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Best State and National Parks Near Chicago

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A boy hiking on a trail in the Indiana Dunes National Park

National parks near Chicago are famous, as well as the state parks for their great scenery and nature reserves. These parks are a great way to explore the outdoor beauty of the city and the national heritage. Whether you are a city resident or simply visiting Chicago, recreational places like these parks aren’t. In this blog, we will recommend the must-visit parks within and near Chicago, where you can spend quality time with your friends or family. This blog will contain all the information you need. And to make the most out of it, make sure to read till the end.

Best State and National Parks Near Chicago

Whether planning a picnic or a stroll, these parks are your destination. However, you should know that traveling alone in a big city like Chicago isn’t easy, and if you aren’t from around, you should hire a car service in Chicago. Moreover, the state parks are a bit far from the city, so make sure to be ready for a drive. Following are the best national and state parks near Chicago that you must visit:

Indiana Dunes National Park

First on our list is Indiana’s only national park, the Indiana Dunes National Park. It is known as the most famous and closest national park in Chicago. With lots of recreational activities, this park is among the most-visited parks on the Southern Shoreline of Lake Michigan. This park is renowned for its preservation of 15,000-acre land. This vast reserve contains forests, wetlands, and obviously sand dunes, as it’s located in Indiana. 

Moreover, as the only national park in the state, this also has various titles to its name. From a diverse range of plants to habitats and unique wildlife to endangered species, it has all. Something this vast and diverse is unique in its own way, and that’s why it is among the most visited destination in the state. Also, if you are looking for the best national park near Chicago, then this is your best bet.

Matthiessen State Park

Next on our list is the state park, where you’ll have to travel for a while. It might be a big distance, but with a one-and-a-half-hour drive, you can reach Matthiessen State Park. Its vast area includes 1700 acres of land, even bigger than the above-mentioned national park. Streams, forests, canyons; think of something you could include within a huge area like this, and it’s here. This park is perfect for hiking, trailing, strolling, picnicking, and pretty much anything adventurous. 

Primarily known for rock climbing and bird-watching, Matthiessen State Park also has a nature center. This nature center offers several educational workshops and programs. So, if you and your buddies or family are up for something adventurous, this is the place. Also, if you plan to enjoy the road trip before the park, consider hiring our car service. We at Imperial Limo Worldwide offer top-notch chauffeur services, which is exactly what you need. Contact us right now, and reach your destination without any hassle of driving, parking, or any vehicle-related stress.

Pullman National Historical Park

Well, if you aren’t interested in traveling outside the city and looking for a recreational place within Chicago, then this is the one. Pullman National Historical Park is located inside Illinois, a district in Chicago and is perfect for a productive stroll if you are up for it. Because it preserves the history of the famous Pullman Palace Car Company, with its great architecture and rich history, this park is also worth your time. And if you are into the history of how things were, then the Pullman National Historical Park is worth your visit.

This monument tells the story of how Pullman Company, along with its laborers, had the fight for their rights. With park educational walking tours and special events, it’s a great way to learn and see how luxurious sleeping railway cars are made and operated. Overall, it’s an excellent resource for learning about civil and labor rights, as well as African American labor history in the North.

Indiana Dunes State Park

The last park on our list is the Indiana Dunes State Park, located east of Chicago. It is located in Indiana’s “Porter” county. It will take around an hour from Chicago to reach the park. You can do plenty of things at the park, like hiking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping. This is also a must-visit place with many great features, as it is the most popular state park in Indiana. Whether you are with your friends or family, there are things that everyone will enjoy. 

So, if you have kids who want to go someplace fun, or your buddies want to go on forest trails or enjoy camping in the wildlife, this is one of the finest places to be. So, pack your bags, and if you want to enjoy the road with your buddies, make a reservation for our car service. We will handle the wheels for you so you can enjoy your day to its fullest.