7 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Illinois This Year

Known for its expansive, native grasslands, Illinois is also home to glacier-carved canyons and the sandy dunes of Lake Michigan. This rich natural heritage makes Illinois the perfect outdoor playground. In southern Illinois, Garden of the Gods rises above the Shawnee Hills with dramatic sandstone formations like Camel Rock and Anvil Rock, shaped by millions of years of wind and rain. Farther north along Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach preserves the state’s only beach ridge shoreline, where sandy beaches give way to dunes, and wet prairies inside a 4,160-acre state park.

Garden Of The Gods, Herod

Enchanting and otherworldly, the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest is aptly named. This remarkable recreation area features unique rock formations formed millions of years ago as wind and rain wore away the sandstone in the Shawnee Hills. Highlights of the garden include Camel Rock, Mushroom Rock, and Anvil Rock.

The best way to see the rocks and enjoy incredible views over the forest canopy is from the 0.25-mile Observation Trail, an interpretive path with educational signage that leads to the top of the bluffs. There are picnic sites along the trail if you want to take a breather and grab a snack. There are also campgrounds nearby for those planning a longer stay in Shawnee National Forest. The Observation Trail is open from 6 am to 10 pm. Visit in spring to see blooming wildflowers along the trail or plan your trip for the fall to snap some dazzling photos of the autumn foliage.

Illinois Beach, Lake Michigan

Illinois may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go to the beach. The state borders Lake Michigan to the north, where you’ll find Illinois Beach, the only beach ridge shoreline in Illinois. The 6.5-mile stretch of sandy shore is protected by the Illinois Beach State Park, which also contains sand dunes, marshes, oak forests, and wet prairies.

The 4,160-acre park contains swimming beaches, fishing ponds, a bike path, 5 miles of hiking trails, and campgrounds so you can plan the perfect day out. Visit the beach in the summer for a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan’s cool waters, but be aware that there are no lifeguards on the beaches. Swim in designated areas only and check local water conditions first. Lake Michigan is known for its unpredictable weather and dangerous rip currents.

Cache River State Natural Area, Belknap

The Cache River State Natural Area in southern Illinois preserves ancient wetlands, created centuries ago when the Ohio River diverged from the Cache River. The resulting floodplain contains swamps of incredible biodiversity and is a particularly important habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, making it one of the few designated Wetlands of International Importance in the country. There are more than 100 threatened or endangered plant and animal species in the area.

Aside from birdwatching, the Cache River is popular with hikers, bikers, and anglers. You can also see the wetlands up close, paddling through the timeless beauty of the Lower Cache River Swamps along 6 miles of canoe routes. Highlights of the wilderness area include its thousand-year-old Cypress Trees, huge monoliths rising out of the swamp, and measuring 40ft around. Visit the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center, open Thursday to Monday, to learn more about the ecology of this fascinating area and see what you can spy from the wildlife viewing area, which overlooks a thriving wetland. Time your visit for spring to escape the summer heat and insects. This is also when you’ll be able to see the area’s migratory birds.

Burden Falls, Eddyville

One of Illinois’ highest waterfalls, Burden Falls, is a memorable sight. Nestled in pristine hardwood forest, the falls are created by Burden Creek, which tumbles 20ft over a sandstone ledge before dropping another 80ft into a canyon formed by glacial run-off. The falls are very accessible with a parking lot near the Upper Falls and trails that weave through the forest up to the cascades.

To get the best views, see the falls in spring. At this time of year, there is less foliage, so you can see the waterfall better, and spring rains keep the water level high. If you’re looking for a unique photo opportunity, go in winter, after a prolonged period of icy temperatures, when the falls are frozen.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington

Part of the Chicago Wilderness, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a sprawling expanse of native grassland and also the site of a special prairie restoration project, which involves North America’s largest land mammal. In 2015, 27 bison were introduced to the 20,283-acre preserve to help manage and maintain the prairie with their grazing habits. You can learn more about the project and what researchers have learned so far at the Midewin Welcome Center to see interpretative exhibits about the prairie’s natural history. The center is open Monday to Friday and on Saturdays during busy seasons.

While at the center, you can also pick up a trail map to explore the 34-mile network of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. Your best chance of seeing bison is along the Route 53 Trail, a 1.5-mile limestone path that runs between Route 53 and the bison pasture, ending at the Welcome Center. Trails are open year-round but the best time to visit the prairie is between April and October when the Welcome Center runs regular tours and programs to educate guests on the ecological importance of prairie restoration and the flora and fauna it supports.

Little Grand Canyon, Pomona

Illinois isn’t just flat prairie. If you’re up for a climb, the 365ft ascent from the depths of Little Grand Canyon is a rewarding hike with spectacular views over the Mississippi River. The Little Grand Canyon, in southern Illinois, is a designated National Natural Landmark in recognition of its unique mix of upland forest, floodplain, dry hill prairies, and sandstone outcrops.

Explore the canyon on foot via the 3-mile Little Grand Canyon Trail. This is a moderate to difficult trail, but it can be taken in sections if you want a shorter walk. There are several scenic viewpoints at regular intervals where you can take a break and look out for soaring hawks or turkey vultures gliding over the trees. The trail meanders along the base of 300-foot bluffs and through the forest before ascending out of the canyon to higher ground and clifftop views.

Visit in spring to avoid the mosquitoes and ticks that are rife in the summer months and to catch beautiful wildflowers along the trail. Check the weather before you go, though. The canyon is prone to flooding, so you may want to skip your hike if there’s been heavy rain.

Cave-In-Rock State Park

Tucked into the rocky bluffs of the Ohio River is Cave-In-Rock, a 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone thousands of years ago. First discovered by European explorers in 1729, the cave became a hiding place for outlaws, robbers and bandits during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1929, it was acquired by the state as part of the 64.5-acre Cave-In-Rock State Park.

A beautiful recreation area on the banks of the Ohio River, the park offers boating, fishing, and hiking. A short trail leads from the parking area down to the cave, which is at river level. Trails above the cave wind through the forest with stunning views over the river. There’s also a campground and restaurant if you’re looking for a longer visit. The park is open year-round, but it can get busy in the peak summer months. For some incredible photography, visit at peak fall foliage, which, in southern Illinois, is typically the last week of October.

Outdoor Adventures In Illinois

The above natural wonders showcase a side of Illinois most visitors miss. While tourists flock to exciting hubs like Chicago or take a ride down the legendary Route 66, it’s also worth considering a trip into the tranquil wilderness of this beautiful Midwest state. If you want to hit more than one attraction on our list, head for the Shawnee National Forest area, where you can plan a road trip around many of the sites, including Garden of the Gods, Burden Falls, and the Little Grand Canyon, which are all within driving distance of each other. If you’re looking for a longer stay where you can switch off, immerse yourself in nature and have an active but relaxing vacation, check out the campgrounds and cabins around the Ohio River and Shawnee National Forest. Whatever your plans, Illinois delivers a family-friendly, memorable vacation amid its ancient and breathtaking landscapes.