Filled with fascinating rock formations, overlooks, waterways, and waterfalls, Illinois’ scenery is hard to beat. For those of us who are lucky enough to live here, we know about the abundance of beauty and natural wonders that can be found throughout the Prairie State and can be seen for free! Here are seven of those natural wonders that can be viewed without opening your wallets.
- Cache River Natural Area, Belknap
Ed Reschke/Stone via Getty Images This natural area’s diverse acreage is home to four distinct ecological systems, but the most striking area of the reserve is where you can find giant ancient cypress trees with buttresses measuring up to 40 feet in diameter. Growing out of a swamp, some of these trees are over 1,000 years old and a hike here will make you feel like you’re in another world. To learn more about Cache River Natural Area, visit this post.
- Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville
snikeltrut/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images This state park has over 2,400 acres and is considered one of the most scenic natural areas in the state. Although it’s filled with bluffs, rock formations, and forest, it’s actually the Ferne Clyffe Waterfalls that’s the biggest draw for hikers. For information on how to hike to the waterfall, visit this post.
- Garden of the Gods, Herod
Buckeye92/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Famous for its otherworldly rock formations, Garden of the Gods is home to outstanding hikes, camping, and views unlike anywhere else in the state. This 3,300-acre reserve is part of the Shawnee National Forest and is a true natural wonder. For more information on Garden of the Gods, visit this post.
- Inspiration Point, Wolf Lake
Curtis Abert/Flickr You’ll find inspiring views of the Mississippi River and Big Muddy Riverbottom atop this 300-foot limestone cliff. Getting there does involve a hike of 0.7 miles with elevation, but the panoramic views are so worth the climb! Read more about Inspiration Point in our previous post.
- Giant City State Park, Makanda
snikeltrut/ iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Giant City State Park is known for its giant sandstone bluffs and rock formations and it has numerous trails to explore them. One such trail leads through a labyrinth of towering rocks, creating a hiking experience that’s fun for both kids and adults alike.
- Bell Smith Springs, Ozark
Matt Tomlinson/AllTrails Canyons, sandstone cliffs, streams, and lush vegetation are abundant in this part of the Shawnee National Forest. Bell Smith Springs has a trail system that leads to many marvelous rock formations including a 150-foot natural bridge! To learn about this natural bridge, head to our previous post and read all about it.
- Pomona Natural Bridge, Pomona
Larry Senalik/Flickr The Pomona Natural Bridge is a stone arch that measures 90 feet in length. You can view this natural wonder via a short 0.3-mile loop trail. You can walk below the structure or, if you’re feeling adventurous, use the metal bar ladder (with caution) to climb to the top for a different vantage point. Learn more about hiking to this natural bridge by reading our previous coverage.
This list isn’t even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to natural wonders in the Prairie State, but it should give you a good start on places to visit if you haven’t already been. What other natural wonders would you add? Please list them in the comments.
Ed Reschke/Stone via Getty Images
This natural area’s diverse acreage is home to four distinct ecological systems, but the most striking area of the reserve is where you can find giant ancient cypress trees with buttresses measuring up to 40 feet in diameter. Growing out of a swamp, some of these trees are over 1,000 years old and a hike here will make you feel like you’re in another world. To learn more about Cache River Natural Area, visit this post.
snikeltrut/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
This state park has over 2,400 acres and is considered one of the most scenic natural areas in the state. Although it’s filled with bluffs, rock formations, and forest, it’s actually the Ferne Clyffe Waterfalls that’s the biggest draw for hikers. For information on how to hike to the waterfall, visit this post.
Buckeye92/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Famous for its otherworldly rock formations, Garden of the Gods is home to outstanding hikes, camping, and views unlike anywhere else in the state. This 3,300-acre reserve is part of the Shawnee National Forest and is a true natural wonder. For more information on Garden of the Gods, visit this post.
Curtis Abert/Flickr
You’ll find inspiring views of the Mississippi River and Big Muddy Riverbottom atop this 300-foot limestone cliff. Getting there does involve a hike of 0.7 miles with elevation, but the panoramic views are so worth the climb! Read more about Inspiration Point in our previous post.
snikeltrut/ iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Giant City State Park is known for its giant sandstone bluffs and rock formations and it has numerous trails to explore them. One such trail leads through a labyrinth of towering rocks, creating a hiking experience that’s fun for both kids and adults alike.
Matt Tomlinson/AllTrails
Canyons, sandstone cliffs, streams, and lush vegetation are abundant in this part of the Shawnee National Forest. Bell Smith Springs has a trail system that leads to many marvelous rock formations including a 150-foot natural bridge! To learn about this natural bridge, head to our previous post and read all about it.
Larry Senalik/Flickr
The Pomona Natural Bridge is a stone arch that measures 90 feet in length. You can view this natural wonder via a short 0.3-mile loop trail. You can walk below the structure or, if you’re feeling adventurous, use the metal bar ladder (with caution) to climb to the top for a different vantage point. Learn more about hiking to this natural bridge by reading our previous coverage.
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Address: 930 Sunflower Ln, Belknap, IL 62908, USAAddress: Goreville Road, Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, USAAddress: Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Illinois, USAAddress: Larue Rd, Wolf Lake, IL 62998, USAAddress: Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USAAddress: Bell Smith Springs Road, Bell Smith Springs Rd, Illinois 62972, USAAddress: Natural Bridge Road, Natural Bridge Rd, Pomona, IL 62975, USA
