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Find Local Chapter events in your area led by our Ambassadors
Registration for all events ends at noon two days before the event unless otherwise noted in the event details or when the event has reached participation capacity. If you need assistance with registration, please contact the Ambassador or one of our Event Coordinators:
Brodie Meche | brodie@lgbtoutdoors.com
Krista English | krista@lgbtoutdoors.com
Virtual Fireside Meet | IL
HOST: Megan Vandermeer | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Virtual Meetup
LOCATION: Discord
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: December 15, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: No
DOGS ALLOWED: No
Limit: 20
December can be a busy season, so here's an interlude to next year. Come make friends and brainstorm next year's events with us around a virtual fireplace!
To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.
If you haven’t joined the Illinois FB group you can do so here!
Fall Hike | IL
HOST: Esther Bourassa | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Fall Hike
LOCATION: Yorkville, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: October 25, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes
Limit: 25
Let’s hike through the woods and marvel at the wonderful fall colors. This is a very wooded 3ish mile hike on dirt forest paths. Part of the path runs along a river. Hopefully we get to see some wildlife on this one.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!
Stargazing | IL
HOST: Esther Bourassa | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Stargazing
LOCATION: Rochelle, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: September 19, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: No
Limit: 30
Come out and enjoy a night around a bonfire. And if it is clear, some star gazing.
On that night 5 of the planets should be visible. Including 2 of my favorites Jupiter and Saturn. The moon will also be out. I will have my telescope set up. Feel free to bring your own telescope or binoculars.
Our hosts have graciously offered to provide the wood for the fire, and some basic s’mores makings.
If you need something specific, gluten free etc, you will need to bring your own.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!
Beach Bash | IL
HOST: Megan Vandermeer | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Beach Bash
LOCATION: Zion, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: August 29, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: No
Limit: 10
Come with us as summer winds to a close!
We've got lakeshore wildlife and trails along the Dead River, and plenty of space for swimming and picnicking.
We'll have a snack potluck, toss a frisbee around and do a bit of swimming.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!
Summer Paddling | IL
HOST: Esther Bourassa | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Summer Paddling
LOCATION: Elk Grove Village, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Rental Fees ($25 - $35/ hr)
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: July 25, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: No
Limit: 15
Finally an event to give us an upper body workout. Kayaking!
It's summer, let's get out on the water. The place I have chosen has plenty of room to paddle around and should be suitable for beginners. So as long as you can get in and out of the boat, come join us. We can spend a fun hour (or 2?) paddling around.
You will be responsible for your own rental (purchased on site or by calling). Or you can bring your own small boat, canoe, or kayak if you have it. Prohibited is any inflatable watercraft, and stand up paddle boards.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!
River Walk | IL
HOST: Megan Vandermeer | Wisconsin Ambassador
ACTIVITY: River Walk
LOCATION: Wadsworth, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: July 4, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: No
Limit: 10
Wetlands are wonderful! They’re home to local flora, fauna, and help prevent flooding. We’ll be taking around a two-mile walk through the trails surrounding a restored wetland preserve in northeastern Illinois.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the WI FB group you can do so here!
Summer Picnic | IL
HOST: Esther Bourassa | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Summer Picnic
LOCATION: Aurora, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: May 31, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes. Must remain leashed.
Limit: 30
Lets have a picnic. We can get together and hopefully enjoy nice weather and good food. The park has a sunken garden with tons of beautiful flowers. And there is a zoo that is free to enter. Lets do this picnic pot luck style. Bring something you enjoy as a dish to pass.
To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!
Spring Bloom Hike | IL
HOST: Esther Bourassa | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Spring Bloom Hike
LOCATION: Bloomingdale, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: April 25, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes. Leash must be under 10 ft. long
Limit: 15
Let’s hike through the woods and find what has been growing this spring.
The park features a small lake, crushed limestone trails, and a section of nature reserve.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!
Frozen Falls Hike | IL
HOST: Esther Bourassa | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: Frozen Falls Hike
LOCATION: Oglesby, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: February 15, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: No
Limit: 24
In winter, snow blankets the park, woodlands turn white, and waterfalls freeze over.
Yes you read that right, frozen waterfalls! There are several cool (yes pun intended) waterfalls on this hike. The tallest one is over 100 feet tall, and if conditions are good ice climbers may be climbing it. Although we will not be. Ice climbing requires training, the proper gear, and special permits.
Distance will be somewhere between 4 and 5 miles with decent elevation changes. The trail will likely be packed snow or ice in the woods with plenty of stairs.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!
River Eagle Spotting | IL
HOST: Esther Bourassa | Illinois Ambassador
ACTIVITY: River Eagle Spotting
LOCATION: Oswego, IL
SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10
ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: January 18, 2024
MINORS ALLOWED: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes. Dogs must remain on leash the entire time even if facility allows for leash free dogs.
Limit: 15
Come join me on a cold winter hike to see if we can spot any bald eagles hiding in the trees.
The path we will be on is cleared of snow in the winter and the walk will be between 2 and 3 miles depending on the weather and if we are getting a lot of sightings. It is also right on the river in an area where I have consistently seen eagles hang out in the past.
January is the prime time of the year as eagles will typically stay just south of where the river freezes over.
Registration Closed
If you haven’t joined the IL FB group you can do so here!