Think Illinois is all skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza and city breaks? Think again! Swap the Chicago skyline for sandstone canyons. Trade the traffic for winding forest trails. Forget the Uber and grab the car keys, because beyond the Windy City lies an Illinois most visitors never see: rugged, wonderfully unexpected and practically begging to be explored.
Imagine stepping onto a forest trail early in the morning, the air cool and earthy, leaves crunching beneath your boots as birdsong replaces the hum of traffic. Then there's the sudden rush of a waterfall echoing between towering sandstone walls, the scent of damp rock and pine hanging in the air. This is Illinois with the volume turned all the way up.
This is the side of the Prairie State where you can hike through dramatic canyons in the morning, chase Mississippi River views by afternoon and finish the day under a canopy of stars. So, if your idea of a perfect holiday involves muddy boots, scenic road trips, hidden gems and just enough adrenaline to make the hotel bed feel very welcome, it's time to look beyond Chicago. Your Illinois getaway starts here!
If Illinois had a show-off natural wonder, Starved Rock State Park would probably be it.
Just a couple of hours from Chicago, this spectacular park is packed with sandstone bluffs, wooded trails and dramatic canyons carved by thousands of years of erosion. There are more than 13 miles of trails to explore, so whether you fancy a gentle wander or something a little more energetic, there’s plenty to keep your boots busy.
And then there are the waterfalls: after decent rainfall, temporary waterfalls tumble through some of the canyons, adding a little extra drama to an already photogenic landscape. Naturally, your camera will be doing overtime. The terrain isn't entirely a walk in the park - despite, well, literally being in a park. Expect stairs, uneven ground and some uphill sections. Sensible footwear and a reasonable level of fitness will make the experience considerably more enjoyable.
Check trail conditions before you go. Parts of Starved Rock have been subject to trail improvement work, and access can change. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides current information for visitors.
Travel blogger tip: Go early. Not only will you beat some of the crowds, but there’s something rather magical about having the trails to yourself before the rest of the world wakes up.
Ready to head somewhere a little more remote? Point the car south.
Way down in southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is where things get properly outdoorsy. Think forests, cliffs, rock formations, winding trails and enormous amounts of fresh air.
This is the sort of place where you can happily spend an entire day outside and barely notice the time passing. Hiking, climbing, horseback riding and scenic drives are all on the menu, depending on your mood.
This is the side of the Prairie State where you can hike through dramatic canyons in the morning, chase Mississippi River views by afternoon and finish the day under a canopy of stars. So, if your idea of a perfect holiday involves muddy boots, scenic road trips, hidden gems and just enough adrenaline to make the hotel bed feel very welcome, it's time to look beyond Chicago. Your Illinois getaway starts here!
First stop: Starved Rock State Park
If Illinois had a show-off natural wonder, Starved Rock State Park would probably be it.
Just a couple of hours from Chicago, this spectacular park is packed with sandstone bluffs, wooded trails and dramatic canyons carved by thousands of years of erosion. There are more than 13 miles of trails to explore, so whether you fancy a gentle wander or something a little more energetic, there’s plenty to keep your boots busy.
And then there are the waterfalls: after decent rainfall, temporary waterfalls tumble through some of the canyons, adding a little extra drama to an already photogenic landscape. Naturally, your camera will be doing overtime. The terrain isn't entirely a walk in the park - despite, well, literally being in a park. Expect stairs, uneven ground and some uphill sections. Sensible footwear and a reasonable level of fitness will make the experience considerably more enjoyable.
Check trail conditions before you go. Parts of Starved Rock have been subject to trail improvement work, and access can change. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides current information for visitors.
Travel blogger tip: Go early. Not only will you beat some of the crowds, but there’s something rather magical about having the trails to yourself before the rest of the world wakes up.
Go wild in Shawnee National Forest
Ready to head somewhere a little more remote? Point the car south.
Way down in southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is where things get properly outdoorsy. Think forests, cliffs, rock formations, winding trails and enormous amounts of fresh air.
This is the sort of place where you can happily spend an entire day outside and barely notice the time passing. Hiking, climbing, horseback riding and scenic drives are all on the menu, depending on your mood.
And the scenery? Let's just say Illinois clearly didn't get the memo that it was supposed to be flat and boring.
Shawnee is particularly good for travellers who prefer their holidays without a rigid itinerary. Pick a trail, find a viewpoint, stop for photographs, breathe in the fresh air and see where the day takes you.
Southern Illinois has a surprisingly varied landscape, from forested hills and towering rock formations to open countryside that seems to stretch forever.
If you're venturing into more remote areas, bring water, wear proper footwear and check weather and trail conditions before setting off.
Despite the slightly intimidating name, Giant City State Park isn't home to actual giants. Sadly.
What it does have is a spectacular collection of enormous sandstone formations, forest trails and rugged scenery near Makanda in southern Illinois.
The park is popular with hikers and climbers, and the rock formations give the landscape a wonderfully wild feel. Even if scaling a cliff face isn't on your holiday bucket list, the trails are more than enough reason to visit.
