Who would have guessed that such a cosmopolitan city could have such a bounty of rustic, natural beauty surrounding it? If your Windy City kids are itching to experience nature beyond the front yard, fortunately, you don't have far to go.

Chicago: GORP's kind of town

Many rich and diverse landscapes — sand dunes, limestone bluffs, glacial lakes, meadows, canyons and wetlands among them — can all be found within a 90-minute drive of downtown Chicago. From short hiking trails to scenic biking to a multi-day canoe trip on the Fox River, northern Illinois' natural areas offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

So dust off your gear, pump up those tires and head outdoors for some summer fun around Chicago!

Move on to Des Plaines River Trail

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Looking for adventure? Close to home or a world away, GORPtravel can help you find the perfect vacation for your family.

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