The travel experts over at Only In Illinois hand-picked this article for our audience. Their writers and editors explore the country, tracking down hidden gems, local favorites, natural wonders, and so much more. Check out more finds in your area at OnlyInYourState.com.
Illinois has some really great natural beauty. Did you ever consider trying to see it all along a road trip? You can see all of this breathtaking beauty on this wonderful road trip that visits 10 of the best natural wonders in Illinois.
If you've ever wondered "are there natural wonders in Illinois?" this trip should answer that question! Visiting 10 natural wonders in Illinois, this is the most amazing road trip you'll ever take in the Land of Lincoln. Here is the map of the Natural Wonders Road Trip in Illinois:
Sometimes you can forget just how beautiful Lake Michigan is. This park has 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. There are trails near the beach and also through woods.
The stunning Mississippi Palisades State Park. (Tripp / Flickr)
In terms of natural wonders in Illinois, this is a stunner! "Palisades" refers to the bluffs surrounding the rivers. Trails wind through these bluffs, and where they come out, you can get a peerless view of the Mississippi River. It is lush, green, and awe-inspiring.
The most famous state park in Illinois, this park is home to canyons, waterfalls, and wonderful rock formations. Waterfalls in Illinois? You'll find some of the best here! Overlooks throughout the park give you some great views of the river and the forest. It's also pretty gorgeous in the winter, particularly when the waterfalls freeze.
This state park has loads of great waterfalls, too. (Some of the best natural wonders in Illinois are waterfalls, in fact!) You might not know that there are dells, upper and lower. Interesting rock formations are even more stunning looking up from below.
A stunning natural wonder in Illinois, this bridge was carved by Mother Nature, with an assist from rivers over time. The bridge is about 90 feet long and around 8 feet wide. There is also a small cave in the area to explore.
This Illinois State Park is known for some wacky stone structures. It is also known for its "Giant City Streets," almost a little city but made out of rocks. There are also a whopping 75 varieties of towering trees.
Woods surround some truly amazing rock formations. There are also a few waterfalls through this park. Be sure to see Hawks Cave, a 150-foot-long shelter bluff. Please use extreme caution when exploring this wondrous place, as it's considered one of the most dangerous state parks in Illinois.
You would never know that Illinois is home to some really old trees like this--some of which are 1,000 years old. They seem to just jut out of the bog. These green waters are home to all sorts of wildlife, including sea snakes. One of the most glorious natural wonders in Illinois, ache River State Natural Area is also widely considered one of the state's most beautiful places.
Close out the trip at Garden of the Gods. (Michael / Flickr)
Once you're here, there's no mystery to why this place is named as such. The 320 million year old rocks will blow you away. And the panoramic views, particularly during sunsets, are incredible. It's also home to numerous Illinois waterfalls, which you can read about below!
This giant cave will truly overwhelm you. The mouth is 55 feet long. Don't forget to walk in and turn around to see a great view of the Ohio River.
Looking for more beautiful natural wonders in Illinois? Check out this list of IL wonders!
