Step outside the bigger cities in Illinois to discover a peaceful outdoor escape, with easy trails to hike and paddleboats to cruise around the water.
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This Yosemite lake, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is known as California's "Jewel of the High Country" thanks to the scenery, hiking, and more.
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Colorado is full of outdoor activities, scenic roadways, and lesser-known destinations. Some small towns have plenty to offer outside of Denver, though.
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A scenic mountain lake is a fisherman's paradise, with trophy-sized catches in a secluded area on North Carolina's border with Tennessee.
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This reserve in Eastern Washington, between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, is a tucked-away park in forest full of great hiking and fishing opportunities.
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Along Lake Michigan in Chicago, this quiet natural area draws the most avid birdwatchers with rare species, migration activity, and beachside paths.
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Vermont is ripe with history, and you can add the state's oldest hotel into that history. Featuring restaurants and a golf course, it's a spa getaway.
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Lovers of hiking, fishing, and bird watching rejoice — this state and nationally-run marshland in Wisconsin offers nearly 300 different bird species to spot.
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Hike rugged coastal trails and spot rare miniature island foxes on the islands that make up this national park off the coast of Southern California.
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Experience panoramic views of one of the country’s most picturesque mountain ranges via a quick 20-minute hike less than an hour from Asheville.
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This Virginia state park — just an hour’s drive from D.C. — offers backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and stargazing among epic pastoral vistas.
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Deer are generally timid animals but encounters with them can occasionally turn aggressive. Here's what to do if a deer approaches you while you're hiking.
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This Sacramento suburb is a culturally rich city that offers a wide variety of cuisine, in addition to scenic views of the American River at its parks.
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This Kentucky getaway features lake recreation, a trail network for hiking, a campground with lake access, and a marina for boating, fishing, and swimming.
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Pennsylvania is home to a variety of unique hiking trails, and if you head to this state park on the Susquehanna, you'll get some beautiful views of the river.
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If you're looking for a base near Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this Cape Breton Island town is a comfortable choice with hotels, restaurants, and more.
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This under-the-radar park in Texas near Dallas offers peaceful trails, birdwatching, paddling routes, and rustic campsites along a scenic lake setting.
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Ranked the top U.S. national park for 2026, this vast wilderness is known for roaming bison, iconic geysers, dramatic canyon waterfalls, and hiking trails.
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While visiting this Illinois village, sit down for a picnic lunch after a refreshing hike, and for dinner, enjoy delicious seafood with a riverfront view.
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This Indiana nature preserve, located in the woods between Fort Wayne and Chicago, is an idyllic outdoor destination full of easy hiking and peaceful vibes.
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Travel between two of Canada's most beautiful national parks, Banff and Jasper, on this incredible rail route that's only running during the summer of 2026.
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The Pacific Northwest is known for its peaceful nature escapes and beautiful parks, and there's a place on an island not far from Seattle you simply can't miss.
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Looking for where to camp in the Pacific Northwest? This guide covers scenic campgrounds, coastal landscapes, wildlife and trip planning details.
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If you're up for a river adventure that involves camping, you can make your way to North Carolina and launch your canoe on a multi-day excursion on the Roanoke.
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From historic buildings to the oldest university in the state, you won't want to miss checking out this charming city in Illinois, filled with lots of charm.
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Near Virginia's southern border, this lush state park features historic garden remains, wooded hiking routes, family splash areas, and waterfront camping.
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If you're looking for a fun alternative to St. Louis, Missouri, this nearby city offers a variety of options for enjoying the outdoors, art, and a good brew.
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