Rolling Meadows

The state has steep mountains, tight ravines, and fewer open rolling meadows—which might give cougars an upper hand.

We cross bridges standing on stilts over water inlets, red barns tucked deep within rolling meadows, a giant wood-carved bear standing at the edge of the highway.

It offers an ideal combination of backcountry terrain, ranging from beginner-friendly rolling meadows to steep chutes off Bear Mountain.

Thomas Dobosz, 32, of Rolling Meadows; his wife, Lauren, 31, and five children, all traveling in a Chevrolet full-size van, were killed, Illinois State Police said.

Lauren Dobosz, 31, of Rolling Meadows, and five children, all in a Chevrolet full-size van, were killed, according to Illinois State Police.