Ferne Clyffe State Park

This 2400 acre park has incredible geological features that people have taken notice of for at least the past 100 years. There are picturesque woods that swirl through awesome rock formations. There are also some fantastic vistas. Unusual plants (including ferns) make it green and lush.  But the main attraction at the park is no doubt the Ferne Clyffe Falls. For more information, click here.

Matthiessen State Park

This picture is owned by Tonya Boyd

Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology, as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for any outing. Canyons, streams, waterfalls, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. For more information, click here.
Cave-In-Rock State Park
You might not think that Illinois has much in the way of caves, but there is one cave that will truly blow your mind! Cave in Rock State Park, is located in Cave in Rock, a sleepy town in southern Illinois. The park is located on the banks of the Ohio River, and is available for camping and hiking year round. Visitors can explore inside the cave on foot, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ohio River from within! For more information, click here.
Starved Rock State Park

This picture is owned by Tonya Boyd Photography

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. In 1966 Starved Rock State Park was named a National Historic Landmark, and now 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. For more information, click here.
Giant City State Park

This picture is owned by Michael Flavin

At Giant City State Park, you will be in awe of the incredible rock formations that were forged some 12,000 years ago. The Giant City Nature Trail, which is only a mile long, gives you a lot of bang for your buck.  This short trail leads to an abandoned prehistoric fort that was used for military action long before this area was part of Illinois or America. Giant City Stone Fort Site is currently an abandoned pile of rocks that used to be a stone enclosure that was built around 600-900 AD. There are actually about 10 of these old structures in the area, and they are believed to have been either former military forts or ceremonial temples. For more information, click here.
To find more of Illinois’s amazing locations, click here.