23 State Parks in ILLINOIS (Relaxing, Nature, and Delightful)
Do you love nature and would prefer to be in the solitude of nature?
Illinois has many beautiful state parks that offer nature’s beauty and several outdoor recreational activities.
It is very therapeutic when you leave your house and go outside to declutter your mind, take fresh air from nature and unwind.
You might be wondering the best place to get this reliving feeling, well do not stress further.
This article gives you all the stunning state parks with amazing landscape views in Illinois.
So, pack your hiking boots or picnic bag and explore the breathtaking state parks in Illinois!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the National Parks in Illinois.
State Parks in Chicago, Illinois
1. Loyola Park (Comfortable Environment)
Loyola Park is a lively state park located in the East Rogers Community, and It was founded in the 1930s.
Since then, it has greatly contributed to the community, as it offers several recreational activities and a beautiful serene environment around the park.
The Park covers 40.87 acres of land and has a lot of amenities and facilities that impact the community positively.
Loyola Park has many attractions that draw people to the park, and one of them is the walking trail which is by the beautiful beach and is perfect for swimming and relaxing while sunbathing.
The beach has lifeguards that are always on standby to ensure the safety of the guests at the park and provide a comfortable environment.
They also have a sports field, children’s playground, a fitness center, and a nature area where you can walk and observe the beautiful nature around the park.
Address: 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave. Chicago, IL 60626, United States
2. Addams (Jane) Park (Established in 1946)
Addams Park was established in 1946 as a part of the state’s plan to increase recreational and leisure activities in underserved areas.
It is a small park that covers 9.32 acres but has many recreational amenities.
The Park was renovated in the early 2000s, adding more amenities, such as a new playground, a community garden, and a water play area for children.
Some recreational facilities include a gymnasium, artificial turf football, a three-lane running track, a club room, and many more.
Though you don’t see many nature activities at this park, you get to engage with new people and involve yourself in new activities that enhance your lifestyle.
You can visit the Park all days of the week and has a free parking space for visitors.
Address: 1434 S. Loomis, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
3. Brooks (Gwendolyn) Park (Formerly Hyacinth Park)
Brooks Park is a bright and dynamic park named after a popular American Poet named Gwendolyn Brooks, though it was formerly known as Hyacinth Park.
The Park is a well-known park where community members come to engage in different activities and form new relationships.
They have many attractions, including a playground for kids, a fitness center, a walking trail, different sports fields, and many more.
But the main attraction of the park is its Nature sanctuary which gives a beautiful and serene view for guests to observe while in the park.
This Nature Sanctuary covers 1.5 acres of the park and has walking paths and benches to sit and relax to see the lovely birds, flowers, and other delightful animals.
Brooks Park is an amazing place to visit and enjoy Chicago’s beauty.
Address: 4542 S. Greenwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60653, United States
4. Palmisano (Henry) Park (Formerly Stearns Quarry)
The Park is a 26.60-acre site located in the heart of the Bridgeport community, and it was formerly known as Stearns Quarry.
Palmisano offers many recreational amenities and has a stunning outdoor space.
It is built on a former quarry site, and the hills and ponds created during the quarrying process make the landscape a sight to behold.
The Park has many attractions that excite visitors, like the preserved quarry walls, the walking and biking trails, the athletic field, the running track, and a sensational view.
To top it all, there is a lake at the park which is always heated by the natural energy from the earth, and it remains warm all year round.
These attractions allow visitors to have an amazing experience and enjoy great outdoor recreational activities.
Address: 2700 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608, United States
Also see our article on Trampoline Parks in Illinois.
State Parks in Oglesby, Illinois
1. Matthiessen State Park (Rich History)
If you want a beautiful natural area that will help you reconnect with nature, Matthiessen State Park should be on your to-visit list.
Visitors can engage in several recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, picnicking, birdwatching, sightseeing, and fishing.
However, the park has very strict policies put in place to guarantee the safety of visitors at the park.
Some of these policies include not swimming in the waterfalls, or the river, rock climbing, using bicycles or scooter along the trails of the park as there is a specific trail for bicycles, and so many others.
But this doesn’t mean you can’t have the best time at the park as they have so many beautiful things to observe in the area.
The park also has a rich history making it a precious place in Illinois.
Address: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States
2. Starved Rock State Park (Breathtaking Rock Formations)
Are you looking for a breathtaking spot to visit?
Starved Rock State Park is the perfect park for you!
This park is a stunning place that is filled with historical stories about the beautiful rock formations in the park.
Starved Rock State Park has beautiful plants and animals with a fascinating nature view.
The park has become famous for many activities, including hiking, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
You can hike the 13-mile well-maintained hiking trails that offer a mind-blowing view of the Illinois River and the magnificent rock formations at the park.
