul a call!

From the owner: Professional Bass Fishing Guide…read more Captain Paul Malone grew up along the Mississippi River fishing his first tournament at age 15, he has been fishing tournaments ever since. Paul has a passion for fishing and loves to teach and get others involved in the sport. This lead him to earn his Captain's license, and is he is now guiding Lake Okeechobee (Dec/Jan), Sturgeon Bay - Door County area (May/June) and the Mississippi River-Pools 7-14 ( La Crosse, WI - Lansing, IA - Prairie Du Chien, WI -Savanna, IL). If you are looking for an adventure on the water catching trophy large mouth bass, small mouth bass, crappie and walleye, contact Cpt. Paul today! He is more than your average fishing guide. You wont be disappointed.

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Lake Carroll

28.9 km

Located about 2.5 hrs from Chicago, Lake Carroll has it all. I don't think there's a better place…read moreto own lakefront property. The amenities are endless. The gorgeous private lake, golf course, indoor pool, snow tubing hill with a tow rope to drag you and your tube up the hill, the lodge, and equestrian center. It's year around fun no matter what your interests are. It's very small town for Chicagoans, but the friendliness and sense of community almost feels movie-like. I really love this place.

Lake Carroll recently added weed killer to the lake due to excessive weeds. For well over a week…read morenow I have been asking for a status as members of the family were planning on swimming at the beach this weekend. I have emailed them multiple times and received no response. Multiple members of the board are on the emails and all do not feel it necessary to extend the common courtesy of an answer... STAY AWAY!!! NEGATIVE STARS FOR LAKE CARROLL MANAGEMENT IF POSSIBLE!!!

"Who needs friends when you can own a boat?" Indeed, child. Indeed.

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Pec N Paddle - rafting - Updated August 2026

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Canoe the Kish at Larsen's Landing

4.0

(6 reviews)

If you've never been kayaking and want to try it, check this place out. $45 a person per kayak, or…read moreyou can rent a canoe for less. The owner will take you to the drop off site at Epensheids park and away you go. Life jackets are provided. The trip can take 4-8 hours depending on what you do along the way. You can bring a soft sided cooler that can mount on the boat. Wear shoes as there are some rocky stopping spots. My friend and I had a blast on a gorgeous day on the Kish river.

CAMPING: I camped with a private group at Larsen's Landing…read moreas part of a weekend canoe package. We had the campground pretty much to ourselves. Pros: This camp site is off the beaten path. Literally. The road is not paved. There's no city noise and it really feels like you're in the wilderness even though you're just a short drive to civilization. Cons: You're in the wilderness. This is rustic camping. Forget about electric hookups. No water spigot. Not even a pit toilet. They did provide a port-a-potty. CANOEING: The canoe portion of our trip was no fuss. They drove our group by bus up-river and dropped us off - each with a sack lunch and a canoe - with instructions to just follow the river back to the landing. This was very well organized and they made sure everyone was set before taking off. I wouldn't change a thing. TIPS: If you're camping, bring your own water and a roll of TP. Invest in a dry box. Your canoe *WILL* tip when you least expect it. The sack lunch is worth it.

Alpine Park

4.5

(2 reviews)

Alpine Park is awesome! They have a little something for everyone in every stage of life. They have…read morea pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, lots of picnic tables, pavilions and spots that you can rent out for events, lots of lawn space, and an epic kids playground (called "Paulyground"). We come here all the time and our kids love it just like I did as a kid. Would definitely recommend!

An awesome park - if you've haven't been there you should really give it a try…read more In addition to the picnic and hiking in the park that I remember from years back, we stopped at the playground. While not amazing, it has a good number of play stations at which the kids were having a blast (has soft surface to help when kids fall) Plus big green fields to run and play The only downsides are that the sandbox could definitely use some more sand and someone had clogged up the drain for the drinking fountain (...with sand...)

Seth Atwood Park

4.5

(4 reviews)

Decent park with fun trails. Trails are a little slippery and rocky so recommend hiking shoes. Many…read moreof the trails are for mountain biking as well.

