Even if you aren’t an adventurous outdoors person, you can easily enjoy many of Illinois’ natural wonders. From caves to bodies of water and even waterfalls, these are the eight best places to visit in the state that don’t necessarily require any hiking.
You’ll never underestimate the hidden wonders of Illinois after you read this. Keep scrolling for all the beautiful places you can explore.
- Ohio River
Wikimedia Commons/USGS Illinois is home to portions of several major bodies of water, and this one spans the entire length of our southern border. While you could hike there through the Shawnee National Forest, there are also many riverside towns and a scenic byway that runs right alongside.
- Kinkaid Lake Spillway
Flickr/Curtis Abert Along Kincaid Creek, near the lake, there is a waterfall you can basically drive up right up to. It is located near Murphysboro in the southern portion of the state within the Shawnee National Forest at 432 N Spillway Road in Gorham.
- Lake Michigan
Max Pixel Spanning Illinois’ northeast coast, this large mass of water is like our own ocean. Whether you live around Chicago or near the east side of Wisconsin, you have easy access to this lake from many beaches and roads.
- Mississippi River
Wikimedia Commons/Kbh3rd One of Illinois’ most prized natural wonders, this important river is a favorite in the state. It runs all along the west border and is easily accessible. Enjoy a scenic drive along its winding path or visit one of the parks that lie along its banks.
- Salt Rock Cave
Facebook/Primal Oceans Salt Cave Most do not know that there is an underground Himalayan salt spa in Illinois. Visitors lounge in chairs to take in the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy crushing salt underfoot. It is located at 8 S La Grange Road in La Grange.
- Thunder Bay Falls
Only In Your State Located at 248-268 Thunder Bay Road in Galena, there is a wonderful waterfall you can see year round. While there are hiking trails all around, you can see the falls from the parking lot.
- Illinois River
Wikimedia Commons/Benjamin Cody This is one of the natural wonders Illinois is most proud of. It connects Chicago and the northern portion of the state to the Mississippi River and southern section, running through Peoria and other major cities.
- Chicago River
Public Domain Images/Tim Emerich One of the most unusual bodies of water you can visit without a hike, this river runs backwards and branches out through much of the city. You can take various types of tours (including boat tours) or take a leisurely stroll along the side.
For more great natural wonders, check out 10 abandoned spots in Illinois that nature is reclaiming.
Wikimedia Commons/USGS
Illinois is home to portions of several major bodies of water, and this one spans the entire length of our southern border. While you could hike there through the Shawnee National Forest, there are also many riverside towns and a scenic byway that runs right alongside.
Flickr/Curtis Abert
Along Kincaid Creek, near the lake, there is a waterfall you can basically drive up right up to. It is located near Murphysboro in the southern portion of the state within the Shawnee National Forest at 432 N Spillway Road in Gorham.
Max Pixel
Spanning Illinois’ northeast coast, this large mass of water is like our own ocean. Whether you live around Chicago or near the east side of Wisconsin, you have easy access to this lake from many beaches and roads.
Wikimedia Commons/Kbh3rd
One of Illinois’ most prized natural wonders, this important river is a favorite in the state. It runs all along the west border and is easily accessible. Enjoy a scenic drive along its winding path or visit one of the parks that lie along its banks.
Facebook/Primal Oceans Salt Cave
Most do not know that there is an underground Himalayan salt spa in Illinois. Visitors lounge in chairs to take in the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy crushing salt underfoot. It is located at 8 S La Grange Road in La Grange.
Only In Your State
Located at 248-268 Thunder Bay Road in Galena, there is a wonderful waterfall you can see year round. While there are hiking trails all around, you can see the falls from the parking lot.
Wikimedia Commons/Benjamin Cody
This is one of the natural wonders Illinois is most proud of. It connects Chicago and the northern portion of the state to the Mississippi River and southern section, running through Peoria and other major cities.
Public Domain Images/Tim Emerich
One of the most unusual bodies of water you can visit without a hike, this river runs backwards and branches out through much of the city. You can take various types of tours (including boat tours) or take a leisurely stroll along the side.
Which of these incredible attractions have you visited? Share your experiences and photos with us!
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