Explore the great outdoors at The Forge

The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main Street in Lemont, Illinois, had much to celebrate for its first year anniversary. The adventure park opened in July 2020 after a delayed start because of the pandemic.

There is so much to participate in with this massive 300 acre park including ziplines, rope courses, climbing walls and small boat excursions. The Forge has partnered with the Village of Lemont and Lemont Township to provide plenty of security and traffic control. Parking is included in the price of the ticket and it is handicap accessible.

Guests are allowed to bring their dogs, but they must be with the owner at all times and cleaned up after. Keep in mind, this will limit your activties with no kennel at the venue. You are welcome to hike the trails with your four-legged friend and breathe that fresh air as much as you like, though.

The park is open year round and a full adventure pass starts at $90 a person. Membership opportunites run $35 a month for adults with 12 month agreements.

Other outdoor experiences at The Forge include laser tag, biking and even escape rooms. The forest and surrounding environment will have one feeling serene in no time. Yoga classes are offered by this company for an additional price, so stretch out and enjoy.

The park is built on an industrial land quarry, hence the name, so you can expect lots of rocks along the way. The grounds are open to the public with fees charged to all of the waiver-based activities. Keep in mind, the park is cashless and guests under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. There are age, height and weight requirements on the website.

Entertainment on a outdoor stage range from talented bands to live musicals. Bring your own chairs or towels to relax in the grassy area there. Settle down for a spectacular fireworks display on certain nights that explode overhead in that same open part of the park.

For food and beverages, try The Foundry with easy to grab desserts or Forgefire Dining with comfort camp cuisine to enjoy. There is walk up service, but reservations are suggested to move things along quicker.

With all this adventue, swing over to ForgeParks.com to set up a trip today. Reservations are needed for paddle boats, kayaks and canoes, so plan ahead. It's a good idea to read up on the website for rules and guidelines before visiting The Forge.

For those in Chicago, Lemont is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. If one is looking for adventure, they have found it i n droves at The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Don't forget your mosquito spray, city slickers!