Stunning Waterfalls You Can Visit in Illinois

I never had the chance to visit Niagara Falls as a kid, but it’s still on my bucket list. The good news is, you don’t have to travel to New York or Canada to see majestic waterfalls; there are some right here in Illinois.

Why Illinois Waterfalls Are Worth Visiting

If you’re an outdoor person who loves to explore all the beautiful sights Illinois has to offer, there are some breathtaking places where you can see waterfalls across the state. Let’s be honest, Illinois probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of waterfalls, but there are a few you need to know about.

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Waterfalls to Add to Your Bucket List

According to Only In Your State, if you want to see some of the best waterfalls in Illinois, you should add these six to your list. Some are well known, while others you may not have even heard of. I didn’t know about all six.

Some of these spots are close by, while others require a bit of a drive, but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, these trails are worth checking out.

Illinois Waterfalls

Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail – Goreville
Jackson Falls – Simpson
Burden Falls – Shawnee National Forest
Starved Rock State Park – Oglesby
Matthiessen State Park – Oglesby (the largest state park in Illinois)

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Shawnee National Forest, in particular, is the place to go if you’re looking for long hikes, hidden waterfalls, and scenic trails in Illinois. It pops up on a lot of lists for nature lovers and might be worth spending a few days exploring everything it has to offer.