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Union, Illinois

Top Spots in and near Union

  • Cary, Illinois

    The Hollows Trail

    3.77 mi / 220 ft gain
    The Hollows Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, Illinois.
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  • Ringwood, Illinois

    Hike the Glacial Park Loop Trail

    2.3 mi / 216 ft gain
    Glacial Park is located in McHenry County Conservation District, near Richmond, Illinois. The park features prairies, a flowing river, and over 40 endangered plant and animal species. The park is open for hikers, horseback riders, fishers, and those wishing to canoe. Glacial Park is part of the H...
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  • Lake Villa, Illinois

    Hike Hastings Lake LCFP

    5.0
    2.37 mi / 88 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of Butler Lane (see map) to access the trail. This trail is open year round, is dog-friendly, and offers a variety of activities. In the winter, bring your snow gear!
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  • Vernon Hills, Illinois

    Big Bear and Little Bear Lake Loop

    1.74 mi / 43 ft gain
    Big Bear and Little Bear Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Vernon Hills, Illinois.
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  • Warrenville, Illinois

    Herrick Lake Trail

    4.0
    8.2 mi / 390 ft gain
    This is an easy trail for beginners, with a packed gravel clearly-marked trail shared  by walkers, runners, bicyclists, and even horses (the trail is next to Denada Equestrian Center).  Gently sloping trails lead through prairie land, next to small ponds filled with singing frogs, some wooded are...
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  • Deerfield, Illinois

    Hike the Prairie Wolf Slough Loop

    3.0
    1.01 mi / 9 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of half day road (see map) to access the trail. Accessible year round, great for all skill levels, and dog-friendly.
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  • Lisle, Illinois

    Hike the Morton Arboretum's Main Trail Loops

    5 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Morton Arboretum is located off of Route 53 in Lisle, IL. The arboretum spans both the east and west sides of the road. Head to the east side of the park to access the Main Trail Loops. Visitors have to pay a small fee to enter the arboretum ($14 April through November, $9 December through Ma...
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  • Des Plaines, Illinois

    Watch the Sunset at Axehead Lake

    In a large city, it's nice to be able to find pockets of nature oasis amidst the chaos. It's great to come here with a journal or sketchbook and pass the time while watching the sunset. Fishing is available at this lake and there is a forest preserve that has a couple small trails. 
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  • Northfield, Illinois

    Bike the Skokie Lagoons North Loop

    3.0
    4.5 mi
    Starting at Tower Road, the path follows the bridge east to Forest Way Drive. The path mostly follows the road, and the shoreline of the lagoons up to Dundee Road, where you turn back West. Once across the bridge, you then head south on the paved trail back towards Tower Road. The Route is marked...
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  • Oak Brook, Illinois

    Run the Fullersburg Woods Loop

    4.7
    6 mi
    This is a six-mile loop along the banks of the Salt Creek in Oakbrook, IL. The flat trail features trees and wildflowers (great walk to do in autumn). Trail is also good for bike riders. There is a picnic area and the Graue Mill and Museum. Graue Mill is 150 years old and played a part in the Und...
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  • Janesville, Wisconsin

    Hike The Devil's Staircase (segment of the Ice Age Trail)

    1 mi
    This segment of the Ice Age Trail features stairs, river views, pretty rocks, a nice park, and a golf course.  We started at the north end (not the park end) and enjoyed it.  If you have kids, I would recommend starting at the park end.  It is an out-and-back type hike.  From the south end of the...
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  • Palmyra, Wisconsin

    Hike the Bald Bluff Trail

    3.2 mi / 475 ft gain
    Parking There is a small parking lot off of County Rd H. The trailhead is marked at the back of the lot. Please be advised that there are no facilities here. Trail Description The Bald Bluff Trail starts at the trailhead marked behind the parking lot. From there, the trail traverses 0.5 miles up ...
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  • Brookfield, Illinois

    Salt Creek Greenway Trail

    13.99 mi / 551 ft gain
    This trail is almost 7 miles one-way (14 miles out-and-back) of paved path, makes for an ideal biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running path. The trail runs out-and-back along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for a...
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  • Oregon, Illinois

    Hike Castle Rock North Trails

    4.0
    3.5 mi / 442 ft gain
    The Castle Rock North Trail is a 3.5 mile loop that is great for all skill levels, such as families, and dogs are allowed on leash! The hike features a river, and has scenic views of the nearby landscapes from the top of a lookout point. 
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  • Evanston, Illinois

    Catch a Sunrise at The Lakefill

    5.0
    From the Northwestern University campus, head to the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts to access the southern-most section of The Lakefill. If driving, parking is usually available nearby on Sheridan Road, to the southwest of The Lakefill. Once at the Ryan Center, take the pedestrian bridge on the...
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  • Lemont, Illinois

    Kayak the Des Plaines River

    Not the easiest to get in or out of the river at this location, but it works, at least for a kayak. Look out for people using the Centennial trail, and those fishing nearby. Be careful and if you are able, wear good shoes or sandals (not flip flops) with some tread as it can get muddy. Nearby thi...
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Camping and Lodging in Union

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Union, Illinois

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday

Milton KOA Holiday
Edgerton, Wisconsin

Milton KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Union

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Erica Zazo