23 Waterfalls In ILLINOIS (Historical, Scenic, & Peaceful)

Do you love watching and sitting near a waterfall?

Have you heard about Illinois, the oldest state in the United States?

This state has diverse cultural and recreational attractions that attract local and foreign visitors.

These waterfalls add beauty and play an essential role in the economy and ecology of the state.

Providing abundant habitat to a wide variety of flora and fauna, they play a role in maintaining the ecosystems.

This article will highlight the majestic waterfalls of Illinois that can be used as a source of recreation and tourism and offer various amenities.

To get incredible information about the waterfalls, please read it completely.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Beaches in Illinois.

Waterfalls in Galena, Illinois

1. Thunder Bay Falls (Ideal For Anglers)

This scenic spot stretching over 225 acres is a man-made location offering various amenities to anglers, tourists, and boaters.

It is unique in its place, and you don’t need a long drive or hike. 

Cascading runoff from Lake Galena features a gorgeous water flow throughout the year.

It just requires you to park your vehicle, and you’ll reach.

This 40 ft waterfall features a short trail for hiking and offers easy access to its guests.

You can also hike and explore more majestic views, such as listening to the rushing water’s sound, watching enormous falls, and feeling cool breezes.

Every angle of the waterfall represents the majestic scenery of nature.

It also offers a well-suited picnic site to escape and enjoy a hot summer day with family.

Remember to bring your camera if you are photogenic because it offers picture-perfect scenic points.

Address: 233 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036, United States

2. Linmar Gardens (Peaceful Paths)

It is a hidden place located in the heart of the hillside representing the majestic views of the Galena.

This private garden is most famous for its 20 ft waterfall that cascades from a natural bluff.

Stretching over 3.5 acres, this place is home to peaceful paths and perennial blossoms and also features various running brooks, small ponds, and gazebos.

Its waterfall offers a blessed view of this hidden gem, and the sound of waves and cool breezes allow you to take a deep breath in nature.

These two pavilions are there to provide you with a peaceful break and give you enough time to observe the secrets of this place.

On each turn, you’ll find hidden treasures, hear the untold history of this town and garden and stone sculptures, and observe its unique artwork.

This place is group-friendly and well-suited for class reunions, group tours, and family picnics.

Address: 504 South Prospect Street, Galena, Illinois 61036, USA

Also see our article on Water Parks in Illinois.

Waterfalls in Chicago, Illinois

1. Humboldt Park Waterfall (Puerto Rican Heritage Area)

Located centrally in the city, it is a small waterfall that offers fantastic and gorgeous sites without traveling too far.

The area where it is situated is famous for its Puerto Rican heritage and provides easy access to the Chicago neighborhood community.

Humboldt Park was named after a famous German botanist, Alexander von Humboldt.

The hitting sound of running water with the stones, cool breezes, and the bird twittering allow you to sit there and enjoy this serene waterfall.

After taking a well-graded park lagoon and beach loop trail of 2.1 miles through the rainforest, you can easily reach this majestic fall.

You can reach the end of the waterfall after 30-45 minutes of walking.

At the end of the walk, you’ll observe abundant birdwatching and fishing points.

Keep it at the top if you plan to visit a peaceful location with your family and friends. 

Address: 1440 North Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60622, USA

2. McCormick Place Lakeside Waterfall (Man-Made Waterfall)

This is a man-made place worth visiting in McCormick Place Lakeside Center, which offers many amenities.

It is the most famous tourist attraction and can be used for large gatherings and events.

The cascading waterfall is easily reachable, and you can access it by climbing several stairs.

Featuring a challenging and beautiful trail, it offers many spots that force you to stop and observe while biking, hiking, or walking.

The lakeside center also features over 40 meeting rooms varying capacities from 726 to 1500 seats.

You can only access this place if you have tickets for an event, and the charges for the tickets vary accordingly to the event.

If you want to visit this place, book your tickets online so you don’t have to wait.

Keep yourself updated about upcoming events.

Address: South Lake Shore Dr, Lakeside Center, Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA

3. Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain (Hourly Shooting Arc of Water)

Also known as Centennial Fountain, it was established in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the reversal of the Chicago River.

It features two parts: a centrally located waterfall core with a demilune waterfall and an hourly shooting arc of water from north to south.

