With hundreds of acres of parks and forests and miles of trails, Illinois is an outdoor haven
By Jason Paha
Illinois, often celebrated for its expansive prairies, is home to far more than meets the eye. Beyond the iconic flatlands, the state reveals a treasure trove of natural splendor and diverse outdoor adventures. With 64 state parks, six state forests and a national forest, Illinois offers an array of destinations that cater to every type of explorer. From the serene beauty of Anderson Japanese Gardens to the majestic canyons of Starved Rock State Park, and the vast woodlands of Shawnee National Forest, each spot presents a unique opportunity to connect with nature and engage in exhilarating activities. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil stroll, an invigorating hike, or a leisurely paddle, Illinois’ landscapes are brimming with options for groups eager to embrace the great outdoors.
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ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS
Inspired by the famous Portland Japanese Garden, Anderson Japanese Gardens was established in 1978 by John R. Anderson on the site of Anderson’s home in Rockford, 88 miles northwest of Chicago. This 12-acre attraction exists as a not-for-profit entity and features several waterfalls and ponds, streams, rock formations, winding paths and a tea house and guest house. The gardens are also home to numerous species of colorful fish and ducks.
CAHOKIA MOUNDS HISTORIC SITE
Pay a visit to the famous Cahokia Mounds Historic Site in Collinsville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers more than 2,000 acres of archaeological remains and 70 burial mounds. Cahokia Mounds preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico. Occupied from 700 to 1400, the city grew to cover 4,000 acres, with a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 at its peak around 1100. The site is dominated by the hundred-foot-tall Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the Americas, and supported several multiple-mound satellite villages in St. Llouis, East St. Louis, Mitchell, Dupo, and Lebanon Emerald Mound. In 1965 Cahokia Mounds was designated a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1966 and in December 1982 was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
With 27 stunning gardens residing on 385 acres, this botanic garden 24 miles from downtown Chicago has matured into one of the world’s great living museums and conservation science centers. Groups can explore the wonders of the garden by walking or taking a tram tour that includes a panoramic overview of the gardens of the main island. Among the many gardens residing in this museum include the Aquatic Garden (visitors can stroll down a winding boardwalk to view waterlilies and lotuses in various stages of bloom); the English Walled Garden (featuring six garden rooms containing elements of English garden design through the centuries) and the Waterfall Garden (displaying a 45-foot waterfall cascading down a hillside into a series of small, landscaped pools). The garden also has excellent seasonal events including Night of 1000 Jack-o-Lanterns (it’s as incredible as it sounds) and Lightscape (featuring an illuminated trail for enchanting winter nights).
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GREAT RIVER ROAD
The Great River Road is home to a myriad of unique roadside attractions and charming towns. Additionally, it’s also the only location in America where two of our nation’s legendary roadways merge alongside the confluence of three great rivers: Great River Road and Route 66. Take the road to Galena where your group can visit Chestnut Mountain Resort, which is home to fabulous skiing during the winter and also features and alpine slide and zipline, which can be enjoyed during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Another fun stop is Mississippi Palisades State Park, which is located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple Rivers in northwestern Illinois. This 2,500-acre park is rich in Native American history and is a perfect spot to hike and even eagle watch.
On a guided tour at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, travelers can follow the trail taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The two explorers ventured into the western United States from 1803 to 1804. Accordingly, this location is National Trail Site No. 1 on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Important to note is the location at the southern end of the meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. For a spectacular view of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and the surrounding village of Hartford, visitors can ascend the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower. It stands 180 feet tall and has three viewing platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet offering dramatic scenery.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN GRAFTON
Allow seasoned guides from Pere Marquette Stables to accompany you on a 45-minute journey through two and a half miles of picturesque river and hilly landscapes, with the chance to see typical Midwest wildlife such as white-tailed deer, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, songbirds and more. 35-minute hayrides are also available. Pere Marquette State Park offers nearly 20 miles of equestrian trails and groups canenjoy a 45–50-minute horseback ride through beautiful Pere Marquette State Park. You will be riding 2 1/2 miles of scenic trails that will treat you to the sites and clean air nature has to offer.
LINCOLN MEMORIAL GARDEN
This 100-acre woodland and prairie garden in Springfield, 200 miles southwest of Chicago, features six miles of interconnected trails that wind through its restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Architect Jens Jensen designed the garden as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln, and it is home to 12 footbridges, a pond and eight stone council rings, most of which contain views of a lake. Plantings within the gardens include white oaks, sugar maple, dogwood and redbud trees as well as bur oak trees and big bluestem prairie grasses.
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MORTON ARBORETUM
Located in Lisle, just 25 miles west of Chicago, this renowned public garden boasts one of North America’s most extensive collections of woody plants. As an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to tree planting and conservation, it spans 1,700 acres and features more than 222,000 live plants from nearly 4,300 species worldwide. Established in 1922, the arboretum showcases its diverse collections in stunning landscape settings designed for both enjoyment and education. Visitors can explore the grounds on a guided tram tour, which offers a scenic, narrated journey through woodlands, wetlands, and prairie. Additionally, the arboretum includes a four-acre interactive children’s garden and a one-acre maze, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all ages.
RENT A BOAT ON THE LAKE OF EGYPT
Grab your sunscreen and spend the day out of the beautiful Lake of Egypt, located six miles south of Marion. With over 90 miles of shoreline, this activity is perfect for groups of up to 12 who want to sit back and have the freedom to explore the lake on their own. Also located down the road from Marion, Weiner Rides makes renting pontoon boats easy. They also include kayaks and lily pads for an additional fee.
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST
Situated in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest covers approximately 280,000 acres of diverse terrain. This expansive forest offers a rich variety of landscapes, including barrens, prairies, streams, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, and rocky outcrops, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Among its many attractions, the Pomona Natural Bridge Trail is a hidden gem—a 0.3-mile loop near Pomona featuring a picturesque waterfall, ideal for visitors of all ages. Shawnee National Forest also encompasses seven officially designated wilderness areas: Bald Knob, Bay Creek, Burden Falls, Clear Springs, Garden of the Gods, Lusk Creek, and Panther Den.
STARVED ROCK STATE PARK
Nestled near Utica, 92 miles southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park attracts more than two million visitors each year, making it the most popular state park in Illinois. The park is famed for its 18 canyons with towering, moss-covered stone walls and over 13 miles of trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and breathtaking overlooks. Among these trails, Ottawa Canyon stands out with its 0.9-mile path, offering visitors a chance to admire vibrant wildflowers and striking rock formations.
For more information about Illinois’ great attractions, visit enjoyillinois.com
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