Head to Grafton Canoe & Kayak to rent canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats or wave runners for an afternoon of fun on the river. Keep the water theme going at the Fin Inn, a popular restaurant known for its wall-to-wall fish tanks teeming with native fish and turtles.

The largest state park in Illinois offers hiking, biking, fishing, boating and horseback riding. Dine at the rustic Pere Marquette Lodge and play on the life-sized chessboard in the Great Room that features a 700-ton fireplace. Or sit on the terrace and sip a glass of wine from the Mary Michelle Winery tasting room.

This family-run farm has locations in Grafton, Belleville and Millstadt. In season, visitors are welcome to pick strawberries, blackberries and peaches. Celebrate the May Strawberry Festival in Belleville, or join in the August Honey Crisp Weekend at all three locations and pick your own apples.