The most famous attraction is its shooting arc, which operates for ten minutes at particular hours in the summer season.

When you reach the center waterfall, you’ll hear the beautiful and soft sound of rain sticking from the east side.

The Riverwalk’s forked path provides a majestic view of the fountain or a gorgeous water curtain view from the waterfall’s backside.

You’d experience glorious visuals once you escape the water curtain and face the front of the fountain, offering you white droppings and a soft fluid sound.

This smooth sound and calmness of water falling provides you with inner peace.

Address: 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

4. North Park Village Nature Center (Educational Center With Diverse Programs)

This is a natural area of 46 acres that features hiking trails, a beautiful cascading waterfall, ponds, and a birding area, and it offers various amenities.

You’ll find its treasure among the abundant flowering plants and trees and a majestic waterfall providing nature’s beauty and fresh air.

The waterfall pours onto a massive, gorgeous, fixed stone lagoon and then progresses into a pool below.

You’ll observe enormous wildlife habitats, birds, and deer enjoying this natural heaven on your hike or walk.

It has an educational center that offers its members a diverse range of academic programs.

The center also features a discovery room, a table of natural stuff, and interactive exhibitions that attract visitors.

You can also enjoy its Walking Stick Woods featuring trails, cultural spots, and a nature play area.

This place offers a natural sanctuary and a beautiful waterfall and is suitable for couples, friends, and family enjoyment.

Its courses allow visitors to explore wetlands, savanna, forests, woodlands, and prairie.

Address: 5801 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois 60646, USA

5. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool (Beautiful Hidden Garden)

Also called Lincoln Park Pool is a beautiful hidden garden featuring small ponds, a pool, flowering trees and plants, and wildlife habitats.

This pool was initially derived from the Victorian garden in 1889, representing various lilies and native aquatic plants. 

As soon as you enter through its Prairie-style door, you will observe the beautiful birds singing and the soft sound of the waterfall striking the stones.

After taking down the stone walk, you’ll witness an incredible waterfall, a pavilion for rest, a diverse range of plantings, and a council ring.

It was transformed into a water exhibition in the 1950s and was named The Rookery, consisting of a wide range of exotic birds and fowl.

Alfred Pool offers a gorgeous place full of cool, refreshing breezes and crystal-clear areas of trees, stones, and cascading waterfalls.

This pool is seasonally open from mid-April to the end of November, and it also offers free tours to its guests on weekends.

Address: 125 West Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA

Also see our article on Indoor Water Parks in Illinois.

Waterfalls in Lemont, Illinois

1. Rocky Glen Waterfall (Glen Forest Preserve)

Nestled in Glen Forest Preserve, this peaceful place worth visiting covers 2492 acres.

Emptying into the Des Plaines River, this place features various waterfalls, and the most famous is its Rocky Glen Waterfalls.

Rocky Glen Waterfall is a dam in the glen valley on this preserve’s east side.

A gravel hike of 10 minutes leads to this beautiful waterfall and is easily accessible from the Bluff Road hike.

It is a tiny waterfall ending at a splashing and small water pool and also offers various other challenging biking trails to hiking enthusiasts.

This waterfall is well-suited for friends and family picnics and allows you to enjoy the beautiful and soft sound of the cascading waterfall from the open area.

You’d also experience more than 300 species of various wildlife, including mammals, fishes, birds, amphibians, and many more.

Pets are also allowed on its trails.

Address: between the towns of Darien & Lemont, IL 60439, United States

2. Waterfall Glen (Features Sawmill Creek Waterfalls)

This place is most famous for its extensive network of hiking trails, small ponds, natural fauna and flora, and waterfalls.

Its 9.5 miles loop hike attracts hiking enthusiasts, and all its trails are well-groomed and highly accommodating to hikers, walkers, and bikers.

Naturally preserved, this scenic spot is also present in the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, but it is considered a different place due to some features.

Sawmill Creek Waterfalls are also present there, which gives its visitors majestic scenery and consists of over 740 species of natural plants.

Its trails have a width of 10 ft and are built of crinkled limestone, and climbing down these trails; you’ll reach its hidden gem, cascading waterfall.

