13 Most Scenic Small Towns In Illinois For Nature Lovers
The state of Illinois is endowed with rich natural resources and boasts a diverse outdoor ecosystem combining wetlands, forests, prairies, and sandstone bluffs. Way from the hustle and bustle of Chicago, the countryside setting promises exciting adventures that beckon tourists to be one with nature. Thriving flora and fauna make for exciting viewing experiences and rare encounters that can't be replicated in the city, attracting hikers, bird-watchers, campers, and other adventurers.
Between its dozens of state parks and protected areas, Illinois has a vast wilderness teeming with bucolic beauty and boundless opportunities for thrill seekers. Whether planning to zipline over the Shawnee National Forest in Makanda or chase majestic waterfalls in Oglesby, here are the most scenic small towns in Illinois for nature lovers.
Highland Park
Highland Park is a picturesque escape on the shores of Lake Michigan with sandy beaches, delightful green areas, and a serene atmosphere. It invites travelers to let loose along the peaceful shores of Rosewood Beach and enjoy a cool dip in the blue waters of Lake Michigan. Those visiting with kids can look forward to a fun family day out at Danny Cunniff Park, whose amenities include a playground, sports fields, and covered picnic areas.
Highland Park's dynamic natural scenery is on display at the Helen Nature Center. This 97-acre sanctuary harbors a mix of oak forests, prairie, and wetlands, resulting in the ideal site to be one with nature. The same applies to the Preserve of Highland Park, where you can witness a delightful mix of native flora and fauna.
Ottawa
Ottawa's amazing natural scenery is underscored by its setting on the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers. A laid-back tour on board the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat exposes guests to amazing sightseeing opportunities, and exposes the town's unmatched beauty from the water. Ottawa boasts a rich network of parks that provide all the reasons to be outside. The 20-acre Allen Park is a lovely spot on the banks of the Illinois River, where you can stroll down lazy paths or find a secluded spot to fish.
Meanwhile, Washington Square Park serves as an urban oasis in the heart of downtown, boasting lush greenery and notable historical significance. Finally, ardent adventurers can immerse themselves in the rugged wilderness of Buffalo Rock State Park through hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking.
Oglesby
This LaSalle County getaway is home to two of Illinois' most visited state parks, making it a haven for outdoor adventurers. Almost two million annual visitors come to experience the magic of Starved Rock State Park. known for its pristine waterfalls, dramatic canyons, mysterious rock formations, and thriving wildlife. Starved Rock is a short distance from Matthiessen State Park, a geological treasure with hiking trails, river bluffs, camping sites, and canyons, culminating in a cool scenery.
The Vermillion River cuts through the park, fueling exciting aquatic opportunities. You can float down its winding course on a raft courtesy of River Bum Rafting for a unique perspective of the town's beauty. Meanwhile, Lehigh Memorial Park presents a more family-friendly reason to be outside, with ball fields, picnic areas, and a disc golf course.
Buffalo Grove
This quaint suburban community on the outskirts of Chicago charms visitors with its scenic rural atmosphere, characterized by green spaces and numerous parks. It promises vacationers endless recreational activities, with families taking advantage of the perfect playground at Willow Stream Park. Amenities include everything from a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a bike path. The Rick Drazner Park is a lovely alternative, offering a similar atmosphere with facilities like a baseball field, a disc golf course, and a playground.
Tourists who prefer a more secluded setting can head to Green Lake Park and look for a quiet spot to admire the water or try their luck fishing. Lastly, the weekly Buffalo Grove Farmers Market welcomes guests to partake in the fresh bounty of its natural areas.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a waterfront community in McHenry County that treats visitors to fun recreational activities on land and water. It is famously home to Three Oaks Recreation Area, which provides direct access to the water for adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Several local outfitters provide tourists with the required gear to enjoy their sport of choice. For instance, you can find all manner of water sports equipment from the Quarry Cable Park, which sits on the shores of Crystal Lake.
The Crystal Lake Park District features dozens of parks across 1,400 acres, providing year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Popular among them is Veteran Acres Playground, home to a playground, a pond, and the spacious Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center.
Galena
Although it is famous for its stunning historic district, with elaborate Victorian buildings, Galena has beautiful outdoor scenery teeming with pristine natural spaces. Grant Park is an excellent example, set on the peaceful banks of the Galena River. Here, people come to have uninterrupted picnics and revel in unparalleled views of the waterway. The Galena River Trail opens doors for hikers and bikers to discover the great outdoors as it winds along the scenic river.
Sightseers and nature photographers love to visit Thunder Bay Falls to admire a gorgeous spectacle just outside downtown. Finally, the snow season is reserved for Chestnut Mountain Resort, which provides world-class slopes for various alpine activities, while boasting terrific Mississippi River views.
