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Things to do in Illinois, United States: The Best Waterfalls
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Blackhawk Waterfall, Rocky Glen Waterfall, Little Grand Canyon, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, Burden Falls, Thunder Bay Falls, Worth Waterfalls, Jackson Falls.
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1. Blackhawk Waterfall
2. Rocky Glen Waterfall
3. Little Grand Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Swiss_Zirks - Saint Germain, United States
We didn't get the full experience as due to high waters, part of the trail was closed. We still were able to go to the scenic outlook and climb down to the falls, which was very scenic and we really enjoyed it.
4. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien is an awesome place for recreation in nature. I have biked and hiked the beautiful trails here quite often. The trails are paved with fine crushed stone. The well maintained and well marked trails are wide enough so that two way traffic is not an issue. Occasionally, informative placards are posted along the trails about local history and biodiversity. The main trail is the loop trail which is about 9.4 miles long, and traverses through level meadows and challenging hilly sections. The scenery is beautiful all through with varied vegetation. There are several access points for the loop trail with ample parking space, except the parking lot on Bluff Road. This parking lot provides the closest access to Rocky Glen Waterfall (half mile walk). The waterfall is a prime attraction in the forest preserve; so the small lot gets pretty full. The beautiful Sawmill Creek Bluff Overlook is not too far from here also. About the loop trail, I would say the best stretch is the first five miles starting from the main parking lot at Cass Avenue and I-55. Miles 5-7 are quite hilly and have more bugs. There is a Des Plaines River overlook at Mile 5, but the view is mostly shrouded by trees. Another nice feature in the preserve is a model-airplane field at Mile 3. One negative about the trail is the one major road crossing at busy Cass Avenue at Mile marker 9 (almost the end of the loop). But, all in all, Waterfall Glen has a fantastic trail system providing great enjoyment of the outdoors. It is a very well-maintained forest preserve.
5. Burden Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Swiss_Zirks - Saint Germain, United States
Great little hike around the waterfalls. We were lucky enough to go on a Monday early so there was nobody around. The hike was along a bluff, then down to the canyon floor back to the start and the small waterfalls. Very nice hike.
6. Thunder Bay Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By muselola - Chicago, United States
The waterfall is much larger than I expected! It’s in the Galena Territory near the Eagle Ridge Resort, so if you’re staying there, it’s an easy drive. If you’re in Galena proper it’s a 10min drive via highway 20. There’s ample space to park and a large path to walk up to see the falls. People were even fishing while we were there. Not a big destination, as we stayed for maybe 15 min at the most, but worth the stop!
7. Worth Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Visited the Harry “Bus” Yourell Waterfall Park (simply called Worth Waterfalls) on a weekend in August, and the parking lot was packed. The waterfalls are located a short walk from the parking area (the parking lot needs improvement). The falls and the ponds are part of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s SEPA Station #4. The man-made waterfalls and the pools are a spectacular place to visit and have a picnic. The District has cleverly created a wonderful recreational opportunity while also serving the main function of oxygenating the waters. The walking paths provide easy close access to view the cascading waterfalls. The park is an inviting place for picnics. The scenery and surroundings provides opportunities for memorable photographs. There is a secluded paved trail on the backside of the pumping station running alongside the canal and the golf course. We saw very few people on this ¾ mile trail and enjoyed the walk under the shade of the trees. Worth Waterfalls Park is a gem of a place for family enjoyment. The waterfalls are amazing in spite of being man-made. In addition, the nearby Lake Katherine is worth exploring after a short drive.
8. Jackson Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
