This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Illinois Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
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Laura
Author
Illinois has some really great natural beauty. Did you ever consider trying to see it all along a road trip? You can see all of this breathtaking beauty on this wonderful road trip that visits 10 of the best natural wonders in Illinois.
Illinois Beach State Park Road, Illinois Beach State Park Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Sometimes you can forget just how beautiful Lake Michigan is. This park has 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. There are trails near the beach and also through woods.
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Mississippi Palisades State Park, 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
In terms of natural wonders in Illinois, this is a stunner! "Palisades" refers to the bluffs surrounding the rivers. Trails wind through these bluffs, and where they come out, you can get a peerless view of the Mississippi River. It is lush, green, and awe-inspiring.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
The most famous state park in Illinois, this park is home to canyons, waterfalls, and wonderful rock formations. Waterfalls in Illinois? You'll find some of the best here! Overlooks throughout the park give you some great views of the river and the forest. It's also pretty gorgeous in the winter, particularly when the waterfalls freeze.
Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
This state park has loads of great waterfalls, too. (Some of the best natural wonders in Illinois are waterfalls, in fact!) You might not know that there are dells, upper and lower. Interesting rock formations are even more stunning looking up from below.
Natural Bridge Road, Natural Bridge Rd, Pomona Township, IL 62975, USA
A stunning natural wonder in Illinois, this bridge was carved by Mother Nature, with an assist from rivers over time. The bridge is about 90 feet long and around 8 feet wide. There is a also a small cave in the area to explore.
Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
This Illinois State Park is known for some wacky stone structures. It is also known for its "Giant City Streets," almost a little city but made out of rocks. There are also a whopping 75 varieties of towering trees.
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Ferne Clyffe State Park, 90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, USA
Woods surround some truly amazing rock formations. There are also a few waterfalls through this park. Be sure to see Hawks Cave, a 150-foot-long shelter bluff. Please use extreme caution when exploring this wondrous place, as it's considered one of the most dangerous state parks in Illinois.
Cache River State Natural Area, 930 Sunflower Ln, Belknap, IL 62908, USA
You would never know that Illinois is home to some really old trees like this--some of which are 1,000 years old. They seem to just jut out of the bog. These green waters are home to all sorts of wildlife, including sea snakes. One of the most glorious natural wonders in Illinois, ache River State Natural Area is also widely considered one of the state's most beautiful places.
Curious to learn more about this IL wonder? Check out this YouTube video c/o Slone's Wilderness Expeditions:
Curious to learn more about this IL wonder? Check out this YouTube video c/o Slone's Wilderness Expeditions:
Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Illinois, USA
Once you're here, there's no mystery to why this place is named as such. The 320 million year old rocks will blow you away. And the panoramic views, particularly during sunsets, are incredible. It's also home to numerous Illinois waterfalls, which you can read about below!
Cave-In-Rock State Park, 1 New State Park Rd, Cave-In-Rock, IL 62919, USA
This giant cave will truly overwhelm you. The mouth is 55 feet long. Don't forget to walk in and turn around to see a great view of the Ohio River.
Looking for more beautiful natural wonders in Illinois? Check out this list of IL wonders!
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More to Explore
National Wonders in Illinois
What are some other natural wonders in Illinois?
Contrary to its nickname, Illinois is *not* all prairies and flat expanses. It's waterfalls and canyons and natural wonders galore! Here are some more natural wonders in Illinois to visit:
- Inspiration Point, Wolf Lake. True to its name, this IL overlook is sure to inspire and satisfy even the most insatiable wanderlust. You'll find inspiring views of the Mississippi River and Big Muddy Riverbottom atop this 300-foot limestone cliff. Getting there does involve a hike of 0.7 miles with elevation, but the panoramic views are so worth the climb!
- Bell Smith Springs, Ozark. Canyons, sandstone cliffs, streams, and lush vegetation are abundant in this part of the Shawnee National Forest. Bell Smith Springs has a trail system that leads to many marvelous rock formations including a 150-foot natural bridge!
- Wildcat Canyon, Oglesby. Wildcat Canyon has the tallest waterfall within Starved Rock State Park at 70 feet. However, its flow is dependent on rain. Although it can be quite a difficult hike to get there, the Campanula Trail is the easiest choice as it is shorter. There is also a creek crossing which may be deep after it rains. This impressive waterfall can also be viewed from the boardwalk along the trail.
- St. Louis Canyon Falls, Oglesby. Also within Starved Rock State Park, St. Louis Canyon Falls is an 80-foot tall, spring-fed waterfall which makes it last longer than most. Like Wildcat Canyon Falls, you can park at the Visitor's Center and take a 1.5-mile-long trail.
- Burden Falls has a 20-foot cascade over a sandstone cliff into a creek that then gradually descends another 80 feet. This Shawnee National Forest waterfall is one of the most popular in the southern part of the state and is surrounded by fascinating rock formations. It's definitely worth a visit!