Some footpaths are marked for guiding the visitors while some unmarked tracks crisscross through Waterfall.

Rich with various wildlife, it is the best place to visit with families throughout the year, and its grounds are also cleaned and maintained.

Address: 9899-9877 S Cass Ave, Lemont, IL 60439, United States

Also see our article on Zoos in Illinois.

Waterfalls in Oglesby, Illinois

1. Cascade Falls, Matthiessen Lake Waterfall (Explore Caves & Scenic Trails)

Located in the Matthiessen State Park, this is a worth-visiting waterfall of 45 ft and looks very impressive after rain.

Built-in extensive forests and fantastic canyons, it features small streams, concrete stairs, bridges, caves, and a 5 miles trail.

The hiking enthusiasts consider it heaven, making it the best destination for locals and tourists.

To reach the front of the waterfall, you have to get to the bridge, and then walking down the stairs, you will find its gorge.

The best season to explore this park and waterfall is Spring when the rain is at its peak, and you can also explore many other waterfalls.

Swimming is strictly prohibited in this waterfall.

The action of water creates several caves, and exploring them is full of fun and amazement.

Do you want to enjoy a picnic here?

Address: Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

2. St Louis Canyon Falls (Starved Rock Park)

This 80 ft long and the highest waterfall in Starved Rock Park provides beautiful scenery after rain.

Numerous waterfalls are present in this park, but these are the most impressive.

Situated in a fantastic canyon, it is easily approachable, and getting closer to it will wash your face when you move your head upward.

On moving your left at the waterfall, you can explore its visitor center, which offers enormous park activities.

The waterfall is covered in a mixed and dense forest of pine and deciduous trees, and you’ll hear the sound of white droplets will vibrate you.

Hiking at this park is complex yet challenging, but these are marked with yellow and white dots depending on your progress to the visitors’ center.

The best season to visit this place is in heavy rain or Winter when you’ll see impressive icicles.

Depending on the ice conditions, ice climbing is also allowed. 

Address: Bluff Trail, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

3. Giant’s Bathtub Waterfall (Matthiessen State Park)

Like Cascade Falls, this gorgeous waterfall of 10 ft in height is located in the upper dells of Matthiessen State Park and is best for private picnics.

Due to its small size, it is less famous than other waterfalls but provides the best destination to enjoy nature peacefully and without disturbance.

This waterfall’s volume varies according to the season, and the best season is Spring after plentiful rain.

Its intersecting trails, including Dells Canyon and Bluff trail, make your tour easier, and you need to move down to see these falls.

The Vermillion River also fed this waterfall, fuelled by flowing streams from Matthiessen Lake.

A bridge at the dam allows you to access another beautiful but small waterfall, The Lake Falls.

It is a well-suited place for families and kids, and its less than 2 miles hike makes your visit enjoyable.

There are no camping amenities available in this small area.

Address: At Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

4. Lake Falls (45 ft Waterfall in a Canyon)

The list of Matthiessen State Park’s waterfalls is complete with this small but pretty waterfall across the canyon track.

Separating the upper dells from the lower, this waterfall is 45 ft in height and poured into a canyon, and is known as a magical waterfall.

Nestled at the dam, the dramatic entrance of the park is due to streams that have carved the canyon.

You can reach here easily by taking the bluff trail from the parking lot of the Dells area.

Like Giant Bathtub Waterfall, this waterfall is fed by the same streams from Matthiessen Lake and then falls into a canyon.

Due to its location between these two parks, it is accessible within a 5-minute drive, and you can visit both parks quickly.

You’ll see here frogs, salamanders, and other native plants.

Remember to bring your lunch because picnic areas and tables are available, making it suitable for families and friends.

Address: 2500 Illinois Route 178, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

5. Hennepin Canyon Falls (Starved Rock State Park)

This hidden gem is in the Starved Rock State Park, and its location in less-trafficked gorges makes it suitable for a peaceful picnic.

Featuring 3 miles of the compact hike, this fall is present on the eastern side of the park and requires effort to view its beautiful scenery.

Many visitors need to explore it as it takes time to get there, and that’s why you can enjoy your picnic peacefully even on a busy weekend.

The waterfall is well-suited in the tallest gorges, and the best time to visit this place is after heavy rain in Spring.

