5 State Parks to Visit In Illinois This Fall

Written By Jennifer Lelwica Buttaccio

By Kaleigh Schmidt

Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor destinations. Whether you’re a hiker, fisher, or nature enthusiast, the Prairie State offers several places to discover and roam. For those living with Lyme disease, exploring the outdoors may require more planning due to symptoms like fatigue and joint pain.

In this article we’ll explore some of Illinois’ most spectacular parks that feature inclusive accommodations, places to rest, and opportunities for everyone of all abilities.

1. Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located in La Salle County, Illinois along the Illinois River. It is one of Illinois’ most breathtaking natural areas. Established in 1911, it features 18 sandstone canyons shaped by glacial meltwater from over 14,000 years ago. The park offers more than 13 miles of trails that lead visitors to waterfalls, sandstone ledges, and expansive overlooks. Its diverse ecosystem includes oak, maple, pine, and cedar trees that support a wide range of wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. The park also hosts special events, guided tours, and educational programs throughout the year. The historic Starved Rock Lounge features lodging, dining, and a year-round visitor center.

Accessibility: There are many accessible features at Starved Rock, including a wheelchair-accessible picnic area, boat ramps, campsites, and lodge entrances. Visitors can access The Middle Shelter in the Boat Ramp Area using the concrete sidewalk that connects to the parking lot.

2. Matthiessen State Park

Matthiessen State Park in La Salle County, Illinois offers 1,938 acres of abundant plants and wildlife. The park's main feature is a mile-long canyon system formed by water erosion. The Upper and Lower Dells begin at Deer Park Lake and cascade down the Vermilion River. The canyon walls display mineral-stained rocks, accompanied by ferns, mosses, and liverworts.

Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including cliff swallows, rock doves, frogs, salamanders, and flying squirrels. The canyon edge is surrounded by vegetation, including white pines and white cedar. Throughout the year, the park exhibits blossoms, prairie grasses, and milkweed. The trees and vines flourish with bird species like nuthatches, chickadees, and indigo buntings, making it an expansive experience.

Accessibility: There are four accessible parking spots that lead to and from a sheltered-picnic area. The Matthiessen Lake Shelter Area has a 1/4 mile trail with a wooden ramp to Lake Falls bridge (weather-permitting). Visitors can enjoy the equestrian campground that offers one accessible campsite and a rider loading ramp. 

3. Giant City State Park

Giant City State Park is located in Carbondale, Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and rappelling. Giant City Nature Trail is known for its “Giant City Street” of sandstone structures created over 12,000 years ago. It features lush vegetation, wildflowers, and more than 75 species of trees.

The Giant City Visitor Center provides educational displays about the park’s geology, wildlife, and history. Guests can stay at the rustic Giant City Lodge, which offers cabins, dining, a gift shop, and outdoor pool. Campsites, an equestrian campground with a 12-mile trail, stables for horseback riding, and ponds for bank fishing make it the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages.

Accessibility: The parking lot has several accessible spots located within feet of the designated drop off area, lodge lobby, and dining room. Accessible campsites, restrooms, water fountains and benches are available throughout the park. An ADA compliant ramp and mechanical lift provide access to the stables. The wheelchair-accessible Post Oak Trail makes Giant City State Park an ideal destination for all. 

4. Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette State Park is in Jersey County, Illinois, along the beautiful Great River Road. Pere Marquette’s State Park history is deeply tied to the Illinois River. Deposits of wind-carried soil were created as ancient glaciers melted and pushed sediment against the hillsides. Visitors can observe these loess along the roads and trails of the park. Artifacts and burial mounds of six Native American cultures are still present today.

East of the park entrance, a large stone cross commemorates the significant arrival of French Explorers Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette in 1673. Local legend recalls the sighting of a Piasa bird, which can be spotted near the park in a painting on the bluffs. The park is also surrounded by wineries, restaurants, outdoor activities, and historical attractions, making it a well-rounded place to explore.

Accessibility: The park’s Class A campground includes 80 sites, 2 of which are handicap accessible. These sites provide electrical hookups, a sanitary dump station, drinking water, and access to a shower building.

5. Moraine Hills State Park

Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry County, Illinois offers 2,200 acres for hiking, biking, fishing, and birding. Nearly half of the park consists of wetlands and lakes, with more than 10 miles of trails that boast plants and more than 200 species of birds. The river overlooking McHenry Lock and Dam is ideal for photographers who enjoy snapshots of anglers, waterfowl, eagles, and birders.

One unique feature of the park is the 48-acre Lake Defiance that has retained its near-natural condition. It is one of the few glacial lakes in Illinois. Visitors can fish at Lake Defiance or the Fox River. Other outdoor enthusiasts such as cyclists and hikers can enjoy 10 miles of trails that lead them through the park’s enhanced beauty. 

Accessibility: The wooden boardwalk into Lake Defiance is level and 1,000 feet long. The majority of the trails are wheelchair accessible and range from easy to hard difficulty. Guided hikes throughout the park have benches for rest and most of the trails don’t have steps. Visitors can enjoy convenient parking spaces, restrooms, and fishing at McHenry Dam.

Whether you’re seeking peaceful lakes or scenic overlooks, these state parks offer a range of experiences for all abilities. As you enjoy the countless opportunities to see the beauty of Illinois, remember to protect yourself against ticks, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne diseases.

Stay safe by applying Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered tick repellants and performing tick checks after spending time outdoors. Take advantage of these natural destinations and see why these parks are on our list.

Sources:

Jennifer Lelwica Buttaccio
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