Where to Find the Wilderness in Illinois

When you think of Illinois, you might not think of wilderness. But the Prairie State does have some pretty great natural areas worth visiting this Memorial Day weekend and all summer long.

Starved Rock

Full of canyons and waterfalls, it’s no wonder millions of people visit the state park every year. Visitors can hike, fish, kayak, and ride horses. About 100 miles southwest of Chicago, you can definitely expect some foot traffic this weekend.

Illinois Beach State Park

Chicago beaches are sure to be crowded when they open this weekend, so why not head north to the 4,160-acre park near Zion? You can swim along the Lake Michigan shoreline, observe unique flora, and book a last-minute camping reservation.

Volo Bog State Natural Area

The state’s only open-water bog, a type of freshwater wetland, can be found 45 minutes northwest of the city. Once a glacier that began melting 12,000 years ago, vegetation started growing in the lake 6,000 years ago.

Wolf Creek State Park

After a day trip to this Central Illinois state park during the early days of the pandemic, I’ve wanted to return to check out the wooded campgrounds and pontoon boating. Plus, there is the nearby Eagle Creek Golf Course if you’re looking for a different type of outdoor activity.

Cache River State Natural Area

The swamps and bayous in this downstate natural area might make you think you are in Louisiana or Mississippi. But it’s the cypress trees — which are nearly 1,000 years old and stand at 40 feet tall — that are perhaps most impressive.

Shawnee National Forest

You could spend days in the sprawling forest in Southern Illinois exploring hills, lakes, bluffs, and more landscapes. The Garden of the Gods, Jackson Falls, and Bell Smith Springs are among must-see destinations.