It's also a brilliant place to slow down! Because outdoor travel doesn't always have to mean heart-pounding activity followed by another heart-pounding activity. Sometimes it's simply wandering through a forest, scrambling over rocks, finding an unexpectedly gorgeous viewpoint and thinking, “Why didn't more people tell me about this place?” Exactly.
Next up: Cave-in-Rock State Park. Yes, that's its actual name. No, we're not making this up.
Overlooking the Ohio River, the park takes its name from a sizeable limestone cave carved into the river bluffs. It’s an unusual stop and a great option if you're building a road trip around Illinois' more offbeat attractions.
There's something wonderfully old-school about arriving somewhere with a name that essentially says exactly what you're going to find.
Explore the cave, admire the river, take a scenic drive and soak up a little local history. There's no need to spend every minute racing towards the next big attraction.
If you thought Illinois was all prairie and farmland, prepare to have that theory thoroughly dismantled. Head towards the western side of the state and you'll encounter the mighty Mississippi River.
Shawnee is particularly good for travellers who prefer their holidays without a rigid itinerary. Pick a trail, find a viewpoint, stop for photographs, breathe in the fresh air and see where the day takes you.
Southern Illinois has a surprisingly varied landscape, from forested hills and towering rock formations to open countryside that seems to stretch forever.
If you're venturing into more remote areas, bring water, wear proper footwear and check weather and trail conditions before setting off.
Meet the giants at Giant City State Park
Despite the slightly intimidating name, Giant City State Park isn't home to actual giants. Sadly.
What it does have is a spectacular collection of enormous sandstone formations, forest trails and rugged scenery near Makanda in southern Illinois.
The park is popular with hikers and climbers, and the rock formations give the landscape a wonderfully wild feel. Even if scaling a cliff face isn't on your holiday bucket list, the trails are more than enough reason to visit.
It's also a brilliant place to slow down! Because outdoor travel doesn't always have to mean heart-pounding activity followed by another heart-pounding activity. Sometimes it's simply wandering through a forest, scrambling over rocks, finding an unexpectedly gorgeous viewpoint and thinking, “Why didn't more people tell me about this place?” Exactly.
Fancy going underground?
Next up: Cave-in-Rock State Park. Yes, that's its actual name. No, we're not making this up.
Overlooking the Ohio River, the park takes its name from a sizeable limestone cave carved into the river bluffs. It’s an unusual stop and a great option if you're building a road trip around Illinois' more offbeat attractions.
There's something wonderfully old-school about arriving somewhere with a name that essentially says exactly what you're going to find.
Explore the cave, admire the river, take a scenic drive and soak up a little local history. There's no need to spend every minute racing towards the next big attraction.
Chase Mississippi River views
If you thought Illinois was all prairie and farmland, prepare to have that theory thoroughly dismantled. Head towards the western side of the state and you'll encounter the mighty Mississippi River.
Pere Marquette State Park, near Grafton, is a particularly gorgeous place to experience it. Sitting above the Mississippi, the park offers hiking, scenic viewpoints and plenty of opportunities to simply stop and appreciate the landscape.
And honestly? This is road-trip territory at its finest. Forget rushing from attraction A to attraction B. Take the scenic route. Pull over when the view demands it. Find a little café. Take approximately 847 photographs of the river. You know. Holiday stuff.
Here's the secret to exploring Illinois: don't just pick a destination. Pick a route.
A road trip gives you the freedom to connect the state's outdoor highlights while discovering the small towns, roadside stops and random little gems that don't always make it into the guidebooks.
You could combine Starved Rock with southern Illinois, add the Mississippi River to your itinerary or follow sections of the legendary Route 66.
Illinois is deeply woven into the history of Route 66, making it particularly fun for travellers who like their outdoor trips with a side order of Americana.
And please don't over-plan. Some of the best travel memories happen when you take the wrong turning, spot an interesting sign and decide, “Why not?”
Within reason, obviously. This is a holiday, not a documentary about poor decision-making.
Before we get too carried away romanticising the great outdoors, let's talk safety. Getting lost, dehydrated or injured? Less brilliant.
Check the weather before setting off, especially if you're heading into remote areas. Wear shoes with decent grip, take plenty of water and stay on designated trails. At Starved Rock, visitors are advised to remain on marked paths, and swimming and wading in the park's waterways are prohibited.
If you're exploring somewhere remote, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return. Keep your phone charged and remember that mobile coverage isn't guaranteed everywhere. Basically: be adventurous, not reckless!
Nobody puts “get injured on holiday” on their itinerary. But if you're hiking, climbing, cycling, driving or trying pretty much any activity involving the great outdoors, accidents are possible. If you're seriously injured and believe someone else may have been responsible (perhaps because of a road collision, unsafe premises or another potentially negligent situation) getting appropriate professional advice can be useful.
If you're spending time in Chicago or travelling through the area, it can be sensible to have the contact details of an injury attorney handy, particularly if you need advice about your legal options following an accident. You can find further information from an injury attorney in Chicago. Of course, this isn't a substitute for individual legal advice, and anyone seriously injured should seek appropriate medical attention first.
