Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 7 Of Illinois' Least-Visited State Parks

The Land of Lincoln is home to 69 state parks, 11 state recreation areas, and six state forests. Among the most popular are Matthiessen State Park, Starved Rock State Park, and Mississippi Palisades State Park. However, there are many underrated parks around the state that are worth visiting as well. Take this road trip to visit some of the least-visited state parks in Illinois.

Ready to gas up the car and hit the road? You can use this interactive map as your guide.

Google Maps

Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL, USA

Morgan Thomas/AllTrails

The beautiful 2,430-acre Ferne Clyffe State Park only receives around 200,000 visitors each year. Known for its abundance of ferns and other fascinating plant species, as well as unique rock formations, visitors can take a variety of trails to explore it all.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

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Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, 2006, 1350 State Rte 155, Prairie Du Rocher, IL 62277, USA

Heath Borders/Google

Did you know there is a French fort located in Illinois? Fort Chartres was built back in 1753 and was used as a military base. Today you can visit the remnants of the historic fort at this extraordinary state park.

Read our previous coverage to learn more.

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14548 Beaver Dam Ln, Royal Lakes, IL 62685, USA

David Zanter/Google

The 750-acre Beaver Dam State Park is the perfect place to go if you're looking for things to do outside in Illinois. Enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking among other outdoor activities.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

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671 E 2900 Ave, Ramsey, IL 62080, USA

Kevin Gerstenecker/Google

Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area is 1,980 acres and includes gorgeous Lake Ramsey where you can go fishing. You will love being surrounded by woodlands and enjoying the great outdoors here.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

2331 E Co Rd 370N, Oakland, IL 61943, USA

Jessica Shade/Google

This underrated 671-acre state park is the place to go for hunting, fishing, and hiking and is located in east-central Illinois.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

18175 State Park Rd, Charleston, IL 61920, USA

Kim Gossett/Google

This gem of a state park is home to rugged landscape that features wooded ridges, valleys, rolling hills, bluffs, and stunning trails to explore it all. There is also an overlook called the Eagle's Nest that requires a climb up 144 steps and has views of the river.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

13225 IL-33, Newton, IL 62448, USA

Denise Trowbridge/Google

This lovely state park is home to a 183-acre lake. If you're looking for a place to go boating, fishing, or canoeing, Sam Park State Park is ideal. It also offers two miles of hiking trails as well as 13 miles of equestrian trails.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.

How would you like to take a road trip to a few of the least-visited state parks in Illinois? Have you visited any of these state parks in the past? Let us know in the comments!