Last weekend, on one of those all-too-precious perfect summer days, we discovered Moraine Hills State Park. Never heard of it? Neither had I until I found it on Google Maps! It's just an hour northwest of the city, near McHenry, just south of Chain-O-Lakes. We discovered 9 miles of wide, paved paths that meandered up and down gentle hills, winding around a lovely lake and through open prairie and woods.  Despite it being a gorgeous summer day, the park was not at all crowded, and we saw several folks out with their dogs too. What made it even better for doggy outings: multiple picnic spots along the path with water pumps, and two concession spots in the park, perfect for hydrating tired, furry pals. And, having hiked several miles at other parks carrying a puppy-present, I appreciated the trash cans scattered along the way. All in all, Moraine Hills made for a fun, low-key Saturday adventure outside the city. For more info, visit the park's web site. Then pack a lunch and go!