Shawnee Camel Rock Garden of the Gods Shawnee Camel Rock Garden of the Gods
Illinois may not have the obvious natural wonders of, say, California, but our beautiful Prairie State still has plenty of beauty to offer. If you can bear the ludicrously harsh winters, the state rewards its spunky residents with forests to roam, valleys to explore, and quaint small towns with a timeless quality. With spring in the air and flowers in bloom, now is the perfect time to get out of the city and take a drive. Of course, Chicago is filled with its own unique beauty, but to truly soak in the beauty of the season, nature is calling and you have to respond. What it lacks in elevation and altitude, it more than makes up for with national forests, state parks, attractions, and more Abraham Lincoln-related ephemera than you’ll know what to do with. From hikes and scenic drives to museums and Native American heritage, here are 15 destinations that prove Illinois is much more beautiful than you think.
Zion
Illinois Beach State Park, less than two hours north of the city, is a great place to visit in any season. Stretching 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan, the park features vast sandy beaches, wildlife-filled grasslands, and five miles of trails for hiking, biking, and camping. If you’re looking to avoid the harsh elements, the park’s Illinois Beach Hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend getaway. Rooms with beachfront balconies offer the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and the locally sourced restaurant opens for the season in April.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford
What was once a streamside marsh has grown into one of the most tranquil and beautiful places in the entire state. Anderson Japanese Garden was the brainchild of Rockford businessman John Anderson, who was inspired by the Portland Japanese Garden and wanted to create a similar garden in his hometown. So he worked with designer and artisan Hoichi Kurisu to create an enchanting landscape of Japanese trees, waterfalls, winding paths and artistic rock formations. Take a guided Serenity Walk to achieve Zen, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and dine al fresco.
Baha’i House of Worship | Flickr/Shutter Runner
Wilmette
City dwellers may not realize that one of the “Seven Wonders of Illinois” is just around the corner. Located in Wilmette, a suburb north of Chicago, the Baha’i House of Worship is the oldest surviving Baha’i temple and is open to the public. This impressive structure took 50 years to complete, with meticulous attention to detail and architectural elements that incorporate groupings of nines, the number that symbolizes “perfection” in the Baha’i faith. As a result, the building and surrounding gardens foster a spirit of unity and peace. During the spring and summer, the temple welcomes visitors to soak up its grandeur – and maybe even get in touch with their own inner spirituality along the way.
Great Rivers National Scenic Byway | Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois
Hartford
Along the Illinois-Missouri border in southwest Illinois, the byway winds through towns and countryside, skirting dramatic cliffs and forested bluffs. One of the oldest river valleys in the United States, the byway spans the confluence of the Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi rivers for 33 breathtaking miles. From Hartford, travel northwest on Illinois Route 3 to the Great River Road, passing idyllic waterfront villages such as Wood River, East Alton, Alton, Elsa, Chautauqua and Grafton. Each has its own unique charm, with antique shops, guided tours, live music venues and romantic inns, hotels and bed & breakfasts to create a memorable getaway.
Garden of the Gods | Sandeep Pinjerla/Shutterstock
Southern Illinois
This vast 280,000-acre national forest in southern Illinois is both the state’s most beautiful natural attraction and its best-kept secret. Take in the spectacular views from the top of Fountain Bluff, with sweeping panoramas of the mighty Mississippi River, while the iconic Garden of the Gods Wilderness is a great place to set up camp year-round or take in some serious walking along the 160-mile River to River Trail.
Starved Rock State Park | Flickr/Tom Gill
Oglesby
It’s no wonder Illinois’ most visited state park is so popular. As amazing as 2,630 acres are, the countless frozen waterfalls cascading down the numerous caves, cliffs and sandstone walls are what really make it worth traversing the park’s 18 canyons and 13 miles of trails. It’s also worth stopping off for a seasonal cocktail at the historic Starved Rock Lodge after your hike, or if you’re health-conscious, spend the night here. If you’re feeling brave, take it up a notch with a stop in nearby historic boozy town LaSalle.
Illinois State Capitol | Flickr/Brandon Bartoszek
Springfield
If political action isn’t pretty to watch, the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield is arguably one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings in America, especially when surrounded by lush wildflowers. Built in 1868 in the French Renaissance Revival style and topped with an ornamental dome, the 361-foot-tall building is open to tour and is taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Afterwards, visit the home where Abraham Lincoln lived before he became the 16th President of the United States. You can make your entire Springfield visit Abraham Lincoln-themed with a stop at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Galena
Proudly named one of America’s most charming small towns, Galena’s downtown and 800-building historic district are a sight to behold under any circumstances. Stroll down Main Street to see Americana-inspired shops and restaurants that seem preserved in time, then spend a few hours exploring the stately Ulysses S. Grant Mansion before settling in at the DeSoto House Hotel, the state’s oldest lodging establishment since 1855, picking up a great Airbnb like the Historic Owl House, or cozying up at the Inn at Irish Hollow. Before heading back to the big city, stretch out on the slopes of Chestnut Mountain, work up a sweat on the cross-country ski trails of the Galena River Trail, or strap on your snowshoes to take in the views at Eagle Ridge Nordic Center.
