Best State Parks in Illinois

With one of the largest populations in the country, Illinois moves at a fast pace. The hustle and bustle of big cities like Chicago and Aurora can be exciting, but every now and then it's good to get back to nature and reconnect with the world around us. When you need a little rest and relaxation, head to one of the best state parks in Illinois.

Starved Rock State Park, Utica

https://www.flickr.com/photos/181920661@N03/51274135801/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by Joe K Gage

Starved Rock State Park is famous for its striking canyons formed by glaciers and steam erosion thousands of years ago. Admire them from the 18 hiking trails, which cater to hikers with different abilities and fitness levels. For the best experience, visit during spring or after heavy rains, when the park's waterfalls flow freely. You're always free to explore the park at your leisure, but for expert insight into the park and its residents, join a guided tour. The tours focus on different areas of interest including the wildflowers, local eagles, and spooky supernatural activity.

Starved Rock State Park suits day trips, but there's also a campground, cabins, and the luxurious Starved Rock Lodge if you want to extend your stay. The historic lodge features original Art Deco-inspired rooms and hotel-style accommodations added during renovations in the 1980s.

Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry

https://www.flickr.com/photos/chandretti/50434847767/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by Chandretti

Keep your eyes peeled while you're at Moraine Hills State Park. If you don't, you might miss the things that make this state park so special. Rare plants grow near the hiking trails and migratory birds, including Canada geese and wood ducks, regularly stop by the wetlands and lakes, which make up more than half of this 2,200-acre site. Lake Defiance, a 48-acre glacial lake, is the jewel in the park's crown. It's one of just a few glacial lakes in the state, and one of the park's most popular fishing spots.

Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bpatrickphotography/14031087772/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by BNoneya

Rock Cut State Park is the ideal destination for family fun. Its four trails are kid-friendly, so the whole family can enjoy exploring together. Admire wildflowers blooming during spring and summer and the bright foliage of fall. Watch out for the creatures who call this park home, including deer, beavers, and foxes. Pierce and Olson Lakes are both well-stocked with bass, catfish, and pike. The waters of Olson Beach are popular during summer. Visit for the day or take advantage of the park's campground. With power on-site, showers, and playground equipment for the kids, your family is well-catered for.

Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville

https://www.flickr.com/photos/46750903@N08/4655508247/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by Blue Jay Day

Restoration works have brought this park's prairie grasslands back to their former glory. This park also features beautiful oak forests. The diverse landscape is home to wildflowers, songbirds, waterfowl, deer, squirrels, and rabbits. With picnic areas and hiking trails to enjoy during warm weather and cross-country ski trails, sledding hills, and frozen water for ice fishing and skating during winter, there's fun to be had at Silver Springs State Park all year round. The park's campsites are simple but free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais

https://www.flickr.com/photos/181920661@N03/49658622722/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by Joe K Gage

For fun on the water, you can't beat Kankakee River State Park. Kankakee River is the heart of this unspoiled state park. Bring your own canoe or rent one on-site. Alternatively, take a boat out and try to catch some of the smallmouth bass, walleye, or Northern pike that live in the river. All Kankakee River State Park's campsites have camp grills for cooking up your catch of the day. If you prefer fun on dry land, hit the trails. There's space for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing on the northern side, and snowmobiles and horse riding on the south.

Chain O'Lakes State Park, Spring Grove

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edenpictures/29388487158/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by edenpictures

Chain O'Lakes State Park is another great place for watery fun. This state park has 10 natural lakes, more than any other in Illinois, which span nearly 6,500 acres so you can always find your own space for fishing or relaxing on your vessel. There's also plenty of room for fun on terra firma. Choose from seven different picnic areas, each with grills and toilet facilities. There are also four trail systems, including paths for horse riding and mountain biking. Chain O'Lakes State Park has Class A- and Class B-Premium campsites and a youth group camp area for young travelers.

Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton

https://www.flickr.com/photos/stannate/2151797505/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by stannate

Pere Marquette State Park is one of Illinois' most beautiful parks with thick wooded ravines and scenic bluffs. Many visitors can't resist the perfect summer weather, but there's never a bad time to go. Fall brings bright foliage, there are wildflowers in spring, and the migrating bald eagles arrive in winter. You can also enjoy horseback riding, boating, hiking, and fishing in the Illinois River all year round.

Many Illinois state parks have alcohol restrictions, but you can enjoy a cold beer in most parts of Pere Marquette State Park all year round. Alcohol is only prohibited in the upper picnic area from April 1 to June 30. That makes it the perfect place to bring a SHIVR cooler packed full of cans. Enjoy a wilderness experience at the campsites or cabins or indulge yourself at the historic Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center.

Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville

https://www.flickr.com/photos/76767740@N08/14815372447/sizes/l/

Image via Flickr by Curtis Abert

Lush green ferns and free-flowing waterfalls make Ferne Clyffe State Park another picturesque place to escape the fast pace of daily life. Navigating the waterfall trail is moderately difficult, but most of the park's 10 trails pose little challenge. Leashed dogs of all sizes are welcome on the trails, picnic area, and campground. While your dog must stay quiet, Ferne Clyffe doesn't impose any noise restrictions on guests so you can play your favorite tunes from an outdoor speaker while you're reminiscing around the campfire.

We love these state parks, but we know there are plenty more in Illinois also worth exploring. So lace up your hiking shoes and pack up your tent, because all these great state parks are close to home, just waiting for you to discover them.