​What better place to immerse yourself in the uniquely beautiful natural habitats of the Lower Lake Michigan Basin Area than by visiting one or more of its state parks! Imagine hopping on your bicycle, cruising a few hours past the city and its noise then suddenly finding yourself immersed in a tranquil landscape that looks and sounds like what most of the State of Illinois looked and sounded like before the City of Chicago was even an idea.

Looking to ride your bicycle from Chicago to a campground or hotel for a weekend? You have plenty of options. There are over 4  state parks within bicycling distance from downtown Chicago!  And it's safe and easy.  Plus there is always an option to take the train back if need be! Check out our Chicago bicycle camping guide to help you find your path. 

Rolling by you smell a sweet bright smell of something sweet. It's the month of May and there are purple and white flowers all around. These flowers are called Dames Rocket.  The genus name for Dame’s rocket, Hesperis, is derived from the Greek hesper, which refers to the evening, potentially because this plant is known to be more sweet-scented in the evening. The species name matronalis means ‘of matrons.’ Other common names for this plant include Sweet rocket, Dame’s violet and Mother-of-the-evening. Dame’s rocket was introduced for ornamental purposes from Eurasia in the early 1600s. Its spread nationally has been accelerated by the inclusion of Dame’s rocket in “wildflower” seed mixes for gardens. The leaves, oil and seeds of this plant are edible. The young leaves are rich in vitamin C and can be eaten raw as a cress substitute in salads. The plant is also cultivated for its essential seed-oil which is used in perfumes....