Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Franklin Park

"Another scenic spot to spend some time is the magnificent Maggie Daley Park which lies within the Loop and is connected to Millennium Park by a pedestrian bridge. Packed with playgrounds, picnic areas, and lush green spaces, it is a very family-friendly place to visit with even climbing walls and a mini-golf course on offer. Named for Maggie Daley, the former first lady of the city, the park was re-imagined, redesigned and reopened in 2015."

"Maggie Daley Park is one of the most fun things to do in Chicago. It’s basically a gigantic, all-ages recreation area that resulted from the crazy visions of an architect who never said no to any idea. As a result, the park offers a million different amenities in delightfully clashing ways."

"Maggie Daley Park is also located in the Loop and is home to the city’s only outdoor climbing park. You can also go ice skating during the winter months on the famous ‘skating ribbon’. The park also has spots to picnic in with the family and a tennis court to enjoy a game."

"The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a conservatory and botanical garden in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The conservatory is best known for its horticultural collections, community work, and educational programming. It is also housed in a glass house from the Victorian Era that is stunning to view on its own."

"Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants."

"Visitors to this hidden gem will enjoy oak savanna, a forest, wetland and prairie all in one area. There are three trails from which to choose and explore: main loop, wetland and woodland and while you can take as long as you'd like, it's possible to do them all within an hour if you're in a hurry (although hopefully you're not because you want to stop at the lily pond, gaze at the free roaming deer and catch a turtle or finches as you take in the fresh air and scenery). Early Spring, locals from all over the city come by for the annual Maple Tree Tapping Festival where kids can enjoy free activities and see demonstrations on the Maple syrup process."

"North ParkYou could do worse than strolling through this 46-acre nature preserve with trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savannah. You could also do worse than just chilling at the birding area and spotting rare specimens with your well-practiced/made-up bird calls."

"Tucked away at the edge of Lincoln Park that juts out into Lake Michigan, the Montrose Bird Sanctuary is a 15-acre wooded respite that features a few peaceful mulch-covered hiking trails to stroll through. What was once a site of Army barracks from the ’50s to the ’70s is now one of the best places in the area to spot a few of the tens of thousands of migratory birds from more than 300 different species that reportedly stop for some green space along their trek along the lake. Within the sanctuary, a 150-yard stretch of honeysuckle bushes has been nicknamed “The Magic Hedge,” because it attracts an especially high number of migratory birds."

"UptownThis more laid-back section of Montrose Beach is both a dune habitat and a bird sanctuary, as well as one of the best spots for trail hiking in the city with killer skyline views. If that’s not enough, there’s also a beach bar. And a damn fine beach bar at that."

"Opened on the site of an old limestone quarry, Palmisano Park unfurls an urban prairie landscape with great views of the Chicago skyline. Locals come here to fish for bluegill in the lagoon in summer and sled the hills in winter. The winding walkways, made of recycled construction debris, are great for a stroll anytime."

"Palmisano Park has gone from coral reefs to quarry to landfill to park. At this park, you’ll find a fishing pond, wetlands, preserved quarry walls, walking trails and more. There is also a giant hill, perfect for gazing over the park and all of its beauty."

"27 acres of wetlands and urban fishing make Palmisano Park a fun place to visit. The park also offers a phenomenal view of Chicago. In winter, it’s a great place to go sledding."

"Every treatment at the Langham’s Chuan Spa begins with a bathing ritual that progresses from herbal sauna to salt stone sauna to aromatherapy shower to chamomile steam room. The series boasts a range of benefits, like loosening muscles, opening the respiratory system and easing skin ailments. On the downside, it might take some of the glow off your normal morning shower-loofah routine."

"Chuan Spa – The restful setting stimulates consideration and introspection because you embark in a trip made to balance the mind, body and soul. Similar to opening a secret garden where you observes soul of care, your wellbeing venture promotes, heals and relieves. Prior to every treatment, set about an entirely pure water trip the Chuan Bathing Ritual."

"Chuan Spa at The Langham, Chicago has been rated Illinois' first and only Forbes 5 star spa - and it shows. Ensconced in The Langham Chicago, rated a Five-Star hotel by Forbes Travel Guide, Chuan Spa is the best spa in the city. Complete a five-element questionnaire to ensure you get the most from your treatment."

"Spa Space is conveniently located on Canal Street in Chicago. Spa Space efficiently assembles a rigorous way of body and skincare having a relaxing and sumptuous environment centred on exceptional client services. They have staff and professionals that are passionate and hardworking to ensure the wellness of every customer."

"Check out their website to see some of the services they offer, including facials, massages, manicures, waxing, and more. You can also choose to purchase a gift certificate now to support this spa in Chicago."

"Some of Renee’s monthly specials including bundles for a European facial and Swedish massage or a European facial, Swedish massage, and classic massage."

"Southport's main claim to fame is this 1929 movie house, which shows independent and classic films on its two screens. Live organ music…"

"For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre. If you feel like doing an activity, head to 10pin Bowling Lounge under the Marina Towers north of the Chicago River. They offer a selection of beers and upscale snacks."

"Cupitol is an all-day eatery located in Streeterville and Evanston that serves just what you crave after the sun rises. Choose various breakfast sandwiches and protein breakfasts like housemade corned beef hash poached eggs; a deliciously sloppy country Benedict with buttermilk biscuits, pork sausage gravy, eggs; and a European Breakfast with the thickest Greek yogurt you've ever witnessed, sprinkled with homemade almond granola, berries and local raw honey. Pancakes and Belgian waffles are made with a proprietary mix."

"Everyone has their favorite pizza joint, but the biggest rivalry in the city is between Giordano’s and Gino’s East. Luckily both have locations near Navy Pier, making for a convenient lunch stop. I personally prefer Gino’s East both for the food and because you can write a message on the walls (and read thousands of others while you wait for your meal)."

"Chcago is well-known for creating the deep dish style pizza. What was created and is still served in Chicago is not the deep dish pizza you’ll find at a Pizza Hut or Little Caesar’s. True Chicago deep dish pizza is actually “deep” or thick and filled with toppings which are assembled upside down, with sauce on top."

"Whenever you mention deep-dish and pizza in the same sentence, Giordano’s should be included. This restaurant and pizzeria has been around since 1974 and is one of the best pizzerias in the Chi. Giordano’s can be found in several locations throughout the best neighborhoods in Chicago."