The virus cases are down, and the temperature is up. People are more easily able to move around outdoors, and for many it may be time to start taking advantage. You don’t have to travel large distances this summer to be outside in nature. Instead, you can visit an Illinois State Park.
There are plenty of state parks in northern Illinois that offer beautiful views of nature, and are also at least partly handicap accessible.
Handicap Accessible State Parks in Northern Illinois
Rock Cut State Park – This park is about an hour west of Chicagoland, in Loves Park. Rock Cut offers two handicap-accessible fishing piers, some paved walkways, accessible bathrooms, a picnic shelter, and campground area.
Moraine Hills State Park – This park is 2,200 acres and offers hiking, fishing, and boating options. There is a fishing pier accessible to people with disabilities here. The park is located about 3 miles south of the city of McHenry.
Chain O’Lakes State Park – The Pike Marsh North area has a hiking trail that’s been developed with the disabled and elderly in mind, and there are other accessible sites. The park is located in both McHenry and Lake Counties.
Illinois Beach State Park – Illinois Beach State Park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Northern Illinois. There are accessible picnic shelters, and drinking fountains, and some hiking.
Starved Rock Lodge – While Starved Rock itself doesn’t boast much in the way of handicap accessibility according to the park website, the Lodge has some handicap accessible accommodations that include a riverboat, trolley, and accessible routes through the property. There is a group crowdfunding more accessible paths through the park. Starved Rock is located about an hour west of Chicagoland in Ogelsby.
Plenty of State Park Options
If you’re looking to get out in nature in northern Illinois this summer, there are plenty of options available. Visit one of the state parks above, or find others that might have amenities that suit your needs!
