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Point of interest
Garden of the GodsThis short but challenging hike through the Shawnee National Forest gives you front-row seats to one of the coolest geological structures in Southern Illinois.
Illinois
From Chicago’s lakefront to rural prairie and river bluffs, Illinois reveals a state shaped by water, trade, and open land.
Top Stops
Top places to visit in Illinois, from signature stops to easy additions for the trip plan.
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Point of interest
Cahokia MoundsThese grass-covered mounds are not just part of a pretty outdoor park they are actually the remnants of an ancient pre-Columbian Native American city that dates back over 1,000 years.
Point of interest
Matthiessen State ParkLocated a few miles south of Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, in Deer Park, Illinois, is situated on 1,700 acres and was established in 1943.
Information
Explore Information inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
IntroductionOutdoor adventure and history collide in the remarkable midwestern state of Illinois.
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Point of interest
Auto TouringA road trip through Illinois is guaranteed to be full of surprises. Head to the south for breathtaking natural beauty as you cruise along the rocky sandstone bluffs and around the flowing rivers.
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Park
Explore Park inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Waterfall Glen Forest PreserveThis stunning 2,492-acre forest is a beautiful area known for its lush foliage, cascading waterfalls, and extensive trail system.
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Point of interest
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural AreaThis sprawling 2,537-acre nature preserve is more than just protected grassland prairie.
Point of interest
Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife AreaThis 1,775-acre plot of land is one of the best places to see uncommon species of birds.
Auto Tour
Explore Auto Tour inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Great River RoadAs its name implies, this scenic route travels along the mighty Mississippi River, hugging the border between Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.
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Point of interest
Historic National RoadTake a drive-through history as you travel along the first federally-funded road in the entire country.
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Point of interest
Historic Route 66This 425-mile route is the quintessential journey for many road trippers traveling through Illinois.
Walking
Explore Walking inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Chicago River WalkConsidered to be the beating heart of Chicago, this 1.25-mile stretch of paved walkway runs straight along the southern bank of the Chicago River.
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Point of interest
Chicago Lakefront TrailIdeal for tourists and first-time visitors, this 19-mile trail navigates along Lake Michigan and through the heart of downtown Chicago, boasting a wild mix of both urban and outdoor attractions.
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Point of interest
Illinois & Michigan Canal State TrailThe 80-mile journey along the Illinois River is like a trip back in time.
Hiking
Explore Hiking inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Bell Smith Springs Natural Bridge TrailThis leisurely hike through Bell Smith Springs takes you to the largest natural bridge in the state.
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Point of interest
Bluff TrailThis 2-mile loop through the heart of Matthiessen State Park is a moderate but fun trek with tons of exciting natural sights along the way.
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Point of interest
Castle Rock State Park LookoutThere may be plenty of beautiful spots to visit in this state park, however, the views from this scenic lookout are second to none.
Bicycling
Explore Bicycling inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Chicago Lakefront TrailIdeal for tourists and first-time visitors, this 19-mile trail navigates along Lake Michigan and through the heart of downtown Chicago, boasting a wild mix of both urban and outdoor attractions.
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Point of interest
Fox River TrailThis is a great long-distance route for cyclists who want a mix of city and nature.
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Point of interest
Great Western TrailTravel along the same paths as the historic Chicago Great Western Railway when you cycle down this 17-mile trail.
Beach Access
Explore Beach Access inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Glencoe BeachDespite its small size, this beach happens to be one of the busiest during the summer season.
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Point of interest
Lake Bluff Sunrise BeachPerched on the Lake Michigan shore near Lake Bluff sits this small, residential beach.
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Point of interest
Lighthouse BeachThis beach on the North Shore in Evanston may be small, but it is impeccably clean and great for all types of outdoor activity.
Swimming
Explore Swimming inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Bell Smith SpringsThis might be one of the most popular places to go swimming in the entire state of Illinois!
Point of interest
Bork FallsEscape the heat (and the crowds) with a visit to this beautiful waterfall in the Ferne Cliff State Park.
Point of interest
Fish Lake BeachSpend the day soaking in the sun and splashing around in the water during your visit to this fun, family-friendly beach in Volo.
Point of Interest
Explore Point of Interest inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Bork FallsEscape the heat (and the crowds) with a visit to this beautiful waterfall in the Ferne Cliff State Park.
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Point of interest
Bell Smith SpringsBetween the sandstone cliffs, babbling creeks, and secret swimming holes, this lush park is one of the best places to visit in the Shawnee National Forest.
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Point of interest
Burden FallsThis waterfall may only be 20-feet in height, but it is trickling streams that flow for an additional 80-feet across steep rocks and sandstone ledges, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the state!
Birding
Explore Birding inside Illinois with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Garden of the GodsThis short but challenging hike through the Shawnee National Forest gives you front-row seats to one of the coolest geological structures in Southern Illinois.
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Point of interest
Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife AreaIllinois largest man-made lake is a paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts.
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Point of interest
Dixon Waterfowl RefugeThis natural area was recently restored in 2001 after the lakes and floodplains spent several decades completely drained.
Nearby Parks Around Illinois
Compare nearby parks around Illinois when planning alternatives, extensions, or a follow-up trip.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Illinois
Explore nearby points of interest around Illinois to build stop-level options beyond this park's top picks.
10.8 mi away
Rock Island Trail
This trail traces the route of the former Chicago, Rock Island, and Peoria Railroad that operated for over 130 years.
23.6 mi away
The Constitution Trail
37 miles of this 43-mile outdoor trail system is built over existing railroad tracks that were once used by the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.
23.7 mi away
Historic Route 66
This 425-mile route is the quintessential journey for many road trippers traveling through Illinois.
23.7 mi away
Jubilee College State Park
Located six miles west of Peoria, Illinois, Jubilee College State Park was established in 1933 on 3,200 acres.
35.4 mi away
Rock Island Trail State Park
The Rock Island Trail State Park is a 26-mile rail trail with several points of interest dotted along the way.
36.5 mi away
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
The Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is one of three refuges managed under the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex.
