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Picnic USA guide
Top 17 locations in Illinois
byTiffany Woods
Live update: Updated July 29, 2021Copy link
Copy link1. Millenium Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Tiffany WoodsFewer places are more iconic than Millennium Park and it's one of the most popular tourists spots in Chicago. There are a ton of picnic spots throughout the park, but if you get the chance, opt for the Running Table, which is a 100-foot long picnic table made of recyclable materials. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
2. Twiggs Park Evanston
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsTwiggs Park runs along the Northshore Channel of Chicago River, and has two playgrounds, a basketball court, picnic benches and pavilion, hike and bike trail, community gardens, and plenty of wildlife. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
3. Promontory PointChicago
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsPromontory Point has amazing views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. It's a nice place to have a picnic and soak up the scene. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
4. Krape Park Freeport
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsLarge nature park and preserve with a stream, great ammenities, lots of grass and a rich history. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
5. Lighthouse BeachEvanston
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThere is a picnic area next to a lighthouse and beach, which is a gorgeous setting. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 12 locations in Illinois for Great views
6. Lake Arlington Park Arlington Heights
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThis man-made lake has a 2.4-mile walking path that is used year-round. You can stroll through the 50-acre natural landscape area enjoying the seasons. It also has a walking/biking path, picnic area, boat rentals and fishing. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
7. Promontory PointChicago
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsPromontory Point has one of the most beautiful views of Chicago. The beautiful view of the shoreline and skyline make it the perfect place for a romantic picnic. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
8. Busse WoodsSchaumburg
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsBusse Woods is a great place for picnics, cookouts and long walks. It also has a family feel to it. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
9. Bode Lake Forest PreserveStreamwood
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Joshua KaufmanIt is a forest preserve open to the public with picnic tables, walking trails and a nice small lake for fishing. It's a great location for a romantic getaway. There are secluded areas where you can go with you and your partner or if you want to lay out, you can do that too. It's right on a small lake with a walking trail that is paved. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
10. Bickerdike Square Park Chicago
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanBickerdike Square Park is a tiny park next to a school with a baseball field. It's not filled with people, which makes it a nice remote place for a picnic. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
11. Herrick LakeWheaton
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanThis is a small lake with plenty of picnic space and tables, a boat dock and a visitor's center. It's very easy to get to, but quiet and fairly large. There are plenty of spots in both the sun and shade that are great for picnics. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
12. Burnidge Forest PreserveElgin
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanThis is a county forest preserve with picnic areas, natural areas and a campground. It's a safe area that's never too crowded. Nice picnic shelters are available, and crushed stone paths can take you to more rustic wooded or lake settings. Toilet facilities available. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
13. 31St Street Harbor/BeachChicago
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Emy MooreGrassy knolls open up to the whole Lake Michigan, and the park has a new playground and beach. Picnicking is set up close to the parking area to reduce having to lug supplies. The view of the lake and the city is expansive, and there are plenty of boaters in the area. It's very safe. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
14. 31st Street BeachChicago
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreThis beach offers amazing views of the Chicago skyline with concessions and more at the beach house. There's a unique public art display and many places to set up a picnic. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
15. Memorial Park La Grange Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreThe park has large open green spaces with full recreation facilities. It's always clean, well-maintained and easy to get to. It's a great place to relax with a picnic. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
16. Oz Park Chicago
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreThis is a lovely park right in the heart of Lincoln Park. The park has the theme of the Wizard of Oz, with statues and a playground displaying key moments or characters. It's a fun place to picnic with the kids. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
17. Keeling-Puri Peace PlazaRockford
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreA general park on the far east side of Rockford, IL, Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza is in an ideal location away from the hustle of life, but easily accessible by foot, bike or car. It's near some great restaurants and has a great theme of world peace with many flags from around the world. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 12 locations in Illinois for Great views
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