The 7 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Illinois That Everyone Should Visit
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 16, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
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.
Illinois is a wonderland of natural attractions that will blow your mind. We are so much more than flat lands and prairies. Our great state has valleys, bluffs, and even waterfalls. You wouldn’t expect the Midwest to be full of so much beauty, but that’s just how we do it in Illinois.
Who needs the seven wonders of the world when you can travel to these seven local wonders right here? Keep scrolling for all the amazing details.
Taking up about 4,000 acres of Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, various nature trails take you by amazing rock formations like these. You'll forget that you're still in Illinois but won't forget to take a few photos.
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If you've ever wanted to swim in a waterfall, here is your chance. Follow the trail at Ferne Cliff State Park to this majestic place. Part of the Illinois Ozarks, this waterfall is around all year while many are seasonal.
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Situated along the Ohio River, this cave gives the town it's in its namesake. It was formed during an ice age and spans 55 feet across at its widest. Though pirates and bandits once used it as a hideout, today visitors are allowed to hike here and camp nearby.
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As part of the Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, the palisades cover about 2,500 acres and are filled with wildlife and trails for viewing. Visitors enjoy the steep cliffs, caves, and other rock formations created by erosion.
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Deep in the Shawnee National Forest, this 90-foot bridge is eight feet wide and 30 feet high. It is a lot of fun for kids of all ages and is accessed by a very short loop trail.
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Another Shawnee Forest gem, this popular attraction features massive sandstone rocks formed over 300 million years ago. Many bluffs have 100-foot drop offs, and there are about 5.5 miles of trails throughout the 3,000-acre area.
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This is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. It falls about 35 feet and is actually made up of a chain of falls, which makes for amazing views. Locals love to camp in this Shawnee National Forest oasis.
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