This is a mountain biker's fantasyland!!…read more I am from Southern California, where all the mountain biking is up, up, up and then down, down, down. Here there are perfectly prepared trails that are cut into the woods with gentle ups and downs, and banked turns like on those videos from Instagram.!!!!!! I have been riding forever and would never dream to take my wife with me because she would become frustrated and exhausted... but here I actually purchased a bike for her. She joins me on these rides..... I set her up on a loop, which is challenging for her, and then I race around it to get a great workout. I lap her several times before she does one lap. This place is absolutely gorgeous!! I have been here eight times in the last month (end of June through July 2025) and ZERO MOSQUITO BITES!! They also have all sorts of tools to use as well as a bike washing station!!!! Last week they had a mountain bike race here and I participated in it!! My first ever!! I can't believe it is free to ride here!!

Sand Park Pool

3.0

(2 reviews)

This is one of my favorite places to take the wife and kids. I honestly need a break and sand park…read moreis the perfect place for that. Shout out to the hotties at the front desk who were ridiculously sweet. Someone get those girls before I do.

Why do we have this beautiful facility sitting here and it is still closed?? I get into Park…read moredistrict pools for free and it is the only one one with a decent kids pool area. Edit: I know a lot goes into it. I was a park district lifeguard. My training started indoors in the winter. And continued outside before season in the cold. Most of the time it was on weekends. It just struck me that all the website says is "temporarily closed" still.

Darryl F Lindberg Park

Six dedicated pickleball courts with fencing between each court. It is mostly an open field, so no…read morenatural wind barriers or shade. No restroom on site. Plenty of parking and a water fountain on site. Bring your own paddles, balls, and chairs.

Lake Carroll

Located about 2.5 hrs from Chicago, Lake Carroll has it all. I don't think there's a better place…read moreto own lakefront property. The amenities are endless. The gorgeous private lake, golf course, indoor pool, snow tubing hill with a tow rope to drag you and your tube up the hill, the lodge, and equestrian center. It's year around fun no matter what your interests are. It's very small town for Chicagoans, but the friendliness and sense of community almost feels movie-like. I really love this place.

Lake Carroll recently added weed killer to the lake due to excessive weeds. For well over a week…read morenow I have been asking for a status as members of the family were planning on swimming at the beach this weekend. I have emailed them multiple times and received no response. Multiple members of the board are on the emails and all do not feel it necessary to extend the common courtesy of an answer... STAY AWAY!!! NEGATIVE STARS FOR LAKE CARROLL MANAGEMENT IF POSSIBLE!!!

Freeport Park District

(2 reviews)

For this little town in the middle of nowhere they have a really beautiful park here in Krape Park,…read moreReed Park is nice too. Both have tennis courts and krape has a carousel that they're upgrading for summer, fishing, playgrounds(with a fire engine) and a mini golf and disc golf course. I've never played the golf courses but I plan on it before I move. A lot to do here and the park district continues to update it and make it fun for the kids. It's recovering from serious flooding right now but it will be so beautiful this summer like every year. I love flagstaff and the waterfall and the twin caves and the rental boats in the summer. We use to come and feed ducks here when I was little but that is no longer allowed. It's definitely worth checking out!

We loved the Read Park Aquatic Center I miss the family swim…read morealready, it's a deal for $2 admission. The staff are well trained and friendly I gave it 5 stars for cleanliness and FUN !!

Forest City Swing

Forest City Swing social dance every third Thursday at 2001 N. Alpine is an absolute blast. The…read moreinstructors give an excellent and easy to follow group lesson for an hour, and then social dance is open. Our whole family learns and dances and has a great time, from mom and dad to young adult, even my preteens have a great time. There's always a good crowd of fifty or more people of all ages and dancing ability. Try this event, you will be glad you did!

Forest City Swing is a really fun & safe social activity perfect for teenagers & adults of any age!…read moreDance experience isn't necessary because they teach you at the beginning of each night. It is managed by a wonderful group of volunteers. Great music, costume parties & live bands...check them out!

Forest Hills Lanes

3.3

(7 reviews)

Great bowling fun and a top notch snack bar keep me coming back. And night time Cosmic Bowling is…read moreexciting!

Middle of the pack bar and bowl site…read more Pros: -Some real nice outdoor areas to enjoy during the warmer months. -Enough of a food menu to keep things interesting -They adequately support local music -Not a dead dive, or sardine packed trendy joint most nights. Nice stop after amateur sports. Cons: -Watch out for foul balls at certain areas of the parking lot Other: -Kind of an odd layout at the actual bar. Oh well. -Nothing notable on price vs similar venues. Bottom Line: Viable casual hangout

Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park