Giant City State Park | Wildnerdpix/Shutterstock
Makanda
From guided moonlit hikes and spring birdwatching to multiple public art exhibits, Giant City State Park offers a variety of activities for every season. Nearly 12 miles of equestrian trails make it a special place for outdoor enthusiasts of all types, but of particular note is “Giant City Street,” located along the main nature trail, a massive sandstone cliff formed approximately 12,000 years ago. Stay in a cozy cabin at the historic Giant City Lodge and soak up the rustic grandeur that has charmed visitors for decades.
Matthiessen State Park | Flickr/Joseph Gage
Oglesby
Attracting far fewer visitors than the 2.5 million that flock to nearby Starved Rock State Park each year, this state park is less crowded but just as awe-inspiring, offering canyons, cascading waterfalls, pristine grasslands, beautiful rock formations and forest hikes. Popular winter snowshoe and cross-country ski trails also melt in time for spring and summer hikes.
Peoria
Just because it’s only 2.52 miles long doesn’t mean you should dismiss this national historic site as just another pretty driveway. Opened in 1903, this well-trodden trail offers stunning all-season panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley, and was even dubbed “the most beautiful driveway in the world” by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1910. As you drive along scenic tree-lined roads and past mansions, the views are mesmerizing and might just inspire you to make a buck and live there full-time.
Cahokia Mounds | Flickr/Doug Kerr
Collinsville
Located just northeast of St. Louis, Missouri, this sprawling 2,200-acre site is Illinois’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site and, no joke, encompasses the ruins of the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. Who would have known? Your to-do list includes climbing Monk’s Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork on the continent, checking out Woodhenge, an ancient observatory, and delving into the site’s interpretive center for a glimpse into daily life from 1050 to 1200 A.D. Though exhibits and galleries are closed for most of 2024 for mechanical renovations, the site is open from dawn to dusk, and guided tours are available by reservation.
Explore Savannah
Savannah
Located near the confluence of the mighty Mississippi and Apple Rivers, this state park is a favorite among Big Sky enthusiasts and offers 15 miles of ruggedly groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking trails, plus plenty of ice fishing when the weather is right. Explore towering cliffs, limestone caves and wooded canyons. If you’re feeling confident, bring your own equipment and tackle two of the state’s most popular rock climbing formations, Twin Sisters and Indian Head.
Downtown Urbana Historic District | Henrik Sadula/Shutterstock
Urbana
Most visitors to Champaign-Urbana come to romp with the University of Illinois college kids or watch Big Ten football at Memorial Stadium, but off-season road trippers can find plenty of more cultural treats just outside the campus area, such as the Downtown Urbana Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 thanks to its many charming landmarks, including Busey’s Hall/Princess Theatre, an Art Deco masterpiece built in 1870.
Morton Arboretum
Lyle
So lace up your hiking boots and get out there; there’s no time like the present to hit the loop trails of this 1,700-acre nature preserve, conveniently located just outside of Chicago. You don’t have to be a botanist to appreciate the extensive collection at this suburban oasis, founded in 1922 by Joy Morton (founder of the Morton Salt Company), which spans 4,100 species and more than 200,000 cataloged plants. There’s always something new to discover here, including the Wonder Woods Mini Golf pop-up, which runs from May 24 through the summer. And with just 25 miles from downtown, the preserve is one of Chicagoland’s easiest and most convenient fresh-air getaways.
Wall Dogs
Kewaunee
Named one of America’s best small towns by the talented cartographers at Rand McNally, Kewanee has been captivating visitors with its ambitious and eye-catching public art collection since a group of 210 renowned international painters known as the Walldogs took up their brushes and descended on this northwestern Illinois hamlet in 2013. Grab your selfie stick and immerse yourself in local lore on Kewanee’s self-guided “History in the Paint” tour, which takes you through 15 outdoor murals and offers Instagram-worthy views along the way.
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Matt Kirouac is a Thrillist contributor.
Meredith Heil is senior urban editor at Thrillist. Ellanor Bock is a Thrillist contributor.
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