Illinois winters get very cold, especially in the Northern half of the state. Luckily there are a few indoor waterpark options to keep your family busy until during the cold Midwest winters.

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is a perfect place for a weather proof family vacation! Family fun awaits when you visit this water park just outside of Chicago! The Great Wolf Lodge has a wide variety of attractions for families of all ages! Great Wolf Lodge is located at 1700 Nations Dr, in Gurnee, Illinois. For more information or to make a reservation, click here.

Grand Bear Resort in Utica

Discover a magical family getaway just beyond the glow of Chicago at Starved Rock’s own Grand Bear Resort. Nestled in this gorgeous natural area of Illinois, Grand Bear Resort offers an oasis of relaxation and adventure – a destination where water-park fun meets nature! A truly unforgettable place to unwind, play, meet, dine and explore with family and friends. Grand Bear Resort is an oasis of relaxation and adventure where water park fun meets natural wonder! Featuring 24,000 sq.ft. indoor water-park, mini-golf, arcade, 4 cafe/restaurant/bars, banquet hall & party suites just steps from Starved Rock State Park. Grand Bear Resort is located at 2643 IL-178, North in Utica, Illinois. For more information, click here.

Pirate’s Cay Indoor Water Park in Sheridan

A Quiet Escape Surrounded by Rolling Hills. After fast-paced, big-city sightseeing in Chicago, families might want a vacation after their vacation. Savvy Midwesterners know there’s a serene, all-in-one retreat just 90 minutes away. In the rolling hills along the Fox River, near beautiful Starved Rock State Park, outdoor entertainment and indoor surprises await, including: Horseback Riding, Indoor Water-park, onsite watersport rentals, and golf course. Fox River Resort is located at 2558 N 3650rd Rd, in Sheridan, Illinois. For more information, click here.

, Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park in Bolingbrook

The Waterworks in Schaumburg

This splashtastic indoor water park offers fun and excitement for the entire family! Highlights of the waterpark include 3 water slides, a rapid water channel, a sprayground and a diving pool. Waterworks is located at 5‍05 N. Springinsguth Road, in Schaumburg Illinois. For more information, click here.

Located at Fifty-Six, AR 72533, Gunner Pool Recreation Area is a stunning outdoor destination nestled within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. This recreation area offers a serene campground, exciting outdoor activities, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. For more information, click here.

History and Amenities: Gunner Pool Recreation Area has a rich history dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps era, when the beautiful stone dam was built. The area offers 27 campsites along the scenic North Sylamore Creek, each equipped with grills, tables, lantern poles, and tent pads. While there are no electrical or water hook-ups, the sites provide a peaceful and private camping experience. The area also features picnic tables, parking pads, and fire rings, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Activities and Points of Interest: Visitors to Gunner Pool Recreation Area can enjoy a wide range of activities, including: – Hiking: Access the Sylamore Hiking Trail via a trailhead within the campground and explore the beautiful scenery. – Swimming: Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Gunner Pool, a dammed-up section of the creek. – Fishing: Try your luck in the White and Buffalo Rivers, renowned for their excellent trout fishing. – Wildlife Viewing: Spot deer, squirrels, bears, and turkeys in their natural habitat. – Scenic Drives: Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. – Blanchard Springs Caverns: Explore the stunning caverns located just minutes away.

Hours and Pricing: Gunner Pool Recreation Area is open year-round, unless weather conditions make the access roads unsafe. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations available. The current pricing is $10 per site per day for camping, and $3 per day for day-use.

Conclusion: Gunner Pool Recreation Area is a hidden gem in Arkansas, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and serenity. Whether you’re a camper, hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this recreation area is a must-visit destination. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and experience the magic of Gunner Pool Recreation Area for yourself.

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Smith Falls State Park, located at 90159 Smith Falls Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, is a stunning natural oasis in the heart of Nebraska. This picturesque park is home to the state’s highest waterfall, scenic hiking trails, and a plethora of outdoor activities that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. For more information, click here.

History Smith Falls State Park has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, when it was first established as a state park. The park’s namesake, Smith Falls, was discovered by a fur trapper named Frederick Smith in the late 1800s. Over the years, the park has undergone significant developments, including the construction of hiking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas.

Amenities and Activities Smith Falls State Park offers a wide range of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The park’s crown jewel is the 63-foot Smith Falls, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park’s trails, which offer breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. The park also features picnic areas, camping facilities, and a fishing lake stocked with trout and other fish species.

