Climbing Wall Opens at Steelworkers Park Seth Putnam|October 8, 2018 Before it was Steelworkers Park, the area was part of a steel manufacturing plant. Now, ore walls have been transformed into climbing routes.
How to Peep the Fall Foliage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Jonathan Olivier|September 27, 2018 Now is the time to hit the road in search of fall colors and adventure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and this guide helps you plan your trip.
West Ridge Nature Preserve: A Hidden Oasis at One of Chicago’s Busiest Intersections Seth Putnam|September 21, 2018 There are precious few places in Chicago where you can truly lose yourself in green space. West Ridge Nature Preserve is one of them.
How the Most Bike-Friendly Cities in the U.S. Earned Their Rank Julie Brown|September 19, 2018 The Places for Bikes City Ratings put Fort Collins, Colorado and Wausau, Wisconsin at the top of the list. Learn why, and see how your hometown stacks up.
13 Public Lands You Might Have Missed Aer Parris|September 7, 2018 Instead of going to the parks everyone knows about this National Public Lands Day, why not hit some less-crowded gems?
The Best Mountain Bike Rides Near Chicago Liz Dengler|August 23, 2018 We’ve rounded up the best community-rated mountain bike rides near Chicago—from family outings to leg-burning epics, there is something for everyone.
North Country Trail (NCT) REI Staff|August 3, 2018 Tick off seven states along the North Country Trail—the longest continuous trail in the National Trails System. At 4,600 miles in length, there is plenty to discover.
Ice Age Trail REI Staff|August 3, 2018 Following the edge of the glacier that covered much of Wisconsin during the Ice Age, this 1,200-mile trail winds from Sturgeon Bay in Door County to St. Croix Falls in Polk County. And today, you’re much more likely to view a moose than a mammoth.
Group Thru-Hikes 210-mile Chicago Outerbelt Trail for the First Time Seth Putnam|July 26, 2018 For years, a connected thru-trail around Chicago lived only in the imaginations of outdoor enthusiasts. But the dream is now reality, thanks to the Outerbelt Alliance.
Rewilding Chicago: Bringing the Outdoors Into the City Aer Parris|June 12, 2018 What happens when people start dreaming around an old industrial site? Apparently, one of the biggest bike parks in the country.
10 Best Trail Runs Near Chicago Kristen Arendt|May 28, 2018 Searching for your next trail run in the Chicago area? Look no further than these ten highly rated runs to explore the unique midwestern landscapes highlighted by oak savannas, tallgrass prairies, natural wetlands and lush forests in addition to peaceful scenery near the shores of Lake Michigan.
10 Best Hikes Near Chicago Kristen Arendt|May 24, 2018 Don't let the big city feel of Chicago discourage you from exploring the hiking that the greater Chicago metro area has to offer. Check out these ten top hikes in the Chicago area to get started on your next adventure.