Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Illinois’s Waterfalls
A three-day road trip in Illinois features beautiful and often-overlooked waterfalls and fall-themed spots.
There are so many beautiful waterfalls throughout Illinois that sometimes it's hard to keep track. So, we put together a three-day weekend getaway featuring some of the often-overlooked waterfalls and fall-themed spots around the state. Use the map below, hop in the car, and get going on this waterfalls in Illinois road trip.
Use the interactive Google Maps link to help guide you on this Illinois waterfalls road trip.
1. Start the trip with a stay at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort in Utica.
The numerous Illinois waterfalls inside this water wonderland will get you off on the right foot. It's such an awesome family-friendly fun zone that kids and adults alike will love.
2. Pop into Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby and visit the stunning Lake Falls.
While you're at it, follow the water downstream to Cascade Falls, too. It's one of the most gorgeous falls in Illinois.

3. Continue the falls-themed festivities at The Falls Reception Center in Columbia.
If you stop by at the right time, you might see a wedding in progress. We don't blame people; it's a fairy-tale place for sure. Learn more about The Falls in Illinois on the official website
4. Journey on to Kinkaid Lake in Murphysboro to visit the falls.
Lovingly called "The Spillway", these falls in Illinois flow right into a swimming hole. Read more about this elusive waterfall on the USDA website

5. Finish your weekend at the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden in Mahomet.
These gorgeous gardens wouldn't be complete without one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Illinois. Read more about this awesome place on the Visit Champaign County website
Have you ever visited any of these waterfalls in Illinois? Let us know in the comments! We love to hear from you! If you have a place in Illinois you'd like to see featured someday, tell us about it by submitting this form. You never know; you might just see yours as an article someday soon!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
