You can reach the trail by taking the river trail or bluff trail, and these routes will allow you to explore beautiful spots and several canyons.

Observing this fall from the river shoreline is best to get impressive scenes inside the gorge and over the river.

The Winter’s icefall is also marvelous, but remember to visit this place in the melting season to enjoy your visit thoroughly.

Address: IL-71, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

6. French Canyon Falls (Family-Friendly Hike)

Starved Rock State Park never fails to surprise its visitors with its fascinating waterfalls, and it is another largest waterfalls on its list.

Featuring 45 ft height, it is at a family-friendly hike of 0.4 miles from the visitor center, offering easy accessibility.

You can reach there either through a creek or by entering the string of 18 gorgeous canyons, but you’ll get wet.

Depending on your visit, you’ll face a narrow stream or a wide river that you have to cross to explore this waterfall and its majestic scenes.

This place is appropriate for families and friends, allowing children to play and enjoy sliding on its mini-falls.

Spring offers full-flowing waterfalls, while Winter turns this fall into a beautiful icefall.

Its trails, lined with various trees of red oaks and white pine, provide different viewpoints of the waterfall.

Beware of the slippery surface because your feet can be wet on trails or icy parts.

Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

7. LaSalle Canyon Falls (Suitable for Boating)

It is also one of the most attractive waterfalls of Starved Rock Park and is situated at a distance of 2 miles from its visitor center.

Surrounded by fantastic canyons, it creates sweeping views and features a height of 25 feet.

Like others, seeing this waterfall out of the water is extraordinary because it has water throughout the year.

Its 2 miles hike is compact yet easy and consists of terrain and several stairs, making it reachable for visitors.

The trail behind it also takes you to the gorgeous neighbor Tonty Canyon Falls.

You can explore it in Spring after rainfall for a beautiful photo shoot and observe ice fall in the Winter.

The most suitable visiting season is Summer when it is fed with plenty of water, and you can walk into its falls.

Boating, hiking, and sightseeing are other activities you can perform here.

Address Route 71, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

8. Wildcat Canyon Falls (Tallest Waterfall)

This famous attraction features a total height of 80 ft, making it the tallest waterfall, and it is located at a distance of 1 mile from the visitor center.

Its placement in the deepest dramatic canyon allows its visitor to explore it throughout the year.

The waterfall can be observed from atop and inside the gorgeous canyon, and a descending staircase takes you to its bottom.

After crossing the creek at the end of the stairs, you will see this majestic waterfall offering enormous blessing views.

Offering ice climbing is one of the three venues that looks amazing on the ice, but you must register at the visitor center.

You can visit this place in Summer, but the water is reduced, and it remains in its full flow in the Spring.

While descending its stairs, remember to keep your eyes open while descending its stairs and not get close to the canyon’s rim due to the slippery surface.

You can also explore this area by hiking on its 5.8-mile loop surrounding the park.

Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

9. Tonti Canyon Falls (Dual Waterfall)

It is located at a distance of 1.9 miles from Starved Park’s visitor center, and if the bridge is closed, it is 2.5 miles away.

Dramatically featuring two impressive waterfalls, Tonti Canyon is famous for its 60 ft height.

It is located near LaSalle County and offers various recreational activities, including kayaking, biking, and sightseeing.

This dual waterfall place is fed by streams that become dry quickly and provides the best sight for visiting after a heavy rain and snow melting season.

Its 6 miles of beautiful trail feature beautiful flowers, various scenic viewpoints, natural plants, and some tricky steps.

This place is the best destination, providing a fantastic sight for your picnic with family or friends.

It features a towering canyon and is difficult to access, but it offers a beautiful natural picnic spot.

Remember to take your water shoes for hiking this canyon because it is filled with water on its larger parts when water flows.

Address: Starved Rock State Park, La Salle County, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

10. Ottawa Canyon Falls (Beautiful Trails & Viewpoints)

Locating at the park’s east end, you can access it four miles from the visitor center.

The height of this fall is 45 ft and allows its visitors to walk and explore it from the backside, but it varies with conditions.

In the Winter, the water flow is reduced, giving a dramatic frozen waterfall look that enhances its beauty.

The waterfall is similar in height and depth to the French Canyon, but its canyon has more depth and consists of less water.

