When most people think of Illinois, they envision big cities like Chicago or Springfield, but there are many more areas that you should be considering. Southern Illinois is a place that is filled with beautiful sights to behold. However, sometimes, to see the most beautiful areas, you have to step off the beaten path to explore the outdoors of this very beautiful area. It is here that you will discover hidden waterfalls and flooded forests among many other beautiful sights.
The Waterfalls of Illinois
The Starved Rock State Park is a truly beautiful place to visit. When you walk through the canyons, you will see waterfalls that are unimaginable. However, to get the best views, you should visit after heavy rains and during the spring when the snow is melting. Hiking through the Shawnee National Forest is also a great day out. It is where you will find the largest waterfall in Illinois, but there are also many other great photo ops for you to take advantage of before you see the fall.
Explore History
If you love history, you will want to visit what many consider a national landmark. It is the Grosse Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1973 after many shipping disasters off the coast of Evanston. It is a sight to see from the bottom, but you can also climb up the 141 steps to reach the top where you will get a bird’s eye view of Southern Illinois. If that isn’t enough, you can also visit the Fabyan Forest Preserve where you will see a 19th century Dutch windmill example that many say is the most authentic replica in the U.S. You also have the opportunity to see how life was lived between the years of 1050 AD and 1200 AD at the Cahokia Mounds. It is a site that contains the largest amount of prehistoric native American remnants in the United States.
For the Love of Nature
If you simply want to have your breath taken away, you should consider visiting the Garden of the Gods. It is located in the Shawnee National Forest and it is here that you will find rock formations that have been built by mother nature over millions of years. It is where you will find the Devil’s Smoke Stack, Anvil Rock, and Camel Rock. Beyond that, in 1910 President Teddy Roosevelt, lover of nature, took a trip down Grand View Drive and called it, “the world’s most beautiful drive”. It is a stretch of land that runs 2.52 miles and offers outstanding panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley.
Botanical Gardens
In Illinois you will also find several botanical gardens. Each one holds special features that will make you want to come back again and again. One of the most popular is the Chicago Botanic Garden, but you can also visit the Anderson Japanese Gardens, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and more. The truth is, there are numerous opportunities for nature lovers to get out and enjoy the beauty of Nature if you visit Illinois. Are you ready to see what you will discover?