4 Easy-Access Illinois Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure
If you’re looking to make your summer utterly fabulous and filled with marvelous views (and photo-worthy trips), you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best waterfalls in Illinois. We’re lucky here in the Land of Lincoln: we’re chock full of falls that are relatively easy to get to. Check out some of our favorite, easy waterfall hikes in Illinois.
1. Matthiessen State Park: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348
Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Matthiessen State Park may not be as well-known as Starved Rock State Park, but it happens to contain one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Illinois. It's got a magnificent waterfall that's very easy to access if you don't mind a relatively short hike.
Situated at the end of Lake Kinkaid, this three-tiered waterfall is one of our favorite hidden gems in Illinois. It's stunning, but few people even know it exists! It's a great, easy-access waterfall that's tucked away in the trees.
This waterfall in northern Illinois is mighty and majestic. You're able to get a great view of it, but the nearby trails are restricted to those who are staying in nearby bed and breakfasts.
A small river runs beneath the falls, but swimming is not encouraged. The water does dry up some in the summer, so this one's best visited in the springtime after the snow thaws.
4. Krape Park: 1799 S Park Blvd, Freeport, IL 61032
Krape Park, 1799 S Park Blvd, Freeport, IL 61032, USA
This unique recreation center includes numerous activities for guests to enjoy. There's a pond, baseball diamond, golf course, trails to explore, playgrounds, a carousel, and an amphitheater. But perhaps the real star of the park is its 44-foot waterfall! This multi-purpose park in Illinois offers great fun for the whole family!
What other easy-access waterfalls do you love in the Prairie State? We especially love to hear about hiking trails with waterfalls in Illinois! Share your favorites with us in the comments.
Address: Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: Thunder Bay Falls (Private), 233 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA
Address: Kinkaid Lake Spillway, Shawnee National Forest, 432 N Spillway Rd, Gorham, IL 62940, USA
Address: Krape Park, 1799 S Park Blvd, Freeport, IL 61032, USA
Address: Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: Krape Park, 1799 S Park Blvd, Freeport, IL 61032, USA
Address: Kinkaid Lake Spillway, Shawnee National Forest, 432 N Spillway Rd, Gorham, IL 62940, USA
Address: Thunder Bay Falls (Private), 233 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me In Illinois
March 09, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some other waterfalls near me in Illinois?
There are so many great waterfalls in Illinois. One of the prettiest is located in LaSalle Canyon: you can even walk directly behind some of the waterfalls there to experience a whole new vantage point!
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