The commonly used trails at the park are the St. Louis Canyon Trail which takes you along the beautiful waterfall, and the LaSalle Canyon Trail, which takes you through a canyon with towering cliffs and astounding rock formations.
Address: One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States
Also see our article on Indoor Water parks in Illinois.
State Parks in Brimfield and Mount Carmel, Illinois
1. Jubilee College State Park (Extensive Trail System)
The Jubilee College State Park was established in 1839, and the name is from the founder Episcopal Bishop Philand.
It is a beautiful recreational park in Brimfield, Illinois.
The Park covers 3200 acres of land and offers several recreation opportunities to visitors.
One thing that attracts visitors to the park is the extensive trail system, which allows visitors to hike along the park, explore the park’s forest, and observe the environment.
There are also several camping areas with well-maintained facilities available in the camping area.
Visitors can also engage in activities such as picnicking in the picnic areas with charcoal grills, toilet facilities, playground equipment, and many other accessible facilities.
If you are interested in history, the park has several historic structures from a very long time giving you a glimpse of the life of the settlers in the area.
Address: 13921 W US Highway 150, Brimfield, IL 61517, United States
2. Beall Woods State Park (Relaxing Environment)
Beall Woods State Park is an astounding park on the banks of the Wabash River.
If you would like to explore an environment with beautiful sights of nature, this is the perfect spot.
The park offers a serene and relaxing environment for visitors to have a wonderful time.
It is an excellent spot for camping as it gives a relaxing and perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
At the park, you get to see beautiful creatures and plants that will blow your mind.
However, the park needs modern facilities like showers and electricity at the camping ground.
But this gives visitors a chance to explore the natural environment in the park.
The park’s trails also give an insight into the park’s history and the beautiful vegetation around the park.
This park should be your next spot to visit!
Address: 9285 Beall Woods Ave, Mount Carmel, IL 62863, United States
Also see our article on Water parks in Illinois.
State Parks in Charleston and Findlay, Illinois
1. Fox Ridge State Park (Scenic Hiking Trails)
This phenomenal park is a 2,064-acre park in east central Illinois.
Fox Ridge State Park is known for its thickly wooded ridges, broad and lush valleys, and scenic hiking trails.
The highlight for many visitors at the park is hiking the trails to see the breathtaking views of nature at the park.
Plus, the park is a great place to visit no matter the time or weather of the year because the nature of the park always has an amazing look at any time of the year.
During the summer, visitors see the wildlife that thrives in the sun and observes heavy vegetation in the park.
They have different campsites that offer several amenities like cooking grills, toilet facilities, picnic tables, dumping stations, shower building, and many more.
Visitors can engage in activities like fishing and boating, as the river has various fish species like bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.
Address: 18175 State Park Rd, Charleston 61920, United States
2. Eagle Creek State Park (Wildlife Sightings)
Eagle Creek State Park provides the perfect natural and relaxing outdoor recreational space.
The park has a small, amiable, wooded campground perfect for camping activities.
An intriguing part about the park is the wildlife around the area, and there are large herds of deer that frequently visit the park areas, amusing the visitors with an exciting sight.
The camping ground has modern facilities like electricity, water hydrants, picnic tables, showers, and many more to make visitors comfortable while having an amazing time.
You can also engage in water activities at the park, like water sports and fishing.
Workers at the lake in the park provide the facilities you need for water activities.
You will have an amazing time at this park if you visit it.
Address: 2341 Eagle Crk, Findlay, IL 62534, United States
Also see our article on Amusement Parks in Illinois.
State Parks in Windsor and Grafton, Illinois
1. Wolf Creek State Park (Rental Boats & Family Beach Day)
Do you want to visit a place that highlights the beauty of nature?
Wolf Creek State Park is absolutely the right place for you to visit.
The park covers 11,100 acres of water and 250 miles of well-maintained woodlands perfect for camping, water skiing, windsurfing, boat fishing, and other recreational activities.
While visiting the park, you can take a stroll along the park’s trails to see the beautiful nature surrounding the park.
They have rental boats at the park with professional marinas that provide the supplies needed for boating and fishing.
Also, they have different campground cabins with the required amenities to have a comfortable camping experience.
You can also treat yourself and your family to a day at the beach and spend quality time enjoying the beautiful gift of nature.
Address: 1837 N Wolf Creek Rd, Windsor, IL 61957, United States
2. Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area (Wildlife-Filled Area)
Picture this, an area filled with wildlife, beautiful trees, and rivers.
That is a breathtaking view, which the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area offers its visitors.
The park has wildlife management that oversees the wildlife nature in the park.
