DuPage County ranks #1 for best outdoor activities in Illinois and for good reason. With more than 500 miles of trails, tons of green space, and a value for recreation, DuPage welcomes seasoned athletes and casual adventurers year round. Ready to get moving? Check out the list below for inspiration.  

Hit the Trails

DuPage boasts an extensive network of trails and it can be hard to know where to start. We have you covered: check out our Top Hiking Spots in DuPage. This list is a good place to start, as it features destinations such as The Morton Arboretum which offers winding trails through natural landscape; to the Illinois Prairie Path which is a great option for a long ride; to some of our favorite forest preserve locations, and more. If you're looking for a unique challenge amidst a beautiful setting, we suggest our itinerary called Hoofbeats through History, featuring 20 miles of crushed limestone trails connecting five distinct forest preserves.

Explore our Waters

While the weather allows, DuPage offers great options to exercise out on the water. Rentals are available to canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or rowboat at Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville and Herrick Lake in Wheaton. Want to add on? Both destinations offer trails, with Blackwell also offering a self-guided compass course on Mount Hoy that challenges you to find your way through the outdoors by following a series of directions.

Take on Chicagoland’s #1 Adventure Park

For the thrill-seeker, The Forge: Lemont Quarries is a must-visit. This aerial adventure park features zip lines, ropes courses, and climbing walls, all set in a picturesque quarry setting. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the trees and challenge yourself on the various obstacles. The Forge even offers laser tag, paddlesports, an archery range, and special events. 

Make a Day of It at McCollum Park

For those who can’t get enough of pickleball, no need to fret. The Village of Downers Grove recently opened their new Adventure Falls Sport Courts at McCollum Park, featuring eight dedicated pickleball courts and three tennis courts. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can easily get a game into your busy day. McCollum Park is a 50-acre park with multiple athletic fields, six horseshoe courts, three lighted sand volleyball courts, two lighted basketball courts, a large playground, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. The park also features a 1.2-mile asphalt loop walking path and outdoor fitness equipment.

Tee Off at World-Class Golf Courses

Skip the cart and spend a day walking the greens at one of DuPage County’s 50 golf courses. DuPage County is a golfer's paradise, home to some of the most prestigious courses in the country. Here you're sure to find the perfect challenge for your skill level. Explore our list of partner locations, some of which even offer specialized instruction. 

This list is just a starting point. DuPage has numerous local parks with walking/jogging paths and park district amenities. So lace up your shoes, grab your gear, and get ready to explore all that DuPage County has to offer for fitness fanatics!