Illinois is Ready to Spray You – On a Waterfalls Tour

Most people don’t think of Illinois when they think about waterfalls, but the land of Lincoln has them. If you feel adventuresome as the weather warms up, plot a course to see the waterfalls of Illinois.

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There are several places in Illinois with waterfalls to experience including:

Fern Clyffe State Park

Off of Highway 57 near Goreville in Johnson County in southern Illinois (south of Marion) is Fern Clyffe State Park with its own waterfall hiking trail. Fern Clyffe also includes rock climbing and equestrian trails.

Starved Rock State Park

Probably the best known state park in Illinois. Just south of I-80 on the Illinois river between Ottawa and LaSalle with striking canyons and overlooks, Starved Rock also includes kayaking.

Burden Falls

Between I-27 and the Ohio river is Burden falls (near Eddyville) in Pope County. It’s within Shawnee National Forest and drops close to one hundred feet in total (not all at once). It’s also near Jackson falls.

Waterfall Glen  

Within the southwest suburbs of Chicago off of I-55 is Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve near Darien in DuPage County.  What Waterfall Glen lacks in height it makes up for in width at Rocky Glen on Sawmill Creek.

Matthiessen State Park  

Just outside Oglesby between 178 and 71 sits Matthiessen State Park. The park includes rock climbing and rappelling. Several waterfalls and canyons await along the 5 mile trail.  Matthiessen is also right next to Starved Rock allowing for a double waterfall dip visit if you can manage your time well.