Everyone Should Explore These 11 Stunning Places In Illinois At Least Once

This 2500 acre state park is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple Rivers. Palisades refers to the name given to cliffs located along rivers. As you can see, the lushness makes these palisades totally stunning. There is a lot of Native American history here left over from the people who once lived here.

The trail is just 8/10 of a mile, but the view is definitely worth it. It is at the center of LaRue Pine Hills. You are 150 feet above the ground and have a panoramic view.

Beaches are pretty rare in Illinois, so you have to appreciate that this state park offers 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline.

From caves to canyons, from waterfalls to gorgeous river views, this park has something for everyone. Trees look like they are growing out of the sides of earth and you will be overwhelmed by the interesting rock formations. It's no wonder this is the most visited state park in Illinois.

This giant cave with a 55 foot mouth is located off of the Ohio River. Once used by bandits as a hide out, it is now in a pretty sleepy, small town.

Is there a better place to catch a sunset in all of Illinois? White rocks formed over 300 million years ago reflect light and make for a picturesque setting.

Who knew that a Chicago suburb would have canyons and cliffs? The cliffs provide a home for some of the most unusual plant life in all of Illinois, including purple cliff brake and bulbet fern.

This state park is located in the heart of the Rock River Valley. It is quite large at 385 acres, with loads of spots for camping and having a picnic.

You will think you are somewhere in the deep south when you enter this area. Green bogs with snakes make this unlike anything you've ever seen before. The giant trees growing here are up to 1,000 years old, and huge at 40 feet in circumference.