Waterfowl is a type of bird mainly found in this area and is one of the animals of concern at the park.
Visitors from all around the world come to this area to enjoy its beauty.
You can enjoy the scenic view while engaging in recreational activities you love.
This stunning natural reserve also has a wide range of wildlife species like wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and different species of fish, and all of these make it a place of bliss for hunters.
If you want to enjoy your time at the park, engaging in many activities as possible is best so you see the beauty of it all.
Address: 17836 State Highway 100 N, Grafton, IL 62037, United States
Also see our article on Botanical Gardens in Illinois.
State Parks in Nashville and Rock Island, Illinois
1. Washington County State Recreation Area (Solitude & Relaxation)
If you want to visit a place that gives you solitude and the relaxation you need, you should visit Washington County State Recreation Area.
This park is in the southern part of Illinois and has the bliss of nature, and it is filled with the beauty of nature.
Visiting the park will leave you astonished by the view, as the park has varieties of wildlife you might not expect to see at the park.
This park has many attractions, including fishing at the Washington County Lake, hiking on the lake’s shoreline, picnicking, and camping in the surrounding area.
It is a perfect place to spend time with your family and create new bonds with loved ones while enjoying the splendid view of nature.
If you like to hunt, the park has something for you too, with its 900 acres of wildlife land where you can enjoy the hunting activity.
Address: 18500 Conservation Dr. Nashville, IL 62263, United States
2. Rock Island Park (Solitude & Peace)
You might wonder where the perfect place to escape the world’s stress is.
Well, you do not have to worry!
Rock Island is what you are looking for.
Rock Island Park offers visitors solitude and peace with its natural and beautiful attractions.
This park is on the Rock River’s banks and covers over 1,200 acres of wetlands, prairies, and forests.
It offers visitors different recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, etc.
This park is the perfect spot to spend time with your family as they provide facilities for camping and picnicking, such as campsites and cabins.
The cabins are equipped with modern facilities and provide a very comfortable and relaxing retreat for visitors.
Challenge your family to enjoy the view of this park and bask in the beauty of nature.
Address: 4303 24th St, Rock Island, IL 61201, United States
Also see our article on Ice Skating in Illinois.
State Parks in Chester and Oakwood, Illinois
1. Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area (Fishing, Hunting & Cross-Country Skiing)
Do you love horseriding or mountain biking?
These activities are unique to this park as its facilities encourage them.
Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area is a park comprising 2,700 acres of cropland, grass, and forest, and the park’s name comes from the Vermilion River.
And the Vermilion River flows between the Middle Fork State Fish Park and Kennekuk Cove County and flows into the Kickapoo Recreation Center, where you can enjoy picnics with your family, fishing, mountain biking, boating, and rent a horse for a ride through the trails of the park.
This park is a complete package of what is expected in a natural habitat of wildlife, and it contains upland forests, upland fields, and a river floodplain.
The lake has different fish species and is a nice spot to engage in fishing and hunting.
Address: 10906 Kickapoo Park Road, Oakwood, IL 61858, United States
2. Randolph County State Recreation Area (Outdoor Recreational Paradise)
This park is a paradise for any outdoor recreational activities you can think of.
It is a popular place for retreat during the summer, and people visit the park to cool off and enjoy the beautiful view of the park.
The park has a well-shaded and maintained picnic area, hiking trails, and stunning forest stands for visitors.
Since the park was established in 1961, they have provided various recreational amenities that make visiting the park enjoyable.
These amenities include picnic shelters, boat ramps, toilets, a stone fireplace, electricity, and water fountains.
If you enjoy hunting, you can hunt for animals like squirrels, doves, rabbits, quails, and many others; the equipment used for hunting is also available at the park.
Also, if you are a skiing enthusiast, they have a perfect route for cross-country skiing during the cold winter days, and the wildlife gives a beautiful view during this period.
Address: 4301 S. Lake Drive, Chester, IL 62233, United States
Also see our article on Pumpkin Patches in Illinois.
State Parks in Granite City and Forest City, Illinois
1. Horseshoe Lake State Park (Trails for Exploring Nature)
Horseshoe Lake State Park is a place you should add to your bucket list.
A beautiful lake catches your sight immediately after you arrive at the park, and this lake is a natural wonder to visitors as lush forests surround it.
The lake is a perfect spot for fishing, filled with various fish species like channel catfish, bass, bluegill carp, crappie, and buffalo.
Though during the waterfowl season, fishing is not allowed at the park.
You can also engage in other activities like boating, kayaking, canoeing, etc.
This park is filled with a rich history of the Native American groups that found the land and settled there.
If you love to explore the beauty of nature, there are trails you can hike through that will give you the best view of the park.
