The 10 Best State and National Parks in Illinois

Illinois is best known for Chicago, a bustling city that’s a cultural mecca. Home to stunning architecture, Michelin-starred eateries, and renowned museums, Chicago has it all.

But what about the other parts of Illinois? Did you know that some of the most beautiful parks in the USA call Illinois their home?

From picturesque landscapes to educational opportunities, Illinois has a variety of different parks to visit, which include over 73 state parks for you to explore.

Whether you’re a nature lover or city-dweller, there are lots of reasons why you should visit a park in Illinois.

If you’re looking to adventure in Illinois nature, enter your ZIP code above first to ensure you are fully covered on the road!

The Best Parks in Illinois

For travelers on a fixed budget, spending the day exploring a natural park is a pretty affordable source of entertainment.

In addition to discovering the park’s natural wonders, you’re also privy to a variety of ecosystems including history and wildlife conservation. Some even teach classes about geology and wildlife photography.

So, now that we’ve piqued your interest, why not check out our list of the best park to visit in Illinois?

#10 – Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

Area: 1,367 acres
Established: 1909
Highlights: Observation Trail

Deemed one of the most photographed areas in Illinois, Garden of the Gods‘ beauty is unsurpassed. Here, you can hike, camp, or have a picnic while you enjoy nature.

Its Observation Trail is a fourth of a mile long and surrounds the park; made of natural sandstone, it will take you approximately one hour to walk.

With both steep and smooth grades, the path is easy to navigate, but you should use caution due to the high cliffs in this region.

#9 – Ferne Clyffe

Area: 2,430 acres
Established: 1949
Highlights: 18 diverse trails

Ferne Clyffe State Park is a scenic spot where ferns are bountiful. In addition to unique types of plant life, this park is also home to fascinating rock formation and vistas.

The numerous recreational facilities located in the park make it the ideal backdrop for camping, hiking, and fishing.

#8 – Kickapoo State Park

Area: 2,842 acres
Established: 1939
Highlights: Lush hillsides and numerous trails for hiking

Kickapoo has something for everyone in your family. With 22 beautiful ponds and Instagram-worthy wildflowers, Kickapoo is an outdoor playground for everyone who visits.

Its walking and running trails are lined with lush plant life, which makes them the perfect pathway to fitness.

#7 – Giant City State Park

Area: 4,000 acres
Established: 1927
Highlights: Flowers, trees, and sandstone structures

Giant City State Park turns an ordinary day into an extraordinary one with its scenic landscape.

Abundant ferns, mosses, and over 100 species of wildflowers make hiking in this park a delight; furthermore, over 75 different species of trees call this park home, which is complemented by the sandstone structures.

Giant City State Park is, indeed, an outdoor lover’s dream.

#6 – Pere Marquette State Park

Acres: 8,000 acres
Established: 1931
Highlights: Fall foliage

Pere Marquette State Park is a nature lover’s dream come true. In addition to the spectacular views of the Illinois River, visitors can take advantage of the numerous recreational activities, which include:

• Camping
• Horseback riding
• Boating
• Fishing

Make a point to visit during autumn when you’ll be able to capture the breathtaking hues along the wooded ravines.

#5 – Cantigny Park

Area: 500 acres
Establishment: 1958
Highlights: Cantigny Gardens

This 500-acre park has everything you would ever need for a fun-filled weekend trip. Cantigny estate is home to a gift shop, Bertie’s Coffee, and Le Jardin, a sit-down restaurant that serves lunch.

The Cantigny Gardens includes one acre of exquisite rose gardens, which still possesses the original landscape design.

#4 – Rock Cut State Park

Area: 3,092 acres
Established: 1957
Highlights: Mountain biking trails

With over 268 campsites to choose from, you’ll never be without a place to pitch a tent in this park. The park is open for camping all year long with a variety of accommodations.

For example, during the winter, electricity is available for those who may not have it.

There are also equestrian trails for those who love their horses so much they bring them along. If mountain biking is your go-to source fitness, this park has over 23 miles of trail for the taking.

#3 – Matthiessen State Park

Area: 1,700 acres
Established: 1943
Highlights: Cliff formations and abundant vegetation

Located in Central LaSalle County, Matthiessen State Park is home to open prairie, canyons, and bubbling streams.

Expect to see extraordinary rock formations in this park, and hopefully, the Red Tail Hawk. Matthiessen State Park also has numerous species of flora.