Makanda
Makanda is one of the most scenic small towns in Illinois for nature lovers and a gateway to Giant City State Park. This sprawling reserve, covering approximately 4,000 acres, provides the ultimate playground for nature enthusiasts. Between its scenic drives and spectacular hikes, ardent adventurers have an opportunity to discover unique natural treasures. Animal lovers can take inspiration from cute encounters with alpacas at Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch. This adorable sanctuary has a tranquil setting, with a chance to pet the gentle resident giants.
Meanwhile, those feeling adventurous can book a trip with Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours for a magnificent aerial excursion above the dense foliage of the Shawnee National Forest. Makanda also treats visitors to tasty local wines in the verdant setting of Blue Sky Vineyard.
Golconda
Golconda is a quiet waterfront community in Pope County with superb natural areas. At the Golconda Marina, first-timers can make the most of aquatic adventures with access to the vast waters of the Ohio River. The facility offers over 200 slips that expose you to the Smithland Pool Area. Additionally, the Lake Glendale Recreation Area, which lies inside the Shawnee National Forest, welcomes tourists to engage in an array of activities, including fishing, camping, swimming, and boating.
Those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path expeditions can find comfortable walking shoes for wild hikes through Dixon Springs State Park. This storybook nature space can also be explored on horseback if you book a tour with Lake Glendale Stables & Equestrian Center.
Shorewood
This rural getaway in Will County is a popular destination for those seeking a break from urban life. Its vibrant natural scenery features a network of city parks and backcountry wilderness areas, beckoning fun in the open spaces. There is no shortage of opportunities at Hammel Woods, which straddles 445 acres of forests along the banks of the DuPage River. Furthermore, Shorewood Park is ideal for tourists looking to stay close to the city and play some disc golf.
Meanwhile, Cene's Four Seasons Park keeps the outdoor fun going throughout the year. It has wide open fields for walkers and picnickers that turn into a pleasant skiing area when it snows, ideal for all skill levels.
Geneva
Geneva is a suburban municipality west of Chicago, set along the beautiful banks of the Fox River. It enjoys a cool environment due to its many parks and excites newcomers with spectacular vistas of the waterway. You can hop on two wheels for a jaunt along the Fox River Bike Trail to enjoy the great outdoors. Alternatively, an easygoing picnic on the isolated grounds of Peck Farm Park is an excellent pursuit for nature enthusiasts. The reserve boasts a butterfly house and a lake across its 385-acre expanse.
Visitors with kids will prefer Wheeler Park, which sits in the heart of the city. This pleasant property offers shaded picnic areas, a mini golf course, and a playground, the right combo for families after a peaceful day outside.
Harrisburg
Popularly known as the "Gateway to Shawnee National Forest," Harrisburg is a dream destination for extroverted travelers, bursting with natural beauty at every turn. It is traversed by the River to River Trail, a scenic pathway from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, cutting through the Shawnee National Forest. Exploring the route exposes you to some of the most alluring scenery in southern Illinois, featuring grasslands, wetlands, forests, and river bluffs. You can soak in the landscapes while playing at the Shawnee Hills Country Club.
The 9-hole course is famous for its terrific vistas and challenging play. Lastly, those who like to stay within the downtown district will love Harrisburg Township Park, which offers plenty of picnic space and a cool atmosphere.
Savanna
Savanna's admirable scenery incorporates unprecedented views of the Mississippi and Plum Rivers. It promises exciting moments in the great outdoors, inviting vacationers to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars at Spring Lake Campground. This serene nature space also offers activities for boaters, picnickers, fishermen, and more. The Great River Trail also passes through the area, beckoning hikers and bikers with exciting expeditions to discover the backcountry allure.
Ardent outdoorsmen can disappear in the dense wilderness of Mississippi Palisades State Park, which covers over 2,500 acres. The reserve calls on hunters, hikers, campers, fishermen, boaters, and other adventurers to take advantage of its limitless recreational pursuits. However, there is more to do at Marquette Park, such as picnicking and fishing.
Cobden
This secluded village in the southern corner of Illinois stands out for its rich rural setting, marked by sprawling vineyards and orchards. It offers a peaceful escape from the city chaos, inviting vacationers to revel in the open spaces while sipping sweet-tasting craft wines from StarView Vineyards. Set in the picturesque hills of Cobden, this family-run establishment produces award-winning wines from local ingredients. Tourists can get a feel for the region's farm life at Flamm Orchards by picking cherries, peaches, and apples during their free time.
Cobden is also home to the Giant City Nature Trail, a great escape for hikers and nature lovers. The scenic route cascades one mile through giant bluffs and age-old sandstone that culminate in a storybook scenery for all your photo opportunities.
Final Thought
If you naturally gravitate toward the outdoors, the Prairie State offers plenty of spaces where you will feel in your element. However, you have to skip the urban scene in Chicago and travel to the backcountry to discover the most scenic small towns in Illinois for nature lovers. There is no shortage of adventures to indulge in, from hiking isolated Mississippi River trails in Geneva to enjoying fairytale sunset views over Lake Michigan in Highland Park.
