OAKWOOD — If variety is the spice of life, then Kickapoo State Recreation Area has an extra helping of jalapeños for those who like variety in their outdoor activities.

What makes it more amazing is this outdoors haven is the former site of surface mining. You can expect to see wildlife and wildflowers as well as birds, butterflies, and dragonflies.

Located a short distance off Interstate 74 (take exit 206), a few miles from Danville, Kickapoo is among the few state parks in Illinois that offers places to scuba dive and mountain bike. The roads within and around the park are also nice for casual biking.