Top Things to do in Illinois
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Things to do in Illinois, United States: The Best State Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Starved Rock State Park, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, Lowden State Park, Castle Rock State Park, White Pines Forest State Park, Cave-in-Rock State Park, Giant City State Park, Silver Springs State Park, Matthiessen State Park.
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1. Starved Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,562 reviews
Known for its magnificent rock formations of St. Peter sandstone, this scenic park offers many hiking and horseback riding trails plus fishing and boating along the banks of the Illinois River.
Reviewed By tigrr49 - Chicago, United States
Took about 3 - 3.5 hours to hike from visitor's center down to LaSalle Canyon while hitting Starved Rock, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, Eagle Cliff Overlook, and Lover's Leap Overlook in that order. French Canyon is pretty (sunlight glistened off the water onto the canyon walls) and most accessible but it also crowded for that reason. The waterfall at Wildcat was a small trickle compared to the others but it's also very high which is cool. LaSalle Canyon was definitely worth the hike especially since you can walk behind the waterfall for some cool photos. I would not recommend for young children (mine are 8 and 10) to do the whole distance we did. My kids certainly enjoyed the hike, several photo ops, and lunch / snacks along the way. Lastly, visitor center is nice and clean with pretty decent food options if that's your fancy. Extra Tips: Make it a 2 day trip and hit Matthiesen State Park - Dells Area nearby on your other day. Also, I read St. Louis Canyon and Ottawa Canyon can be nice but we didn't have enough time to hit them.
2. Mississippi Palisades State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Rich in American Indian history, this 2,500-acre park offers a variety of outdoor activities including boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking and hiking.
Reviewed By HollisGert - Aurora, United States
If you enjoy hiking in a forest in the fall this is a great place to visit. Best marked trails with a great trail map. Park Ranger was very helpful in giving us information. Facilities available near camp sites. Although one visitor said short hikes...one trail connects to another. We hiked for close to three hours. You can also enjoy the overviews at the south park entrance by driving to easily accessible viewing points. Trails are more challenging at the south park entrance. We didn't attempt these. Illinois State Parks do not have entrance fees for hiking.
3. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
4. Lowden State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Best known as home to the statue "Eternal Indian," this park is set on high bluffs along the Rock River.
Reviewed By Calmac3 - Crystal Lake, United States
Although the Blackhawk statue is currently under wraps as its being restored, the lookout point is still open soaring high above the Rock River. There were RVs camped out when we visited and the park office was open. The Tate Campus was closed for a private event but the trails were also accessible. One of our favorite places to visit in Oregon—-very easy to get to. Scenic destination.
5. Castle Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Named for a large sandstone butte along the Rock River, this park has no camping.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
State parks are a treasure that should never be taken from the public. Fortunately, after being closed for a few months due to budget cuts made by the disgraced former governor, Rod Blagojevich, Castle Rock State Park and 10 other state parks were reopened by his successor, Pat Quinn, in 2009. Located near the town of Oregon, Castle Rock State Park covers 2,000 acres in Ogle County, on the banks of the Rock River. Established in 1921 by the "Friends of Our Native Landscape," the park's centerpiece is a bluff of exposed St. Peter Sandstone from the Middle Ordovician period, called Castle Rock. The bluff, which offers a scenic view of the river and surrounding greenery, is made up of newly exposed sections of white quartz while older areas have browner tints from the formation of limonite. For geologists, this area is very important. The bluff is along the axis of the Sandwich Fault Zone, separating Ordovician exposures form those of the Cambian period. Visitors can picnic in the park and kayak in the river and also climb a walkway to the top of Castle Rock, a natural monument which overlooks the Rock River. The surrounding area is very pristine, affording visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day in the country.
6. White Pines Forest State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Illinois' third oldest state park is rich in history.
Reviewed By fancypants2014 - Chicago, United States
We like it so much here we came back 3 days in a row! The trails map in the foldable brochure doesn't show that most trails connect. The connection trails are not marked on map. If the office is open go inside and get a map with the connections marked. However this map doesn't show the river crossings, so we used a combo of both maps. We meandered around all day, 10 miles each of the 3 days. The trails offer many difficulty levels. You will climb up and steep grade, you will climb down and steep grade, you will walk flat, you will cross the river several times, once on rocks and the other on official stepping stones. Sometimes over walking bridges. What a great variety to spend a day hiking in. We can't wait to come back! Tip: wear bug spray, bring water.To be nearest the most trail heads park near the lodge and cabins. I also like there a plenty pit toilets scattered around and picnic tables.
7. Cave-in-Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By 4471 - Robinson, United States
The cave is so neat, and the history of this area is interesting. It's a short walk up / down the stairs to reach the cave, and a nice view of the river - from the cave level and the overlook above. The campground looks nice too. The ferry ride across the river was fun, although the Amish stores on the Kentucky side were all closed until March so we wasted about an hour driving there... I've heard the restaurant here is good, but it was closed when we visited.
8. Giant City State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By Whereisjenjen - Covington, United States
This is a must do for all the citizens of Illinois! An amazing park! The lodge should be a national icon! The restaurant within the lodge is absolutely the best! Their all you can eat chicken dinner is the best! We stayed in the historic cabins. While the decor is still 90s I didn’t mind at all! It gave it that hone to camp feel and I was very pleased! You have to stop at the visitor center and meet the snake and turtle! I was very happy to see them there and that the park employees were educating the public that black rat snakes are not the devil that most think they are! Giant City Trail! Just do it! Come here, stay here come back again and again. I’m very sad I live in Kentucky and that it will be a while before I can visit again. I’m proud to say that my great great grandpa was from Anna which is very close to the park and Makanda! Gives me an excuse to come back!
9. Silver Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By tammy410711 - Yorkville, United States
Silver Springs is a perfect place to take a walk or just sit and take in the scenery during any of the seasons ! Whether you are looking for a short path along one of the lakes or a longer trek down the paths along the Fox River you can’t go wrong. There are picnic areas, a bait and seasonal snack shop, peddle boats,cross country ski paths and much more! The famous Farnsworth house is visible depending on which end of the park you’re at too! Getting to Silver Springs takes you on a nice ride through some very friendly towns that offer something for everyone!
10. Matthiessen State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 496 reviews
Reviewed By jediforce77 - Normal, United States
Great day trip for anyone in central or northern Illinois, It's beautiful hiking and picnic area the hiking is a little more rugged than Starved Rock or Buffalo Rock. And you must be able to handle stairs and mud. The water and mud is part of the charm of Matthiessen State Park. if you are going in a draught season you will not see the true beauty for the water flowing. There nothing like hearing the beautiful sound of the waterfalls in the distance. I recommend taking hiking boots and get ready to get a little dirty. It a great place to spend a few hours and have a nice picnic but please clean up after your self this place deserves to stay in the natural state. The Stairs will be a downfall for the disabled but there is no other way to get down and up without destroying the place. Enjoy this excellent park but take care of it.
