Top Outdoor Destinations in the State of Illinois
While Illinois is most known around the world for the windy city of Chicago, this midwestern state offers a lot more than skyscrapers. Nicknamed the ‘Prairie State’, Illinois has a pretty spectacular outdoors. Primed with rock formations, historical sites, waters, and gardens — there are a lot more adventures to untuck in Illinois than you might expect.
Here are our top favorite outdoor destinations in the state of Illinois.
Shawnee National Forest
Located in the southernmost part of Illinois, this beautiful landscape is a sight to behold. This forest was actually once completely covered by ice sheets. The ice melted millions of years ago but the result is simply astounding.
The Shawnee National Forest is now the perfect destination for all sorts of outdoor activities. It is the perfect spot for hiking, swimming, and camping.
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Garden of the Gods
Inside the Shawnee National Forest is the Garden of the Gods. This is the true crown jewel of the Shawnee National Forest. Perhaps, the crown jewel of all of Illinois. It is so spectacular that it deserves a spot on this list of its own. It features some of the most beautiful rock formations like the Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Devil’s Smoke Stack.
The garden of the Gods is simply a wonderland for hikers, campers, and photographers.
Anderson Japanese Garden
Hailed as one of the best, if not the best, Japanese gardens in the United States, the Anderson Japanese Garden is vibrant, refreshing, and just magnificent. The colors seem to be straight out of a painting. If you are looking for somewhere lovely to spend the day in, this garden features some of the most beautiful landscaping in the country.
Keep in mind though that the park is only open between May and October.
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Cahokia Mounds
This beautiful historical park was a city formed by American Indians who lived in the area more than 800 years ago. Hailed as America’s Forgotten City, the city flourished and diminished for causes historians have yet to understand and discover.
The said site is believed to be the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. A Woodhenge, fairly similar to the Stonehenge in England, was found here. The 48 wooden posts are built in a circle that aligns with the solar calendar.
The site is spectacular yet unnoticed by most tourists in Illinois. It is about time that we give this park the due interest and attention it deserves. Be sure to give Cahokia Mounds a visit if you are ever in the St. Louis area.
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Starved Rock State Park
Right on the banks of the Illinois river is this gorgeous park, located less than a hundred miles from Chicago. Like the Shawnee National Forest, this park boasts of some of the most gorgeous rock formations that formed when the ice melted millions of years ago.
Some of the rock formations and canyons have waterfalls. This is what makes this park perfect for hikers. After a long trail, you can stop by and refresh to its waters. Keep in mind though that since it is so close to Chicago, it does attract a lot of tourists.
Still, the trail is gorgeous and continues to teem with so much wildlife from deers to migrating birds.
If you are looking into other places to visit while in Chicago, check out our top-rated places to visit in Chicago, Illinois.
