5 Illinois State Parks you need to see
Sure, you already knew Chicago was awesome. But did you know how amazing the rest of Illinois was, too? Here are 5 Illinois State Parks that you definitely want to visit in your lifetime.
5 mind blowing state parks you won’t believe are in Illinois
Giant City State Park
Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, this state park offers some spectacular hiking trails. We hiked the 1.0 mile Giant City Nature trail loop, which takes you through massive sandstone bluffs creating a “stone city” effect. This trail is rated easy, and was a hit with our kids!
Enjoy one of the fishing ponds, rock climbing, or even horseback riding at this state park. A lodge and cabins are available for you to stay in, as well as primitive campsites and RV hookups.
Matthiessen State Park
Located less than 2 hours outside of Chicago and within 15 minutes of its well known sister Starved Rock state park, this is a true hidden gem of Illinois. We hiked the 2.0 mile Dells Canyon and Bluff trail, and wow! It was incredible. Dramatic sandstone formations, winding streams, and picturesque bridges makes it a perfect destination to explore nature.
An equestrian campground is the only available lodging at this state park, but there are several places nearby you can stay.
Tip: Put your kids in shoes that can get wet! It’s hard to keep dry feet on this trail.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
This state park has 18 trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. We hiked Big Rocky Hollow trail, a 0.7 mile out and back that takes you through huge boulders to end at a canyon with a waterfall. We visited late in the summer and the waterfall was just a trickle, but the canyon was still stunning, and this was my favorite hike we did in Shawnee National Forest!
We also checked out Hawk’s cave and Rebman’s trail, both are short, and the trailheads are located right next to each other.
Ferne Clyffe State Park has multiple campgrounds with all kinds of camping offered.
Starved Rock State Park
Located less than 2 hours outside of Chicago, and just 15 minutes from Matthiessen State Park, Starved Rock is truly an incredible place to visit. While some of the most popular trails can get very crowded, all the trails here are something worth seeing. We hiked to the lesser known Ottawa Canyon, a 1.0 mile trail rated easy, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
If you do want to explore the most popular trails here, such as the St. Louis Canyon and the French Canyon, make sure to come prepared for crowds.
Campgrounds are available here, but they do fill quickly, so make sure to book early.
Cave-In-Rock State Park
Located in Southern Illinois, and sitting atop bluffs that overlook the Ohio River, this unique state park is definitely not one to be missed. Explore the cave, or hike one of the 2 designated hiking trails here. You can also rent a boat and take a ride down the Ohio River.
Cave-in-Rock Lodge and Restaurant is a great place to stay, or to just grab a bite to eat if you are passing through. There are several great picnic sites around the park as well.
I hope I have convinced you to get out and explore the great state of Illinois, and find some of it’s natural beauty!
