3 Outdoor Sports and Activities You Can Do In The Antioch Area

Antioch, Illinois is a great place to go for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, and for family and friends to spend time together outside. There are several outdoor activities available including hiking, boating, golfing, birding, hunting, fishing, and skiing. Antioch offers several state parks and preserved lands, for several options for ways to experience nature.

Illinois Beach State Park

The Illinois Beach State Park is a large park along the shores of Lake Michigan from Waukegan to the Wisconsin state line. There are six miles of beaches with available swimming. Illinois Beach is described as the only remaining beach ridge shoreline in the state, which includes dunes and swales, marshes, and several different types of animals and vegetation. Vegetation and wildlife in these areas tend to be more varied and unique than the surrounding areas due to the unique habitat that is created in this area. Also available at the park are several hiking trails, campgrounds, boating, fishing, and picnic areas. There is also a hotel and spa on the lakefront for those who want more luxurious accommodations, but still want to enjoy being surrounded by nature 

Lake County Forest Preserves

For outdoor fun year-round in the Antioch area, the Lake County Forest Preserves offers activities for several different preferences and activity levels. There are more than 200 miles of trails for walking, running, hiking, horseback riding or biking. There are two available marinas for boat docking for both motorized boats and smaller craft such as paddle boats and canoes. Swimming is also available. For pet lovers, there is a dog park for the furry friends to play. Lake Country offers several options for hall and pavilion rentals for events and weddings in a picturesque setting. The fun doesn’t stop in the winter, with available ice fishing, skiing, ice-skating, and sledding with lighted solar trails.

Chain O' Lakes State Park

At Chain O’ Lakes State Park, anyone who loves water sports will be completely in their element. The park is bordered by Fox River and three lakes – Grass, Marie, and Nippersink. There is also a 44-acre lake located completely within the boundaries of the park. Boating, fishing, and water skiing are popular recreational activities at this park. Fishers can be expected to hook bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, catfish, yellow bass, and white bass. Limited hunting is also permitted in appropriate seasons. There are more than 230 campsites available, along with a youth campsite, and there are several hiking trails available to explore the beautiful surrounding areas. Horseback riding, horse rental, and horse-drawn buggy rides are also available seasonally.

Antioch, Illinois, and the surrounding areas are filled with opportunities to explore the great outdoors, with places to go to do almost any outdoor activities that you could possibly desire. Whether you like to hike the trails, horseback ride, go fishing with friends, or are a cross-country skier, there are multiple places to go to enjoy your favorite nature activities. Come explore the beautiful Antioch from the outside, in!