The great outdoors is still open and Harper Campus Rec wants you to take time to get outside and explore. Whether you take a hike in the local woods or go on a day trip to rock climb—make sure you are enjoying the great outdoors. Let us help you with your next outdoor activity for yourself, friends or your family by suggesting a variety of local and regional adventures for you to experience.
Anderson Japanese Garden, RockfordInspired by calm and tranquility, the12-acre award winning Anderson Japanese Garden is comprised of koi-filled ponds, winding paths, gentle streams, cascading waterfalls, raked gravel gardens, beautifully trained pines, and more. Master craftsmanship and 16th century traditional architecture is found throughout the garden.
Chicago Botanic Garden, GlencoeThere’s 385 acres and 26 gardens of wonder to explore in all seasons at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Climb a waterfall garden, discover hidden rooms inside the English Walled Garden, cross bridges spanning sparkling lakes, the Japanese garden, and discover a garden with trains chugging across bridges and trestles.
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, RockfordThere’s beauty in every season when the trails are cleared for walkers, hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoeing. Also available is a 1.8 mile, handicap-accessible paved path that winds through the arboretum, plus many secondary chipped trails. Klehm Arboretum is dog-friendly and any leashed dog is welcome.
Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, Palos HeightsLet nature be your guide at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. This 85-acre non-profit park and botanic garden includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, natural gardens, and a 10-acre lake. Naturally a great place to explore, learn and discover some of nature's wonders.
Morton Arboretum, LisleThe Morton Arboretum is the champion of trees, a living museum, and scientific center that is also an engaging 1,700-acre garden with plants from around the world. Enjoy the 16 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of paved walkable roads, the Children's Garden, Maze Garden, or a guided tour on the open air tram.
Nan Elliot Memorial Rose Garden, AltonThe Nan Elliott Rose Garden at Gordon Moore Park features more than 125 varieties of roses and 1600 rose bushes. The garden has been noted as one of the best in the region, and it is a beautiful site for weddings.
Stone Hill Farm Healing Gardens, St. CharlesThe Stone Hill Farm Healing Gardens features gardens to reconnect with nature. Each garden has a different theme. Every garden has a story—a lesson learned in Deborah's healing journey. It is her honor to provide a sanctuary for others to continue on their own path of learning, growing and discovery.
Blackwell Forest Preserve, WarrenvilleHikers, bicyclers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 6 miles of turf and limestone trails, including a convenient route to the Illinois Prairie Path, at Blackwell Forest Preserve. Trails around the McKee Marsh area feature two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the history and ecological significance of the marsh.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve, PalatineAt almost 10 miles in length, the hiking trails at Deer Grove Forest Preserve are split into two very individual areas. The east preserve features open wetlands surrounded by old fields and an in-progress savanna and prairie restoration. The west side is wilder, the forest denser and crisscrossed with footpaths along the rolling terrain.
Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, Oak BrookThe trail at the Fullersberg Woods Forest Preserve is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Nearly all of the hike follows Salt Creek as it winds around the bluff and past a few islands on its way to the historic watermill at the south tip of the park.
Half Day Forest Preserve, Vernon HillsThis quiet and clean preserve features a 1-mile trail for hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers, three beautiful picnic shelters, a 3-acre pond for fishing, open playfields, and a playground. Half Day Forest Preserve is also the starting point for the Des Plaines River Trail which links this preserve to the Wright Woods Forest Preserve.
Lake County Forest Preserve, LibertyvilleEnjoy over 205 miles of trails, ponds and lakes for fishing, public golf courses, historical and cultural venues, public access to Lake Michigan and the Fox River, and award-winning nature and history education programs and events at Lake County Forest Preserve. Most preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, daily.
Ned Brown Forest Preserve, (Busse Woods), Elk Grove VillageThe 3,558-acre Ned Brown Preserve is one of the largest and most diverse locations in the Forest Preserves. The site includes ancient upland forests, one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County, nearly 13 miles of paved trail, an elk pasture and much more—making it one of the best-used natural areas in Illinois.
Giant City State Park, MakandaGiant City is an outdoor lover's paradise! Enjoy, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and more. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the breath taking views, especially popular is the Giant City Nature Trail, home of the "Giant City Streets" - huge bluffs of sandstone formed 12,000 years ago.
Shawnee National Forest, HarrisburgThe forest’s landscape features rolling hills, open lands, lakes, creeks, and rugged bluffs. The mild weather makes a visit during any season enjoyable. The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Learn more.
Starved Rock, UticaSeasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs, and rugged canyons dominate the storied landscape at Starved Rock. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddle boats, and cross-country skiing. Learn more.