Ever wonder which parks are in the Midwest are the best? Me too! In this article I will attempt the impossible task of picking my 10 personal favorites. This won’t be easy by any means. Several things will go into this decision. Beauty, accessibility, features, trails, history, activities, but most of all I will just be going on personal experience.
Starved Rock State Park:
When its comes to beautiful scenery, very few parks in the Midwest can compare to Starved Rock State Park. Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportunities abound. Starved Rock boosts more than 13 miles of well marked hiking trails, 18 canyons, and 14 different waterfalls! There are also several scenic overlooks found throughout the park. The best times to see waterfalls are in the spring when the snow and ice melt or after a heavy rainfall. The park is located at 2668 E 875th Road in Oglesby, Illinois. For more information, click here.
Hocking HIlls State Park:
If you thought Ohio didn’t have canyons to explore, think again. Hocking Hills State Park features deep valleys, steep cliffs mysterious caves, and stunning waterfalls. The park features over 25 miles of the best hiking you will find in Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park is located in the Hocking Hills region of Hocking County, Ohio. According to USA Today, Hocking Hills is the most beautiful park in the country. I have to agree, its right up there. For more information, click here.
Custer State Park:
Custer State Park is considered one of the best state parks in America. The granite peaks and rolling plains are calling. The clear mountain waters are inviting and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered. Encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to abundant wildlife and adventure; camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing, there’s something here for everyone. Any Black Hills vacation would not be complete without a day spent exploring and enjoying all that this amazing park has to offer. Custer State Park is located at 13329 US Highway 16A in Custer, South Dakota. For more information, click here.
Maquoketa Caves State Park:
This beautiful state park is one of the most popular in the entire state. Located in Jackson County, sitting just Northwest of Maquoketa. The park rests on more then 360 acres of rough, hilly terrain. Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves then any other park in the state. The trail system, offers a beautiful hike, that links together the caves, rock formations, and scenic overlooks. The park features 16 accessible caves, which offer great caving for experienced and inexperienced cavers alike. The hiking trails are just over 6 miles in length, and are a great way to see the park. There is also a campground with 29 campsites, 17 of which have electrical hookups. The park is located at 9688 Caves Road in Maquoketa Iowa. For more information, click here.
Devils Lake State Park:
Devil’s Lake is a 10,000 acre state park, that stands out high above the rest! The lake is the center attraction at Devil’s Lake State Park, which has over 3 million visitors each year. While the park is most known for its gorgeous lake, its also a well sought out location for hiking enthusiasts. The park boasts, an incredible 29 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Many of the trails offer unforgettable views of the lake. Devil’s Lake State Park at S5975 Park Rd in Baraboo, Wisconsin offers some of the best rock climbing in the Midwest. This park is truly gorgeous, offering unique views and some of the most interesting topography in the state. For more information, click here.
Garden of the Gods:
Easily the most popular attraction at Shawnee National Forest . This garden of sandstone sculptures and vast untouched wilderness was fittingly named Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods covers more than 3,300 acres of forest throughout the Southeastern Illinois counties of Saline, Pope and Hardin. There are also plenty of trails for backpacking and horseback riding, allowing nature lovers a welcome tour of what this rugged environment has to offer! Among the 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails, the most popular is Observation Trail. There are also magnificent bluffs which drop more than 100 feet down, but provide breathtaking views of the forests below and beyond. With its massive pillars of sandstone and scenic bluff overlooks, Garden of the Gods is one of the most inspiring views in the Midwest. Garden Of The Gods is located in Hardin, Pope, Saline, and Gallatin counties of Illinois. For more information, click here.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park:
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most amazing state parks you will find in the Midwest. The park rests on more than 3,700 acres of rough, hilly, Ozark terrain. Ha Ha Tonka is a popular destination for hikers looking to enjoy the 15 miles of pristine hiking trails. The park is easy to navigate with a series of trails and boardwalks. The park has been referred to as a geological wonderland, with sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, and one of the largest natural springs in the state, it’s easy to see why. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the ruins of a turn of the century stone castle. Ha Ha Tonka is located at 1491 Missouri D, in Camdenton, Missouri. For more information, click here.
Turkey Run State Park:
If you want to make sure you have an unforgettable experience while hiking this spring or summer, check out the 11 hiking trails open to the public at Turkey Run State Park. Turkey Run State Park is a gorgeous treasure nestled within Marshall, Indiana. Turkey Run State Park is home to many historic sites, like the ravines that lead you to the stunning sandstone gorges, that are hundreds of millions of years old. Turkey Run State Park has 11 gorgeous trails spread throughout the park, spanning around 14 miles in total. With so many miles of trails, caverns, bridges, and fantastic historical sites, Turkey Run State Park is the ideal place to go for the best hiking trails the Midwest has to offer. For more information, click here.
Smith Falls State Park:
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
At 63 feet, Smith Falls is the tallest waterfall in all of Nebraska and it’s also the centerpiece of Smith Falls State Park. Smith Falls State Park is an incredible Nebraska park, and is a popular destination for campers, as well as canoers, kayakers, tubers and others who visit the area to experience the beautiful Niobrara River, a National Scenic River. Not only is the land home to the beautiful falls, it is also an area of biological significance where several ice age species can still be found. Smith Falls State Park is located at 90165 Smith Falls Road Valentine, Nebraska. For more information, click here.
Palisades State Park:
Photo by @k.e.moni (Instagram)
Located just northeast of Sioux Falls sits the gorgeous Palisades State Park, one of the most unique areas in all of South Dakota! The park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers. Palisades State Park campground is next to the beautiful Split Rock Creek and has 34 single-family campsites and 6 cabins. There’s also a playground, picnic area, biking trails and an amphitheater. Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades a popular getaway. The park is located just south of Garretson South Dakota, 10 miles off Interstate 90. For more information, click here.