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Based in Zion, Illinois Beach State Park is “a unique and captivating natural resource” on Lake Michigan with trails for jogging and biking, dunes, swales with sprawling marshes, oak forests, animal life, and vegetation. North Point Marina is also Illinois’ newest and largest marina located five miles north of Illinois Beach with 1,500 slips, a boat service center, and food concession. Swimming is permitted in the summer, but be aware there are no on-duty lifeguards. Fishing is also allowed along the beach where a fishing pier for people with disabilities is available.
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Over 20 miles west of Illinois Beach State Park is located in the heart of Illinois’ largest concentration of natural lakes, with nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline. The park also includes over 230 campsites, a youth group camp, seven picnic areas, and four trail systems. Fishing and hunting are also popular at the park. For the former, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, catfish, and yellow and white bass are in the lakes and for the latter, dove, waterfowl, archery deer, and permit pheasant hunting are available by registration only.
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Over 20 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan, the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois resides! Formed in an ancient glacial kettle hole lake, it features a floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails and sedges surrounding the open pool of water in the center of the bog. And further from the open water, the mat thickens to support floating trees. It is also a National Natural Landmark being the southernmost open water quaking bog in North America to exhibit all stages of bog succession. The Visitor Center is also housed in a dairy barn built in the early 20th century and a picnic area with tables located adjacent to the visitor center parking lot.
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Over 20 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan, Moraine Hills State Park is a recreational paradise in northeast Illinois. With over 200 species of birds identified at the park, there is abundant wildlife in the park. Fishing is available on Lake Defiance and the Fox River and over 10 miles of trails are available for hikers, skiers, and cyclists.
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