Illinois is home to many state parks, and chances are you’re just a day trip away. Whether you’re aiming to hike all day, or just want an excuse to pack a picnic, here are ten of the best state parks to visit in Illinois:
- Kankakee River State Park (Bourbonnais)
CamPixie/Flickr This 4,000-acre state park is located on both sides of the Kankakee River for an impressive 11 miles. Throughout the year, Kankakee River State Park offers plenty of things to do outside in Illinois including camping, boating, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more.
Visit the web page for more information. 5314 IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA
- Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby)
John/Flickr Considered the best state park in Illinois, Starved Rock State Park offers sandstone canyons, waterfalls, overlooks, and plenty of beauty throughout its 2,630 acres.
Read our previous coverage for more information. Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
- Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry)
James Jordan/Flickr With 2,200 acres of wetlands, lakes, a river, and forest, there’s plenty of wildlife to see here. And if you’re looking for hiking trails in Illinois, Moraine Hills State Park has 10 miles of trails that are perfect for exploring.
Visit the web page for more information. 1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051, USA
- Matthiessen State Park (North Utica)
Curtis Abert/Flickr Located close to Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park is another one of the best state parks to visit in Illinois. Here you’ll find fascinating geological formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails to explore it all.
Visit the web page for more information. 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USAMatthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
- Rock Cut State Park (Caledonia)
Good Free Photos/Flickr With two lakes for fishing and ice skating in the winter, both hiking and equestrian trails, camping, and more, this state park offers plenty of things to do outside in Illinois.
Visit the web page for more information. 7318 Harlem Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111, USA
- Illinois Beach State Park (Zion)
Mike Steele/Flickr This 4,000-acre state park offers plenty of hiking trails and a tranquil beach getaway. Spend some time along the shores of Lake Michigan while taking in the stunning scenery around you. It’s truly one of the best state parks in Illinois.
Read our previous coverage for more information. 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, USA
- Shabbona Lake State Park (DeKalb Co.)
EarlRSchumaker/Flickr Shabonna Lake State Park is home to a large manmade lake popular for both fishing and boating. Other activities include hunting, hiking, camping, and in the winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Visit the web page for more information. 4201 Shabbona Grove Rd, Shabbona, IL 60550
- Illini State Park (Marseilles)
Eli Naeher/Flickr At just 510 acres, this smaller state park is home to several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, gorgeous views, campsites, picnic areas, and playgrounds. It’s one of the best state parks in Illinois to take the family.
Visit the web page for more information. 2660 E 2350th Rd, Marseilles, IL 61341, USA
- Chain O’Lakes State Park (Spring Grove)
Eric Gravengaard/Flickr With over 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline, Chain O’Lakes State Park is the best park in Illinois to visit if you love the water. Aside from the lakes, there are also plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as camping, fishing, boating, and more. It’s a true outdoor lover’s paradise at this state park!
Visit the web page for more information. James Road, James Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081, USA
- Pere Marquette State Park (Grafton)
Don Kasak/Flickr Set alongside the Illinois River, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest state park in Illinois. At over 8,000 acres, there is plenty of beauty to explore here.
Read our previous coverage for more information and plan your visit to Pere Marquette, one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois! Grafton Visitor Center, 950 E Main St, Grafton, IL 62037, USA
Did we miss any of your favorite state parks to visit in Illinois? Let us know in the comments.
CamPixie/Flickr
This 4,000-acre state park is located on both sides of the Kankakee River for an impressive 11 miles. Throughout the year, Kankakee River State Park offers plenty of things to do outside in Illinois including camping, boating, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more.
Visit the web page for more information.
5314 IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA
John/Flickr
Considered the best state park in Illinois, Starved Rock State Park offers sandstone canyons, waterfalls, overlooks, and plenty of beauty throughout its 2,630 acres.
Read our previous coverage for more information.
Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
James Jordan/Flickr
With 2,200 acres of wetlands, lakes, a river, and forest, there’s plenty of wildlife to see here. And if you’re looking for hiking trails in Illinois, Moraine Hills State Park has 10 miles of trails that are perfect for exploring.
