Illinois State Parks

05/26/2024

You'll want to stay away from this area!

04/18/2024

Love getting out and experiencing nature but hate overcrowding? National Geographic has published its list of the 10 best national parks to avoid summer crowding, and several Midwestern entries made the cut.

03/11/2024

Lace up those hiking boots to tackle the McAdams Peak Trail in Pere Marquette State Park. This is a hiking trail in Illinois with a breathtaking view.

03/11/2024

Seven years after the 2017 total eclipse thrilled and delighted viewers in the Midwest, another total solar eclipse will be visible over 128 miles of Illinois the afternoon of April 8, 2024. The next total solar eclipse visible in the United States won’t be until 2044. Thirty-one Illinois state pa...

09/04/2023

This challenging 22-mile trail has plenty of rewards as you travel toward the breathtaking Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.

09/04/2023

Fall is the most beautiful time of year. Use this handy interactive map to see when peak fall foliage will happen in your part of Illinois.

08/24/2023

This off-the-beaten-path state parks has a trail that takes you to an abandoned observatory, a restaurant, camping, a lake, and ample space.

07/26/2023

Take a wonderful hike at Illinois Beach State Park trails in Zion, Illinois. Nothing is better than ending up at Lake Michigan.

07/10/2023

Located in Prairie du Rocher in Randolph County, Illinois, the Modock Rock Shelter is an ancient Native American site over 11,000 years old.

07/10/2023

Cliffs at the banks of Spring and Pine creeks are covered with moss and trailing vines at the fairytale-like White Pines Forest State Park.

07/10/2023

A spectacular waterfall overlooks the beautiful blue-green swimming hole, which is surrounded by walls of towering bluffs and boulders.

05/27/2023

This hidden gem waterfall located within a designated wilderness area of the Shawnee National Forest is small, but stunning nonetheless.

05/21/2023

One of the lesser-known state parks in Illinois, Red Hills has nearly 1,000 acres of meadows, ravines, rolling hills, and hiking trails.

05/19/2023

As Americans plan their summer road trips, a new ranking has recognized a popular attraction in Illinois as one of the best places to camp in the Midwest.

03/26/2023

20 Illinois State Parks to visit in 2023

Go swimming, hiking, camping and wildlife spotting at these Illinois state parks to get in touch with nature.

03/03/2023

The Fox Ridge State Park loop trail is a scenic Illinois hiking trail that rewards adventures with serene nature and picturesque overlooks.

02/11/2023

A movement in the southern part of the state seeks to make Shawnee National Forest the first national park in Illinois - and it makes sense!

02/05/2023

02/05/2023

Buffalo Rock State Park is one of the smallest in the Prairie State, but it’s home to one of the most intriguing natural wonders in Illinois.

12/27/2022

Whether you walk in town or venture farther afield, the key to enjoying a winter walk in the woods or prairies is to wear the right clothing.

12/27/2022

Channahon State Park is the smallest state park in Illinois, and it is known for being the trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail.

12/27/2022

Explore the great outdoors of Illinois on a hike each month this year!

12/09/2022

If you love walking in a winter wonderland than these winter hikes in Illinois are sure to invigorate your outdoorsy spirit.

11/02/2022

From exploring a cave to dining in a restaurant with matching stone walls, it all adds up to a fun cave-themed day trip.

10/28/2022

There are plenty of state parks waiting for explorers, and this underrated hiking trail in Illinois is the perfect pick for an adventure.

10/23/2022

10/20/2022

If you are looking for a more interesting, adventurous hike, here are five Illinois trails with rock formations that are unforgettable.

09/24/2022

Brace yourselves, autumn lovers: You won’t have to travel all too far and wide to catch prime views of fall foliage. Instead, you can head to an Illinois state park.

07/28/2022

Take a road trip to some of the state's most underrated parks.

07/28/2022