The canyon inside the park is the perfect place for lush, green mosses to grow. Along the canyon’s interior, you’ll find salamanders, frogs, and toads perched on top cliff swallows.

#2 – Shawnee National Forest

Area: 265,616 acres
Established: 1933
Highlights: Lush woodlands on the River Trail

Just between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, you will find Shawnee National Forest. Its diverse terrain spans overs hills, lakes, and lush woodlands.

You can trek the trails along the River Trail down to the Rock National Recreation Trail where you might even spot a bald eagle.

#1 – Starved Rock State Park

Area: 2,630 acres
Established: 1911
Highlights: Lover’s Leap Outlook

Starved Rock State Park is like no other in Illinois. From the minute you enter the park, you’ll be swept away into another world.

Breathtaking waterfalls with 13 miles of trails are yours to explore!

If you are an avid fisherman, Illinois River runs through the park, so why not charter a boat and enjoy the beautiful view?

You and your family can make a day out of it and go horseback riding, canoeing, and even stay over in the lodge where you can sip hot cocoa when the day is over.

Driving Safely in Parks

Regardless of where you live, you need to have the minimum amount of car insurance that your state requires.

Although, your insurance provider offers several different types of coverage to protect you no matter where you travel.

To help you make the right decision, we’ve created an overview of the six kinds of car insurance you should review before you hit the open road.

– Liability

If you are at fault for an accident, liability coverage will help pay the other party’s vehicle repairs and medical bills.

It will not pay for injuries you or your passengers sustain, nor will it cover damage to your vehicle.

– Comprehensive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntPe3mURmzo

If you choose to purchase comprehensive car insurance, know that your car is covered for specific types of damage not caused by an auto accident, such as:

• Falling objects
• Natural disasters
• Theft

Comprehensive is usually purchased in conjunction with collision coverage.

– Collision

If you opt for collision coverage, your insurance company will cover damage caused by a collision with an object.

You’re also covered if you are involved in an accident in which no object was involved, such as your car flips over.

– Personal Injury Protection

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Regardless of fault, personal injury protection will cover the cost of your medical expenses you if you are injured in an accident.

The coverage extends to everyone who is listed on your policy, family members, and all passengers. PIP will cover:

• Medical bills
• Lost income due to injury
• Childcare
• Funerals

– MedPay

Similar to personal injury protection, MedPay covers all accident-related medical expenses for you, passengers in the car, household members, and anyone else listed on the policy.

MedPay can also function as a supplemental health insurance coverage.

— Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH-6wizPE-g

Although it’s illegal, some people still drive without car insurance.

Uninsured/underinsured car insurance will cover vehicular damage and any injuries caused by an uninsured driver.

— Having the Right Coverage

If you’re like most people, you want to get more bang for your buck. But when it comes to car insurance, how do you know if you’re getting a good deal?

Whether you are a daytripper or not, you need to have the right amount of coverage.

It’s a good idea to compare at least three different quotes before you make a final decision.

For example, do the companies meet your state’s minimum requirements? Do you plan on traveling and need extras like roadside assistance?

Progressive, Geico, and Statefarm all offer comparable insurance packages.

Safety While Roadtripping

You’ve found the best insurance coverage, had your car inspected, and are now ready to hit the open road.

Whether you head to one of our favorite parks in Illinois or just going where the wind blows, safety should be your top priority.

Once you’re on the road, be on the lookout for cyclists, runners, and hikers. Far too often, these adventurers don’t even realize that they are on the main roadway, so you need to have a keen eye.

– Emergency Car Kits

Even if you are only going around the block, always have an emergency kit in your car.

Things happen when you least expect it, particularly in foul weather.

At the bare minimum, your emergency kit should include the following:

• Non-perishable food like protein bars, nuts, crackers, and trail mix
• Ample supply of water
• Blankets
• A flashlight
• An extra set of clothes
• Jumper cables
• An extra cell phone with external charger
• A first-aid kit

If you’re planning a day trip during the winter, it’s important that your emergency car kit is stocked with winter necessities.

In addition to the basics, play it safe and make sure your winter roadside safety kit has the following:

• Shovel
• Cat litter or salt to gain traction
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Roadmaps
• Compass
• Antifreeze
• Ice scraper
• Booster cables

Since Illinois has so much to offer, deciding where to go and what to do can be tricky. But whether you take to the trails or picnic in the park, always make sure you have the right type of car insurance coverage.

If you’re looking to check out Illinois’ parks, compare at least three to four auto insurance policies beforehand by entering your ZIP code below!