Orland Park offers accessible outdoor activities with forest preserve trails for hiking, biking, paddling, and winter sports. Just south of Chicago, it’s perfect for a day trip or family-friendly nature outings.
Orland Park offers accessible outdoor activities with forest preserve trails for hiking, biking, paddling, and winter sports. Just south of Chicago, it’s perfect for a day trip or family-friendly nature outings.
Explore Outdoor Adventures in Orland Park, Illinois
Located just outside Chicago, Orland Park is a convenient spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy accessible nature escapes. Its network of forest preserves, trails, and parks provides a range of activities suitable for all skill levels.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Orland Park, Illinois special.
★ 6.8⌖ 30.31 milesExplore Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais, IL, featuring trails of varying difficulty and riverside views. Popular for hiking, fishing, and biking, it's an ideal spot for a peaceful day outdoors. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.
★ 7.8⌖ 41.51 milesModerateExplore Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter, Indiana. Featuring moderate hiking challenges with scenic views, bird watching, and beach access. A family-friendly destination, busy in summer, best enjoyed late spring to early fall.
★ 8.2⌖ 41.51 milesExplore over 15,000 acres at Indiana Dunes National Park, combining dune hiking and beach activities along Lake Michigan. With a variety of ecosystems, it's ideal for nature lovers and birding. Best visited in spring or fall to enjoy its diverse landscapes and avoid summer crowds.
★ 7.8⌖ 44.57 milesExplore breathtaking views at Indiana Dunes National Park Lakeview. Enjoy beach hiking, bird watching, and water sports on Lake Michigan. Best visited in spring or fall. Popular for its diverse wildlife and striking scenery.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Orland Park, Illinois, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Orland Park, Illinois.
⌖ 12.8 miA certified guide and an American Sign Language interpreter lead a 90‑minute, 1.5‑mile exploration of the sixteen‑acre Old Joliet Prison site, with historians on hand to illuminate the prison’s past.
⌖ 12.8 miA self-guided, after-dark one-hour stroll across the Old Joliet Prison grounds where posted signs and illuminated photo displays let you explore the site at your own pace.
⌖ 13.9 miA focused visit to the Joliet Railroad Museum — housed in the preserved 1913 Union Depot signal tower at the Gateway Center Train Station — that explains the local railroad companies, the 1910–1912 track realignment and the tower’s original train‑control mechanisms.
⌖ 14.0 miGeneral admission to the Joliet Area Historical Museum walks visitors through immersive exhibits—useful for families, students, and history lovers seeking a compact, two‑hour encounter with the region’s past.
⌖ 14.6 miA 3-hour, non-private field-trip package for schools and youth groups offering inflatable arenas, a reserved celebration area, BYO food, and full cleanup.
⌖ 17.6 miPrivate charters run 3–8 hours (rates from $1,050) aboard spacious large boats equipped with Bluetooth stereo and a Yeti cooler.
⌖ 17.6 miPrivate charters from 3 to 8 hours aboard a spacious large boat with Bluetooth stereo, a Yeti cooler and indoor/outdoor areas; this guide covers what the boat includes, pricing options, booking requirements and what to bring.
⌖ 17.7 miA hands-on DIY workshop in Munster where participants choose between fluid painting and hand-painting to create a one-of-a-kind canvas in a two-hour session.
⌖ 17.7 miA short, all-ages session at Splat Paint Studio that tosses aside traditional art rules to deliver a fast, messy creative experience.
⌖ 17.8 miA hands-on, 45-minute workshop in Munster where you design two wearable keepsakes—a custom t-shirt and a drawstring backpack—and learn basic tie-dye folding and dye application.
⌖ 18.1 miRent a premium Yamaha jet ski on Lake Michigan with USCG‑approved life jackets provided; this guide explains rates, check‑in rules, and safety basics for Chicago Water Sport Rentals.
⌖ 18.2 miA one-hour, Victorian-themed escape room in Naperville that asks teams to hunt hidden clues and identify the killer from a late-1800s English murder — practical guidance for what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 18.2 miA one-hour, family-friendly escape room in Naperville that recreates the Charles Ross 1934 kidnapping—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 18.2 miA guided 2–2.5 hour single-kayak journey down the West Branch of the DuPage River with all equipment and instruction provided—this guide explains what you’ll see and how to prepare.
⌖ 18.2 miA one-hour, self-guided live-action puzzle in Naperville where teams (ages 6+, up to 10) race to bypass three security systems and plant a virus on an old server.
Make the most of your visit to Orland Park, Illinois with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Orland Park, Illinois hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Orland Park, Illinois during the iconic Orland Park Earth Day Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Orland Park, Illinois during the iconic Annual Orland Park Fishing Derby. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Orland Park, Illinois during the iconic Winter Light Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Orland Park, Illinois is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offers a diverse landscape of dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests and is renowned for its recreational opportunities and vibrant biodiversity.
Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is renowned for its stunning canyons and waterfalls, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the Midwest.
Matthiessen State Park, located in central Illinois, offers striking sandstone canyons and abundant outdoor opportunities in a landscape shaped by historic geological forces.
Bring insect repellent in spring and summer for forest preserve trails.
Check the Cook County Forest Preserve website for trail maps and seasonal closures.
Public parking is available at major trailheads and parks.
Local bike rentals are limited; consider bringing your own bike.
Winter gear recommended for snow sports between December and February.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Orland Park, Illinois. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.