Hopefully you'll never need that number. But knowing where to turn if something goes wrong is one less thing to worry about.
Ah, the eternal travel question. The answer? It depends on what you're after.
Fresh greenery, blooming landscapes and excellent hiking conditions can make spring a lovely time to visit. Just remember that spring showers can turn trails muddy - waterproof footwear isn't the worst idea.
Long days mean more time for hiking, camping and road-tripping. The downside? Illinois can get hot and humid, so start outdoor activities early and carry plenty of water.
Now we're talking! If colourful forests and crisp hiking weather are your idea of heaven, autumn is hard to beat. Southern Illinois and Starved Rock can be particularly spectacular when the leaves change.
Quieter trails, dramatic landscapes and a completely different atmosphere await. Just don't underestimate the cold. Check conditions, opening hours and trail accessibility before heading out.
Chicago deserves its moment in the spotlight. It really does. But don't make the mistake of flying into Illinois, ticking off the city and flying straight back out again.
Beyond the skyscrapers are sandstone canyons. Beyond the famous food scene are forest trails. Beyond the city streets are rivers, caves, cliffs and winding roads begging to be discovered.
So hire the car, take the scenic route, get muddy! Climb something. Stop somewhere just because it looks interesting. And, most importantly, try to look beyond Chicago.
And honestly? This is road-trip territory at its finest. Forget rushing from attraction A to attraction B. Take the scenic route. Pull over when the view demands it. Find a little café. Take approximately 847 photographs of the river. You know. Holiday stuff.
Turn the journey into part of the fun
Here's the secret to exploring Illinois: don't just pick a destination. Pick a route.
A road trip gives you the freedom to connect the state's outdoor highlights while discovering the small towns, roadside stops and random little gems that don't always make it into the guidebooks.
You could combine Starved Rock with southern Illinois, add the Mississippi River to your itinerary or follow sections of the legendary Route 66.
Illinois is deeply woven into the history of Route 66, making it particularly fun for travellers who like their outdoor trips with a side order of Americana.
And please don't over-plan. Some of the best travel memories happen when you take the wrong turning, spot an interesting sign and decide, “Why not?”
Within reason, obviously. This is a holiday, not a documentary about poor decision-making.
A tiny bit of sensible stuff
Before we get too carried away romanticising the great outdoors, let's talk safety. Getting lost, dehydrated or injured? Less brilliant.
Check the weather before setting off, especially if you're heading into remote areas. Wear shoes with decent grip, take plenty of water and stay on designated trails. At Starved Rock, visitors are advised to remain on marked paths, and swimming and wading in the park's waterways are prohibited.
If you're exploring somewhere remote, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return. Keep your phone charged and remember that mobile coverage isn't guaranteed everywhere. Basically: be adventurous, not reckless!
And yes, accidents can happen
Nobody puts “get injured on holiday” on their itinerary. But if you're hiking, climbing, cycling, driving or trying pretty much any activity involving the great outdoors, accidents are possible. If you're seriously injured and believe someone else may have been responsible (perhaps because of a road collision, unsafe premises or another potentially negligent situation) getting appropriate professional advice can be useful.
If you're spending time in Chicago or travelling through the area, it can be sensible to have the contact details of an injury attorney handy, particularly if you need advice about your legal options following an accident. You can find further information from an injury attorney in Chicago. Of course, this isn't a substitute for individual legal advice, and anyone seriously injured should seek appropriate medical attention first.
Hopefully you'll never need that number. But knowing where to turn if something goes wrong is one less thing to worry about.
When should you visit Illinois?
Ah, the eternal travel question. The answer? It depends on what you're after.
Spring
Fresh greenery, blooming landscapes and excellent hiking conditions can make spring a lovely time to visit. Just remember that spring showers can turn trails muddy - waterproof footwear isn't the worst idea.
Summer
Long days mean more time for hiking, camping and road-tripping. The downside? Illinois can get hot and humid, so start outdoor activities early and carry plenty of water.
Autumn
Now we're talking! If colourful forests and crisp hiking weather are your idea of heaven, autumn is hard to beat. Southern Illinois and Starved Rock can be particularly spectacular when the leaves change.
Winter
Quieter trails, dramatic landscapes and a completely different atmosphere await. Just don't underestimate the cold. Check conditions, opening hours and trail accessibility before heading out.
Your Illinois adventure starts here
Chicago deserves its moment in the spotlight. It really does. But don't make the mistake of flying into Illinois, ticking off the city and flying straight back out again.
Beyond the skyscrapers are sandstone canyons. Beyond the famous food scene are forest trails. Beyond the city streets are rivers, caves, cliffs and winding roads begging to be discovered.
So hire the car, take the scenic route, get muddy! Climb something. Stop somewhere just because it looks interesting. And, most importantly, try to look beyond Chicago.
Because Illinois' wild side is out there - and frankly, it's been waiting far too long for its close-up! (Photo credits: Annie Tray-Gavin, Brandon Karaca, AJ Wallace)