Nothing disappoints about this waterfall; its trail is accessible throughout the year.

On your visit, you will see different viewpoints of the frozen waterfall that urge you to pause and enjoy it there.

The stairs were present but later removed due to damage by a tree.

If you want to climb the rim of the canyon, then take care because the surface is slippery.

Address: Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

Also see our article on Lakes in Illinois.

Waterfalls in Rockford, Illinois

1. Anderson Japanese Garden (Koi-Filled Ponds)

It is a hidden place of 12 acres that features running streams, gorgeous waterfalls, winding tracks, and koi-filled small ponds.

Located at a beautiful drive 1.5 hours from Rockford, it offers numerous picnic spots, peaceful surroundings, and various recreational activities.

Featuring numerous waterfalls, you can sit in the reflection of its small ponds and observe the natural plants and wildlife.

You can also enjoy sitting under its cascading waterfalls and can listen to the beautiful soft sound of the running water.

Filled with gorgeous waterfalls, you must walk and explore the whole garden to access them. 

This garden also includes activities such as yoga, exercises, medications, guided tours, and an on-site restaurant.

All the updates about the upcoming events, membership, menu, partners and sponsors, and architectural tours are featured on its website.

Enjoy a beautiful day with your family at this pure Japanese place and have fun.

Address: 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, United States

2. Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve (Adventure Destination)

It is a beautiful, adventurous place featuring trails, waterfalls, natural woodlands, and rugged ravines.

Filled with deep forests, twisted oak trees, and steep-sided gorges will lead you to the peaceful waterfalls and the Kishwaukee River.

You can access the river and waterfall by climbing down the compact hiking trails of 3 miles featuring mowed grass and a rugged dirt path.

The waterfall consists of a series of rock ledges, and water runs over these rocks and provides a clear view of the gorge after rain.

On your hike, you’ll find numerous caves marked on its map, and exploring them is unique fun.

This place is a well-suited destination for hiking euthenics, offering numerous steep and challenging trails.

You can also observe innumerable birds sitting on the tops of the tallest trees and the river through its thick forest.

Address: 4643 Blackhawk Rd, Rockford, IL 61109, United States

Also see our article on Botanical Gardens in Illinois.

Waterfalls in Simpson, Illinois

1. Cedar Falls (Tallest Independent Waterfall)

This is the tallest independent waterfall, and you can access this waterfall either by Camp Ondessonk Trail or by driving outside the camp.

Its 25 miles of hiking trails remain open to the public and borders the Shawnee National Forest.

This waterfall has two names, one is Cedar Falls, while the second name is Pakentuck, but it is mainly known as Cedar Falls near Ozark.

While you are hiking, you’ll cross various trails, and then you’ll hear the soft sound of the gorgeous cascading waterfall.

After 5 minutes of the hike, you’ll reach the upper portion of the waterfall that blessed you with its breathtaking scenery.

You can reach the bottom of this waterfall through the forest, but always keep an eye on the signboards guiding you to the bottom and away from the fall.

Several tight squeezes and massive rocks are curving sharply towards Cedar Falls.

After crossing these squeezes and rocky glad, you will reach its base.

Address: Near Ozark, Simpson, Johnson County, IL 62972, United States

2. Jackson Waterfall (Shawnee National Forest)

Nestled centrally at Shawnee National Forest, it attracts nature lovers, hikers, rock climbers, mushrooms, and wildlife hunters.

It is famous for its challenging trails, sandstone bluffs, massive boulders, and beautiful and impressive waterfall.

Featuring a height of 40 ft, it is well situated in the famous rock-climbing area, and following the Jackson trail of 3.7 miles, you’ll find it.

After 0.25 miles, you’ll explore its top beauty, but you must climb to the bottom to see its hidden inner beauty.

Following the corner of the glen, you will reach another cascade, the North Side Falls, that also offers beautiful viewpoints.

On your visit, you will see many hidden caves that must be explored and investigated.

The best time to visit this place is in Spring when the falls are fully flowing, and in the Winter, the flow is reduced. 

Address: Glen St Falls Rd, Simpson, IL 62985, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Museums, Movie Theaters, and Pumpkin Patches in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the best waterfalls in New York and California’s most beautiful waterfalls.