Enjoy Illinois Spring Summer 2022

Grafton Zipline at Aerie’s Resort, Grafton

Adventurers sail 250 feet above the treetops on this two-hour, guided canopy tour, which includes seven ziplines, two suspension bridges and a rappelling descent. For those seeking a little calmer experience, ride the Grafton SkyTour at Aerie’s Resort. Choose either the open-air chairlift or an enclosed gondola. Both aerial rides offer birds-eye views of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Coming this fall, the resort plans to open the state’s only Alpine Coaster. Riders top speeds of 25 mph as they twist and turn through wooded bluffs.

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park, Western Springs

Begin with the shorter Treetop Journey (one hour) and if m ore time allows, monkey around on the Treetop Adventure with multiple ziplines and obstacles. Also bounce around on Treetop nets, which are like a jungle gym in the trees.

Long Hollow Canopy Tours, Galena

Warm up with three short zips on this guided Canopy Tour through the forest. The last three lines are considerably longer, topping more than 700 feet each. Level up with the nearly three dozen elements of the Challenge Course, including ziplines, ladders, tree houses and the grand finale: a dual zipline race.

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour, Makanda

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds this eco-friendly, tree-based tour company. Choose either the two-hour tour that includes five ziplines, two aerial bridges and two hikes, or the longer tour, which adds three more zips and another hike. Both options are fun for the whole family and include digital pictures.

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee

Fun-seeking families will find every level of excitement with more than 15 heart-pounding, stomachlurching roller coasters and 30 kid-friendly rides. The nationally known theme park boasts some of the country’s wildest rides, including Maxx Force, which launches riders from zero to 78 mph in less than two seconds, all before the world’s tallest double inversions and zero-G roll. More extreme thrills come on the Raging Bull, the world’s first hyper-twister coaster. Bigger thrill seekers can soar on X Flight, a one-of-a-kind wing coaster. Riders slice through the sky on 3,000 feet of twisted steel with extreme drops and intense fly-throughs—all with no track above your head or below your dangling feet. There’s plenty for even the littlest of kiddos too. Enjoy the Big Easy Balloons, a spinning, gently floating ride. Live shows and plenty of food options are on hand when you’re ready to recharge before the next daring feat.

Upper Limits, Bloomington

A 110-foot outdoor climbing wall, a large boulder and 65-foot silos with top-rope routes, lead climbing routes, and auto-belays test the limits for beginner or experienced climbers at this attraction.

Jackson Falls, Shawnee National Forest

Technical climbing comes amid jaw-dropping views in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Here, boulderers and climbers have access to the largest number of in-state climbs, topping 425 different routes. For those looking for a challenge, many technical climbs range from 50 to 80 feet up the sandstone bluffs.

Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower, Hartford

Take the stairs to reach three levels of observation decks at 50, 100 and 150 feet for views of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The confluence of the two rivers marks the spot where explorers Lewis and Clark began their westward journey. An elevator also reaches all three levels for those looking for less of a lowerbody workout.

The Forge: Lemont Quarries, Lemont

Adrenaline addicts can get their fix at the country’s largest aerial challenge course. With three levels of elements (easy, moderate and hard), there are literally hundreds of options. This adventure playground also boasts the three tallest climbing, rappelling and ziplining towers in the United States. Fans of ground-level thrills can mountain bike and hike or kayak and canoe.

Navy Pier, Chicago

For incredible views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan, take a spin on the Centennial Wheel, named for the Pier’s century anniversary. The enclosed gondolas hold eight passengers and rise nearly 200 feet in the air. Other Pier rides include the historic Carousel with 36 hand-painted animals, a drop tower-like ride with a G-force launch and the Pepsi Wave Swinger. The park is also home to a fun house maze and interactive games.

Galena on the Fly, Galena

Drift above the trees and see the countryside by the light of sunrise or sunset in a hotair balloon (weekday rides). All rides begin at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa and end with a light touchdown (about 5 to 10 miles away). Enjoy a celebratory toast before a chase van brings participants back to the resort. For more hot-air balloon festivals and races, see page 64.

Skydive Chicago, Ottawa

Take a flying leap from an airplane and free-fall before the parachute opens for you to experience a canopy ride followed by a gentle sit-down landing. Rookies jump tandem while harnessed to a qualified instructor.

Chicago Air and Water Show, mid-August

Military and civil jets whiz over Chicago’s lakefront while performing dazzling displays of aerobatics.