Visit the web page for more information.
1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051, USA
Curtis Abert/Flickr
Located close to Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park is another one of the best state parks to visit in Illinois. Here you’ll find fascinating geological formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails to explore it all.
Visit the web page for more information.
2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USAMatthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Good Free Photos/Flickr
With two lakes for fishing and ice skating in the winter, both hiking and equestrian trails, camping, and more, this state park offers plenty of things to do outside in Illinois.
Visit the web page for more information.
7318 Harlem Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111, USA
Mike Steele/Flickr
This 4,000-acre state park offers plenty of hiking trails and a tranquil beach getaway. Spend some time along the shores of Lake Michigan while taking in the stunning scenery around you. It’s truly one of the best state parks in Illinois.
Read our previous coverage for more information.
1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, USA
EarlRSchumaker/Flickr
Shabonna Lake State Park is home to a large manmade lake popular for both fishing and boating. Other activities include hunting, hiking, camping, and in the winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Visit the web page for more information.
4201 Shabbona Grove Rd, Shabbona, IL 60550
Eli Naeher/Flickr
At just 510 acres, this smaller state park is home to several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, gorgeous views, campsites, picnic areas, and playgrounds. It’s one of the best state parks in Illinois to take the family.
Visit the web page for more information.
2660 E 2350th Rd, Marseilles, IL 61341, USA
Eric Gravengaard/Flickr
With over 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline, Chain O’Lakes State Park is the best park in Illinois to visit if you love the water. Aside from the lakes, there are also plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as camping, fishing, boating, and more. It’s a true outdoor lover’s paradise at this state park!
Visit the web page for more information.
James Road, James Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081, USA
Don Kasak/Flickr
Set alongside the Illinois River, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest state park in Illinois. At over 8,000 acres, there is plenty of beauty to explore here.
Read our previous coverage for more information and plan your visit to Pere Marquette, one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois!
Grafton Visitor Center, 950 E Main St, Grafton, IL 62037, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks To Visit In Illinois February 20, 2022 Melissa M. What are some of the best hiking trails in Illinois? The Prairie State is filled with beauty best explored by trail. Take one of these 12 incredible Illinois hikes to discover some of the natural beauty around the state. Where can I go camping in Illinois? If you want to maximize your time outdoors, camping is always a good way to do that. Check out these 15 amazing camping spots in Illinois to plan your next camping adventure. What are some of Illinois’ most fascinating natural wonders? Natural wonders abound throughout the state, and some can be discovered within one of Illinois’ state parks or natural areas. Check out this post to learn about places like the Cache River Natural Area which is home to ancient cypress trees and the otherworldly rock formations at Garden of the Gods, among others.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks To Visit In Illinois
February 20, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the best hiking trails in Illinois? The Prairie State is filled with beauty best explored by trail. Take one of these 12 incredible Illinois hikes to discover some of the natural beauty around the state. Where can I go camping in Illinois? If you want to maximize your time outdoors, camping is always a good way to do that. Check out these 15 amazing camping spots in Illinois to plan your next camping adventure. What are some of Illinois’ most fascinating natural wonders? Natural wonders abound throughout the state, and some can be discovered within one of Illinois’ state parks or natural areas. Check out this post to learn about places like the Cache River Natural Area which is home to ancient cypress trees and the otherworldly rock formations at Garden of the Gods, among others.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Prairie State is filled with beauty best explored by trail. Take one of these 12 incredible Illinois hikes to discover some of the natural beauty around the state.
Where can I go camping in Illinois?
If you want to maximize your time outdoors, camping is always a good way to do that. Check out these 15 amazing camping spots in Illinois to plan your next camping adventure.
What are some of Illinois’ most fascinating natural wonders?
Natural wonders abound throughout the state, and some can be discovered within one of Illinois’ state parks or natural areas. Check out this post to learn about places like the Cache River Natural Area which is home to ancient cypress trees and the otherworldly rock formations at Garden of the Gods, among others.
