The Land of Lincoln is home to 69 state parks, 11 state recreation areas, and six state forests. Among the most popular are Matthiessen State Park, Starved Rock State Park, and Mississippi Palisades State Park. However, there are many underrated parks around the state that are worth visiting as well. Take this road trip to visit some of the least-visited state parks in Illinois.
Ready to gas up the car and hit the road? You can use this interactive map as your guide.
Google Maps
- Ferne Clyffe State Park
Morgan Thomas/AllTrails The beautiful 2,430-acre Ferne Clyffe State Park only receives around 200,000 visitors each year. Known for its abundance of ferns and other fascinating plant species, as well as unique rock formations, visitors can take a variety of trails to explore it all.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more. Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL, USA
- Fort de Chartres State Park
Heath Borders/Google Did you know there is a French fort located in Illinois? Fort Chartres was built back in 1753 and was used as a military base. Today you can visit the remnants of the historic fort at this extraordinary state park.
Read our previous coverage to learn more. Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, 2006, 1350 State Rte 155, Prairie Du Rocher, IL 62277, USA
- Beaver Dam State Park
David Zanter/Google The 750-acre Beaver Dam State Park is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for things to do outside in Illinois. Enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking among other outdoor activities.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more. 14548 Beaver Dam Ln, Royal Lakes, IL 62685, USA
- Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
Kevin Gerstenecker/Google Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area is 1,980 acres and includes gorgeous Lake Ramsey where you can go fishing. You will love being surrounded by woodlands and enjoying the great outdoors here.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more. 671 E 2900 Ave, Ramsey, IL 62080, USA
- Walnut Point State Park
Jessica Shade/Google This underrated 671-acre state park is the place to go for hunting, fishing, and hiking and is located in east-central Illinois.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more. 2331 E Co Rd 370N, Oakland, IL 61943, USA
- Fox Ridge State Park
Kim Gossett/Google This gem of a state park is home to rugged landscape that features wooded ridges, valleys, rolling hills, bluffs, and stunning trails to explore it all. There is also an overlook called the Eagle’s Nest that requires a climb up 144 steps and has views of the river.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more. 18175 State Park Rd, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
- Sam Parr State Park
Denise Trowbridge/Google This lovely state park is home to a 183-acre lake. If you’re looking for a place to go boating, fishing, or canoeing, Sam Park State Park is ideal. It also offers two miles of hiking trails as well as 13 miles of equestrian trails.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more. 13225 IL-33, Newton, IL 62448, USA
Google Maps
Morgan Thomas/AllTrails
The beautiful 2,430-acre Ferne Clyffe State Park only receives around 200,000 visitors each year. Known for its abundance of ferns and other fascinating plant species, as well as unique rock formations, visitors can take a variety of trails to explore it all.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL, USA
Heath Borders/Google
Did you know there is a French fort located in Illinois? Fort Chartres was built back in 1753 and was used as a military base. Today you can visit the remnants of the historic fort at this extraordinary state park.
Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, 2006, 1350 State Rte 155, Prairie Du Rocher, IL 62277, USA
David Zanter/Google
The 750-acre Beaver Dam State Park is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for things to do outside in Illinois. Enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking among other outdoor activities.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
14548 Beaver Dam Ln, Royal Lakes, IL 62685, USA
Kevin Gerstenecker/Google
Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area is 1,980 acres and includes gorgeous Lake Ramsey where you can go fishing. You will love being surrounded by woodlands and enjoying the great outdoors here.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
671 E 2900 Ave, Ramsey, IL 62080, USA
Jessica Shade/Google
This underrated 671-acre state park is the place to go for hunting, fishing, and hiking and is located in east-central Illinois.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
2331 E Co Rd 370N, Oakland, IL 61943, USA
Kim Gossett/Google
This gem of a state park is home to rugged landscape that features wooded ridges, valleys, rolling hills, bluffs, and stunning trails to explore it all. There is also an overlook called the Eagle’s Nest that requires a climb up 144 steps and has views of the river.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
18175 State Park Rd, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Denise Trowbridge/Google
This lovely state park is home to a 183-acre lake. If you’re looking for a place to go boating, fishing, or canoeing, Sam Park State Park is ideal. It also offers two miles of hiking trails as well as 13 miles of equestrian trails.
Visit the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
13225 IL-33, Newton, IL 62448, USA
How would you like to take a road trip to a few of the least-visited state parks in Illinois? Have you visited any of these state parks in the past? Let us know in the comments!
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