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

Explore some of the least-visited state parks in Illinois through a recommended road trip.

Published Mar 25, 2022

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

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.

Map showing a route from 2331 East Co Road 370N to 18175 State Park Road, with a travel time of 7 hours 40 minutes.
Google Maps

1. Ferne Clyffe State Park

A serene view of a lush green landscape with a lake, framed by trees and rocky terrain in the foreground.
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.

2. Fort de Chartres State Park

A historic site featuring stone buildings and a grassy pathway, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
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.

3. Beaver Dam State Park

A serene lakeside scene with a wooden dock and a sandy path surrounded by lush green trees.
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.

4. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

Lush green trees surround a serene lake, with vibrant foliage and a peaceful atmosphere in a natural setting.
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.

5. Walnut Point State Park

Lush green trees reflect in calm water under a blue sky with fluffy clouds, creating a serene natural landscape.
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.

6. Fox Ridge State Park

A grassy park area with trees, a small bridge, and a pond in the background under a clear blue sky.
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.

7. Sam Parr State Park

Two kayaks, one red and one orange, are parked on the grassy shore by a calm river surrounded by trees.
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!

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