Illinois Vacation Ideas
Illinois is a great trip for the family. Its river country waters will flow to historic sites and spectacular state parks.
Fill your time with hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater kayaking or rafting.
Want to relax and just enjoy the scenery?
A riverboat cruise should do the job or wind down the Chicago River for an up-close look at the skyline voted best in America.
Towering cliffs, canyons and waterfalls in the state parks will give you an appreciation for American history as well as incite to the human spirit.
From hiking down the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail, and horseback riding at Starved Rock to white water rafting on the Vermillion River, Illinois can satisfy any travelers wishes.
Starved Rock
Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportunities are abound.
Picnicking fishing, boating, horseback riding, camping and plenty of winter sports are great ways to pass the time in Illinois.
This area has been home to humans from as early as 8000 B.C. Hopewellian, Woodland and Mississippian Native American cultures thrived here.
The most recent and probably the most numerous group of Native Americans to live here was the Illiniwek, from the 1500s to the 1700s.
Approximately 5,000 to 7,000 Kaskaskias, a subtribe of the Illiniwek, had a village extending along the bank of the Illinois River across from the current park.
Matthiessen State Park
Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to enchant its visitors.
Matthiessen is a geological paradise as well as recreation. The many unusual and beautiful rock formations make a trip to Matthiessen State Park an educational as well as a must see if you are in the area.
The Upper and Lower Dells of the main canyon provide an unusual and interesting walking tour. The canyon, formed by water erosion, is approximately one mile long, from Deer Park Lake to the Vermilion River.
The Upper Dell begins at Deer Park Lake and continues to the 45-foot drop at Cascade Falls. This is where the Lower Dell begins.
Exposed sandstone can be seen throughout the canyon. Ground water can be seen seeping out along the sandstone of the canyon walls.
As the ground water evaporates, the minerals that are carried in the water solution give the beautiful coloring of the rocks along the canyon.
WildlifeUnusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife are also easy to find in the park. The park has several mineral springs, and each was a popular spot for the large deer population that used it as a salt lick.
Cliff swallows and rock doves may be seen perching on the canyon walls, while frogs, toads and salamanders seek out the cool, moist canyon floors.
All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, makes Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing.
Flora and Fauna
The park is alive with an abundance of common and uncommon species of flora and fauna. The canyon provides a perfect habitat for many mosses and liverworts, which thrive on the damp shady walls.
Ferns also grow in the rich soil. Other vegetation in the canyon interior is limited to the simpler or lower orders of plant life, because most plants cannot take root on the steep rock walls.
Illinois & Michigan Canal
It is easy to spend an afternoon or several days exploring the wonders along this striking and unique area.
The 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal is a haven for History buffs, nature lovers and sportsmen.
Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites, and abundance of wildlife and distinctive landscape.
If you have a boat this is a great opportunity to camp up and down the canal and see a large portion of this great area.
State Parks Along The Canal
Channahon State Park
Located in Channahon in Will County. The park is the site of two of the I&M Canal locks and the restored locktender's house.
The park provides opportunities for picnicking, tent camping, fishing and canoeing.
William G. Stratton State Park
The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail provides a natural northern boundary for the William G. Stratton State Park.
Sixty-one miles of limestone screened trail can be enjoyed by hikers, bicyclists, nature lovers and snowmobilers. It is located in Morris and provides public boat access to the Illinois River. Fishing is popular here, as well as picnicking.
Gebhard Wood State Park
30 acres of slightly rolling terrain strewn with many shade trees will rouse the senses. The park is bordered on the south by the canal.
Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers, Songbirds, mallards, wood ducks, green herons and great blue herons can be observed as they feed and nest in the park and along the canal banks. Beaver, Muskrat, mink, raccoon and deer also call Gebhard Woods their home.
Buffalo Rock State Park
Located on the north bank of the Illinois river, the park Stand atop the sandstone bluff at the summit of Buffalo Rock. From there you can look upon a sweeping view of the Illinois River.
Magnificent stands of oak, cedar and pine make for great places to hike through.
Pack up your things and take a trip to Illinois. I am sure you will enjoy your trip!