There are also areas for family picnics and gatherings.
Address: 3321 State Route 111, Granite City, IL 62040, United States
2. Sand Ridge State Forest (Camping Facilities, Shelter Areas)
Sand Ridge State Forest is a natural area that covers 7,500 acres of forest.
The park supports the development and preservation of wildlife and vegetation.
It also provides an area encouraging recreational activities like hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and snowmobiling backpacking.
The name of the forest is from the sand ridges formed during the last ice age.
These ridges are made of sand, gravel, and clay and are covered with oak-hickory forests and savannas.
Visitors engage in hiking more when they visit the park because it allows them to explore the various terrain and its natural wonders.
If you would love to go camping, they offer amenities, and the park has shelter areas with facilities that improve the camping experience.
Whether you enjoy hiking or want to observe the beauty of nature, this is the right place.
Address: 25799E County Road 2300 N, Forest City, IL 61532, United States
State Parks in Bethany and Oakland, Illinois
1. Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area (Modern Campsites, Fish-Cleaning Station)
This park is a popular destination for nature lovers and enthusiasts.
Shelbyville Park covers more than 6,000 acres of habitats, including wetlands, rivers, prairies, grasslands, cropland, forest, and old fields.
It is notable for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
This park is the perfect place to engage in water activities like fishing, as it has several lakes and ponds and a fish-cleaning station.
Apart from fishing, the park offers several other outdoor activities, such as hunting, picnicking, camping, and hiking.
The hikers that visit the park enjoy hiking through the trails, so they get to see the beautiful views of the wildlife and lake at the park.
Plus, you can go camping with your family as they have campsites with modern facilities like electricity, flush toilets, and showers.
Address: 562 State Highway 121, Bethany, IL 61914, United States
2. Walnut Point State Park (Camping Facilities, Picnic Areas)
Walnut Point State Park is a delightful park in Illinois with an alluring view.
The park is located in Douglas County and is renowned for its scenic and pictorial beauty and its wide range of activities.
There is a 59-acre lake, which is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating at the park.
This is the best spot if you enjoy spending time in nature and want to escape from daily stress.
The park has many outdoor activities you can partake in while visiting the park, from hiking and biking to camping and exploring nature and its history.
Also, the park has camping facilities, picnic areas, historic buildings, and playgrounds.
The vast variety of activities and the astounding view of the park makes it a popular destination for visitors.
Address: 2331 E County Road 370N, Oakland, IL 61943, United States
State Parks in Peoria, Illinois
1. Detweiler Park (Extensive Trail Network)
Detweiler Park is a beautiful and versatile park in Peoria where visitors can engage in various recreational activities.
It is one of the biggest parks in the state and has different collections of oaks around the park.
The park is a popular place for hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing, picnicking, and running due to the several types of terrain the trail at the park offers.
These trails provide a breathtaking view of the landscape surrounding the park.
Detweiler Park is the right place to explore if you are a wildlife lover, as it is home to different animals, including coyotes, foxes, deer, and many bird species.
There is also a small lake for those who enjoy water activities like fishing and paddling, and the lake has a variety of fish species, such as bluegill, bass, and catfish.
Address: 8327 North Galena Road, Peoria, IL, United States
2. Forest Park Nature Center (Hosts Annual Events & Festivals)
Forest Park Nature is an amazing destination for nature lovers and the perfect place to enjoy beautiful creations.
If you love hiking and sightseeing, this is the right place!
This beautiful nature reserve allows visitors to explore the variety of wildlife and habitats around the park.
The park offers trails for hiking and walking while enjoying nature and for running to keep fit; they also ensure that trails are marked properly, making hiking easier for hikers of all levels.
Also, the parks offer different programs and classes that focus on topics like the conservation of nature, ecology, and sustainability.
You get to have a beautiful experience, enjoy resourceful information about the environment, and connect with nature.
Address: 5809 North Forest Park Drive, Peoria Height, Illinois, United States
3. Robinson Park (Suitable for Children)
Robinson Park is a vibrant and alluring park that has many intriguing amenities.
It is a 151-acre nature preserve that provides a welcoming environment for visitors who love to observe nature and are passionate about ecological improvement.
This is the right spot if you are searching for somewhere rich in life and nature.
The park is a well-maintained green space with several amenities and an extensive trail network.
The park provides playgrounds suitable for children of all ages, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and picnic areas.
As a dog owner, you can also take your cute friend for a walk along the trail.
You can rent the park for special events you would like to host, as the park is quite popular for hosting several annual events and festivals.
Address: 400 West Mossville Road, Peoria, Illinois, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Alpaca Farms, Christmas, and Hidden Gems in Illinois.
Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the best State parks in New York and Florida.