This Natural Wonder in Illinois Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

You'll find some pretty incredible wonders in the Prairie State, both natural and man-made. From Garden of the Gods and the Cahokia Mounds to the Lake Michigan Beaches and the Chicago skyline—and everything in between—there is a lot to explore in Illinois. Personally, though, as a native of eastern Iowa, I've always had an affinity for and a fascination with the Mississippi River.

The sweet little river towns, barges, riverboats, bluffs, sloughs, and grasslands all figure mightily in Land of Lincoln history, as well. In fact, the river runs the entire length of western Illinois, making it, I would argue, the biggest natural wonder of all. Often considered a working river, the Mississippi doesn't really get the amount of love for its natural beauty that some of the state's other waterways do—which is a shame, because I think Mississippi Palisades State Park is one of the prettiest in the state. Its rock formations are some of the most dramatic natural hidden gems in Illinois.

Mississippi Palisades State Park is located in the northwestern part of the state, near the town of Savanna, and it's named for the stunning limestone bluffs that rise up nearly 200 feet from the river below. The park occupies 2,500 wooded acres that stretch along the tops of the palisades.

While the park is far from unknown, it's also surprisingly not one of the most visited parks in Illinois (top honors go to Starved Rock State Park, near Oglesby, which sees more than 2 million visitors each year). In comparison, "only" around 350,000 people visit the Mississippi Palisades on an annual basis, which in a state with more than 12 million people, makes it a bit of a hidden gem—especially when you consider what's here.

The park is home to numerous limestone rock formations and outcroppings, many of which are on the edges of cliffs, overlooking the Mississippi. You'll also find caves, sinkholes, and deep, hardwood forests along the park's miles of trails. There's so much natural wonder here that the National Park Service designated Mississippi Palisades a National Natural Landmark in 1973.

Although it can be busy on weekends in the summer, if you visit on a weekday or at other times of the year, you're likely to have this natural hidden gem in Illinois mostly to yourself. Before you head out, download AllTrails Plus so you'll have maps for all the park's trails at your fingertips when you arrive. Have you visited Mississippi Palisades State Park? What are some other wonders in Illinois that we should know about? Be sure to tell us about your favorites on our Nomination page.

While you're in this gorgeous part of the state, don't sleep on the charming town of Elizabeth or other nearby natural areas, like Apple River Canyon State Park or the fascinating Winston Tunnel State Natural Area. If you're ready to start planning your next Prairie State adventure, give Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner a spin and see what it maps out for you.