Nature

Nature
Waterfalls

Locals Love This Hidden Gem Swimming Hole in Illinois (That Doesn’t Feel Like the U.S.)

Uncover a hidden swimming hole in Illinois with gentle waterfalls, adventurous vibes, and a local reputation as one of the state's best summer escapes.

by Amanda Finn
on Jul 3
Kincaid Falls Spillway in Gorham, Illinois
Nature

The Best Kept Summer Secret in Illinois Is This Sailing Lake With Quiet Beaches

by Stephanie Frias
on Jun 20
A golden sand beach between a rocky shorline and a forested cove at Carlyle Lake, the best lake in Illinois for shallow swimming.
Nature

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Castle Rock State Park

by Cait Kontalis
on Jun 9
The Pride of Oregon paddlewheel boat in Illinois
Nature

The Dune Hike in Illinois That Everyone Should Take at Least Once

by Stephanie Frias
on May 26
A woman wearing black, walking down a gravel path between tall, golden prairie plants. She's on a dune hike in Illinois at Braidwood Dunes in Braidwood, Illinois.
Nature

Take a Unique Adventure On Illinois’s Best Kayaking Trail

by Jessica Mlinaric
on May 23
A kayaker in a red shirt paddles through a swamp lined with tall trees

Latest Nature

Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Illinois Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Discover a peaceful small-town state park in Illinois that locals love for its quiet trails, scenic views, and hidden gem appeal.

by Stephanie Frias
on May 9
A child wearing black sweatpants, walking along the scenic Kankakee River, part of the small-town state park, Kankakee River State Park near Wilmington, Illinois.
Nature
Hiking

3 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Illinois for a Spring Hike

Explore three picture-perfect nature trails in Illinois for a spring hike, featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable outdoor escapes.

by Cait Kontalis
on Apr 20
A small waterfall in Illinois
Nature
Hiking

Don’t Attempt This One Hike in Illinois Unless You’re Up for a Challenge

From poison ivy to hilly terrain, the Godwin Trail can be difficult. At almost 20 miles, this is a lengthy hike in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.

by Amanda Finn
on Feb 4
The view from along Godwin Trail
Nature

Find 4 Bucket-List-Level Views in Illinois Without Needing to Be an Expert Hiker

Your Illinois bucket list should include these unexpected views with little hiking required.

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Dec 23
Rock formations tower over a green forest with a blue sky.
Nature

This Scenic Illinois Hike Is Even Better in the Winter

If you’re headed to Savanna, Illinois, for the Mississippi Palisade State Park, be sure to hike the Great River Trail this winter.

by Stephanie Frias
on Nov 28
Three people in winter coats standing on a wooden boardwalk overlooking the frozen, icy blue Mississippi River