The Brookfield Zoo is a perfect day trip spot for families, couples and friends. The 235-acre zoo houses 3,481 animals ...

The pair captured hearts when they began nesting at Montrose Beach in 2019. Monty passed from a respiratory infection in 2022. Rose has not been spotted since then and is also believed to have passed.

Surfing is allowed from Labor Day until Memorial Day at Osterman, Montrose, Promontory Point ... hook-shaped pier on the southeast end of the beach offers a channel on bigger days.

Illinois Beach State Park is a bit like someone took Big Marsh Park, Montrose Beach, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and mashed them together.