The Land of Lincoln has so much beauty to explore from its scenic drives to its lakes, parks, and so much more. If you want to connect with nature in Illinois, you can plan a trip to one of these state and local parks that offer something for everyone.
- Giant City State Park, Makanda
Michael Flavin/AllTrails Located in the Shawnee National Forest is the 4,000-acre Giant City State Park filled with incredible sandstone rock formations, towering trees, wildflowers, and so much more. You can even explore a rock maze here. Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
- O’Fallon Community Park, O’Fallon
Joya Carthy/Google With plenty of sports fields, tennis courts, a playground, walking paths, and more, this community park is a wonderful place to spend some time outside with the family. Visit the web page to learn more. O’Fallon Community Park, 401 E 5th St, O’Fallon, IL 62269, USA
- Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
Nicholas Arceneaux/Google Enjoy the beach along the shores of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park. With over 4,000 acres, its a gorgeous, peaceful park to explore. Read our previous coverage to learn more. Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, IL 60099, USA
- Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area, Yorkville
Eric Qiu/Google This Illinois state park is home to a natural spring, gorgeous prairies, oak trees, manmade lakes, and plenty of wildlife. For recreation, there’s an archery range, boating, hiking, canoeing, and more. Visit the web page for more information. 13608 Fox Rd, Yorkville, IL 60560, USA
- Betty Russell Community Park, Gurnee
David Ausbrook/Google With a skate park, tennis courts, sports fields, hiking trails, picnic shelters, a playground, a seasonal ice rink, and a seasonal hockey rink, this community park is a great place for the whole family to spend some time outdoors. Visit the web page for more information. 5300 Pinewood Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
- Wilder Park, Elmhurst
Ale Carazo/Google Located in the center of Elmhurst, Wilder Park is an oasis that offers something for everyone. Spend some time at the conservatory, walk through the butterfly garden, and visit Veterans Memorial. Special events are held in the park throughout the year as well. Visit the web page for more information. Wilder Park, 175 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA
- Apple River Canyon State Park, Apple River
Hardik Santoki/Google Apple River Canyon State Park is quite a hidden gem tucked away in the northwest corner of Illinois. Found within the park is the Apple Ruver, limestone bluffs, dozens of bird species, wildlife, and trails to explore it all. It’s a lovely park to connect with nature. Read our previous coverage to learn more. 8763 E Canyon Rd, Apple River, IL 61001, USA
What parks do you like to visit to connect with nature in Illinois? Is your favorite park on this list? Please let us know in the comments.
Michael Flavin/AllTrails
Located in the Shawnee National Forest is the 4,000-acre Giant City State Park filled with incredible sandstone rock formations, towering trees, wildflowers, and so much more. You can even explore a rock maze here.
Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Joya Carthy/Google
With plenty of sports fields, tennis courts, a playground, walking paths, and more, this community park is a wonderful place to spend some time outside with the family. Visit the web page to learn more.
O’Fallon Community Park, 401 E 5th St, O’Fallon, IL 62269, USA
Nicholas Arceneaux/Google
Enjoy the beach along the shores of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park. With over 4,000 acres, its a gorgeous, peaceful park to explore. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Eric Qiu/Google
This Illinois state park is home to a natural spring, gorgeous prairies, oak trees, manmade lakes, and plenty of wildlife. For recreation, there’s an archery range, boating, hiking, canoeing, and more. Visit the web page for more information.
13608 Fox Rd, Yorkville, IL 60560, USA
David Ausbrook/Google
With a skate park, tennis courts, sports fields, hiking trails, picnic shelters, a playground, a seasonal ice rink, and a seasonal hockey rink, this community park is a great place for the whole family to spend some time outdoors. Visit the web page for more information.
5300 Pinewood Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
Ale Carazo/Google
Located in the center of Elmhurst, Wilder Park is an oasis that offers something for everyone. Spend some time at the conservatory, walk through the butterfly garden, and visit Veterans Memorial. Special events are held in the park throughout the year as well. Visit the web page for more information.
Wilder Park, 175 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA
Hardik Santoki/Google
Apple River Canyon State Park is quite a hidden gem tucked away in the northwest corner of Illinois. Found within the park is the Apple Ruver, limestone bluffs, dozens of bird species, wildlife, and trails to explore it all. It’s a lovely park to connect with nature. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
8763 E Canyon Rd, Apple River, IL 61001, USA
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