Channahon State Park

Few places in Illinois offer this many ways to enjoy the outdoors. The state park is the official trailhead for the Illinois Michigan Canal State Trail. We're talking 61 miles of biking and hiking paradise. The park's name itself comes from a Native American word meaning "the meeting of the water."

It's pretty accurate since this is where the DuPage, Des Plaines, and Kankakee rivers meet. As a result, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are a few top activities. History buffs can spend hours gawking at the old river locks and lock tender's house—there's an interpreter on site four days a week to answer all your history questions.

Pack-in, pack-out rustic camping is your only option within Channahon's park boundaries. The sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and pit toilets are located nearby. (Remember to grab a permit from the visitor center before pitching your tent.) For a day trip, kick back at the picnic and grilling area complete with horseshoe pits and a playground.