10 Most Beautiful Places in Illinois

Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois is one of the most stunning places to visit in the Prairie State. The large 2,500-acre state park sits at the confluence of the great Mississippi River and Apple River. Views of the massive waterway from the edge of the notable cliffs are a big part of the area’s natural beauty. Ozzie’s Point, Louis’ Point and Lookout Point have some of the best views.

Make no mistake, Mississippi Palisades State Park is stunning when the canopy is full and lush. But as magnificent as it is at the height of summer, it also shines in the frosty winter when ice fishing and cross-country skiing prevail. You can visit year-round.

Shawnee National Forest is a hilly, wooded wonderland in southwest Illinois. It’s a hub for wildlife watchers and anyone who appreciates nature’s beauty. The oak-hickory forest spans nearly 300,000 acres and is home to a wide variety of habitats including wetlands, canyons and sheer bluffs. Birders, in particular, love Shawnee National Forest as it's home to more than 200 species of birds.

As a recreational hub, there are many ways to enjoy Shawnee National Forest and take in its beauty. Soar through the canopy on a zipline, enjoy the scenery from the trails down below or take it all in while boating down the Mississippi River.

Put on your hiking boots and explore the gorgeous Ferne Clyffe Waterfalls, one of the most photographed destinations in Illinois. The namesake waterfalls and caves can be found within Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville.

Part of what makes Ferne Clyffe so awe-inspiring is the collection of larger-than-life rock formations, as well as the verdant growth of feathery ferns all over. This is what you’ll see as you make your way to the Ferne Clyffe Waterfalls. A short, but moderately challenging hike leads to the main waterfall cascading down the ancient rock formations, spraying mist. Depending on how rainy it’s been, it’s also possible to see other, smaller waterfalls along the way.

If you’re not familiar with the city of Woodstock, you may at least recognize it from iconic scenes filmed there in movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Groundhog Day. It was chosen as a filming location because of its charming, Midwestern beauty. Here you can find one of the oldest operating theatres, the Woodstock Opera House, a Victorian bed and breakfast and local boutiques within the Woodstock Square Historic District.

Start your trip at the Visitors Centre in the old courthouse. To get a feel for the perks of a small city like Woodstock, go to a weekend farmers’ market or visit a local flower farm or apple orchard.

Galena, Illinois is a small town in the northwest portion of the state, but it looks like it came straight out of an idyllic Instagram page. As one of Illinois’ best beauty spots, there are many things to do in Galena worthy of a photo for your social media feed, like wine tasting at a goat farm, spoon carving workshops and interactive farm experiences.

While visiting Galena, stay at a historic bed and breakfast or a charming lodge in the woods. Don’t miss a chance to shop the boutiques along Main Street or spend a day in nature at Casper Bluff Reserve or boating on the Mississippi River.

There are only 8 Bahá'í temples in the world, and North America’s designated Bahá'í House of Worship is in the quiet town of Wilmette, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. But you don’t have to be a Bahá'í worshipper to visit this stunning temple.

Photography is not permitted inside the Bahá'í House of Worship auditorium. Still, step inside and see the ornate architecture and breathe in the peaceful atmosphere. Outside, feel free to snap photos of the colourful garden, the intricate detailing on the pillars and dome and the shimmering fountains.

Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois’ most beautiful places and you can build an entire vacation around it. Stay surrounded in beauty day and night by staying in one of the onsite cabins, originally built in the 1930s, or the lodge hotel. Enjoy hearty meals at the park’s cafe and restaurant and indulge your sweet tooth in locally made fudge, ice cream and sweets.

What makes Starved Rock State Park such a scenic destination? The characteristic canyons, bluffs and shimmering waterfalls are a sight to behold. Head to the observation landings at Wildcat Canyon, Lover’s Leap and Eagle Cliff for the best views. Take a guided hike for the highlights while learning about the area’s geologic history.

Just west of Chicago in Wheaton lies Cantigny Park and Garden, offering a unique mix of nature and history. Walk among the gardens featuring roses, colourful annuals and pollinator-friendly displays. Or head to the golf course to play a round surrounded by water features and forest. You could also visit the First Division Museum for war history that spans inside and outside the stately building.

Cantigny Park and Garden is spectacular any season, but for a real treat, visit around Christmas when the gardens are lit up in a dazzling display. There is also an ice rink and holiday shop, making it a magical family destination.

Named for its rocky river ford across the Rock River, Rockford, Illinois is a truly attractive midwestern city. The wide Rock River marks the city’s centre and adds to its charming downtown atmosphere, a place where colourful street art and locally owned coffee shops thrive.

There is beauty around every corner in Rockford. Take the Anderson Japanese Gardens, regarded as one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America. Or the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, a cozy spot for an afternoon stroll among rare trees. Known as both Forest City and the City of Gardens, it would be a shame to miss Rockford’s natural allure.

Illinois Beach State Park is a swimmer’s paradise and often voted as one of the loveliest places in Illinois. The park can be found bordering Lake Michigan, north of Chicago, offering city dwellers a reprieve in nature.

The shoreline of Illinois Beach State Park is characterized by its backdrop of rolling sand dunes that are home to hundreds of different plant species, including colourful wildflowers. Further back you’ll find diverse wetlands and mature oak forests. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic on the sandy shore or taking a bike ride along the Zion Bike Trail, there’s a lot of nature to take in at Illinois Beach State Park.