Going for a walk is always more fun when an adventure is involved. This abandoned village hike in Illinois will take you through a prehistoric land that is waiting to be explored. Venture to Shawnee National Forest and see the sights for yourself! The views will leave you in awe.

This easily accessible path is great for all ages and skill levels. Check it out:

Millstone Bluff is one of the least-known and most historic places in the Land of Lincoln. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Schwen
It is located in southern Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest just south of Jackson Falls. Here, you'll find a well kept wood chip path that is less than a mile long.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Schwen
This short and sweet loop trail will take you past forestry, unique rock formations, valleys, and ancient ruins from an old Native American village. Remnants from the Woodland and Mississippian Natives can still be found in the stones.
Alltrails/Jarred Ingram

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Petroglyphs of thunderbirds, spidery creatures, animal tracks, axes, and other common shapes and symbols can be found throughout this 418-acre area. Exploring this trail is truly like stepping into a whole other world.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Schwen
This abandoned village hike is a natural heritage site that aims to preserve the environment while teaching locals about the culture that once thrived on this land. Guests will walk where once people built their homes and lived their lives.
Alltrails/Jarred Ingram
It's one of the most fascinating abandoned places in Illinois!
It is believed that there were, at most, 26 homes around this 320-feet-high bluff during 1350-1550 A.D. Additionally, many box graves were found, though all were empty due to previous excavation.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Schwen
This abandoned village hike is an excellent interpretive trail system that is great for kids of all ages. Informative signs have been placed throughout to tell you more about the history of Millstone Bluff as well as provide fun facts as you make your way through this ancient and abandoned village.
Alltrails/Melissa Jeffords

Address: Millstone Bluff, IL, 62985

What are your favorite nature trails in Illinois? For more like this, check out these six prehistoric attractions in Illinois that won’t you believe still exist.

If you’ve ever taken this abandoned village hike in Illinois, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.

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abandoned village hike in Illinois

Elisa Regulski | December 28, 2019

What are the best easy hiking trails in Illinois?

There are plenty of beginner-friendly hikes in Illinois. One of the most popular is located at Garden of the Gods in Herod. The observation trail is only about .3 miles long, but it’s packed with stunning sights. Bring the whole family and soak up the supreme beauty. Even little ones can embark on this easy trail. Ferne Clyffe State Park is also home to a breezy hiking path. The Big Rock Hollow Trail is only .75 miles long and it leads to a giant 100 foot waterfall. Nothing beats this! If you want to learn more about Illinois’s best easy hikes, read our article here.

Are there any historic hiking trails in Illinois?

There are so many historic hikes in Illinois. While you’re in the Shawnee National Forest, you should hike to the Iron Furnace. This was used to melt iron before the Civil War, and it’s a fascinating piece of Illinois’s past. For more extraordinary adventures, visit Lowden State Park. This area is full of hiking trails, and one of them leads to the magnificent statue of The Eternal Indian. This breathtaking piece of art was built between 1908 and 1911 and stands at an impressive 48 feet tall. To learn more about Illinois’s best historic hikes, read our article here.

Are there any other abandoned places in Illinois?

There are some truly incredible abandoned places in Illinois. Ashmore Estates is hauntingly beautiful. From 1959 to 1986, this gorgeous building operated as an asylum. According to legend, it’s riddled with ghosts. The Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School, located in Normal, is another interesting abandoned place. This school opened in 1865 and was abandoned in 1979. Some say ghosts linger there to this day. To learn more about Illinois’s most intriguing abandoned places, read our article here.

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Shawnee National Forest, Illinois 62985, USA