Points of Interest In addition to Smith Falls, the park is home to several other points of interest, including the Smith Falls Visitor Center, which offers information on the park’s history and geology. The park also features a historic gristmill, which has been converted into a museum showcasing the park’s history and the region’s natural resources.

Wildlife and Nature Smith Falls State Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is home to over 100 species of birds, including the majestic bald eagle, as well as deer, turkeys, and other wildlife. The park’s scenic trails offer ample opportunities for nature watching and photography.

Camping and Accommodations Smith Falls State Park offers a range of camping facilities, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. The park also features a group lodge and a picnic shelter, which can be reserved for events and gatherings.

In conclusion, Smith Falls State Park is a natural gem in the heart of Nebraska, offering a range of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and historic significance. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Smith Falls State Park is a must-visit destination in the Cornhusker State.

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Devils Tower National Monument, located at Highway 110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, is a awe-inspiring natural wonder that has captivated the imagination of visitors for centuries. This towering geological formation, standing at an impressive 867 feet tall, is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature, history, and the unknown. For more information, click here.

Devils Tower has a rich cultural and spiritual significance, with numerous Native American tribes considering it a sacred site. The monument was also made famous by the 1977 movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” which featured the tower as a landing site for alien spacecraft. Today, visitors can explore the tower and its surrounding landscape through a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.

One of the most popular activities at Devils Tower is hiking. The monument offers several trails of varying difficulty, including the Tower Trail, which takes visitors on a 1.3-mile loop around the base of the tower. The trail offers stunning views of the tower and the surrounding landscape, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife such as prairie dogs and bison. For the more adventurous, Devils Tower also offers rock climbing routes for all skill levels, from beginner to expert.

In addition to its natural beauty, Devils Tower is also home to a number of amenities and points of interest. The monument visitor center offers information on the tower’s history and geology, as well as a gift shop and museum. Visitors can also explore the nearby town of Devils Tower, which offers a range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Other points of interest in the area include the Belle Fourche River, which offers fishing and rafting opportunities, and the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame, which celebrates the state’s rich cowboy heritage.

In conclusion, Devils Tower National Monument is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or the unknown, this awe-inspiring monument is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why not start planning your visit today and experience the wonder of Devils Tower for yourself?

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Hell Creek Natural Area, located at 17169 Highway 14, in Ozark, Arkansas 72950, is a stunning preserve nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. For more information, click here.

This natural wonder spans over 1,200 acres, showcasing the state’s diverse geology, flora, and fauna. Hell Creek Natural Area is a treasured destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking an immersive experience amidst Arkansas’ unspoiled beauty.

Geologically, Hell Creek Natural Area is a significant site, featuring exposed rock layers that date back over 450 million years. The area’s unique landscape has been shaped by the erosive forces of Hell Creek, which winds its way through the preserve. Visitors can explore the creek’s scenic banks, discovering hidden waterfalls, swimming holes, and tranquil pools.

One of the primary attractions at Hell Creek Natural Area is its extensive hiking trail system. With over 10 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, visitors can explore the area’s diverse ecosystems, including oak-hickory forests, pine stands, and grasslands. The trails offer breathtaking vistas, scenic overlooks, and opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, turkey, and black bears.

In addition to hiking, Hell Creek Natural Area offers various activities for visitors to enjoy. The preserve is a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 100 species documented within the area. Anglers can try their luck in Hell Creek, which is home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and panfish. Picnic areas and shelters are scattered throughout the preserve, providing scenic spots to relax and enjoy a meal.

Hell Creek Natural Area is also steeped in history. The preserve was once home to the Caddo Native American tribe, who utilized the area’s resources for centuries. In the late 19th century, the area was settled by European-Americans, who established farms and mills along the creek. Today, remnants of these early settlements can still be seen, including old homesteads, cemeteries, and abandoned mines.

Visitors to Hell Creek Natural Area can explore the preserve’s many points of interest, including the Hell Creek Falls, a 15-foot waterfall that cascades into a scenic gorge. The preserve is also home to several natural springs, which feed into Hell Creek and support a diverse array of aquatic life.

In conclusion, Hell Creek Natural Area is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an immersive outdoor experience in Arkansas. With its unique geology, diverse ecosystems, and rich history, this preserve offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, angler, or simply a nature enthusiast, Hell Creek Natural Area is a treasure waiting to be discovered. So come and explore this natural wonder, and experience the beauty and charm of Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains.

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