Located in Herod Illinois within the Shawnee National Forest,this is a must stop if in the area…read more The views and scenery are absolutely breathtaking. You can hike,camp,pinic or nature watch. The Observation Trail features unique rock formations and scenic views. Make sure you have gas and essentials as there is nothing available in the area.

I live in Milwaukee and the drive here is long but worth it! Having lived in Chicago, I recall this…read morewas on my Illinois Bucket List (along with Starved Rock), and it should be on everyone's Bucket List. The main hike is a short loop with incredible views! Pictures really don't do it justice. And pictures you'll want to take! It's an easy enough hike for all in the family, do wear hiking shoes, running shoes / sneakers, something more than shower slip ons and flip flops, as you'll want safety on the rocks. We were there in late July 2024, and construction had parking lots and trails closed or blocked, but we walked the road to another trail, which was just as beautiful and not popular at all. When we called down to make camping reservations I laughed at a lady who said their campsite closes after July 4th because "the bees take over the forest." Hiking that less popular trail, sure enough, millions of bees were humming in one of the rock structures, bee careful, bee safe! (We were perfectly fine, and crazy old lady wasn't so crazy afterall.) Garden of the Gods is similar to Wisconsin's Devil's Lake, but for those who have never been - put it on your Bucket List!

Stayed in the campground, which is open year-round. They have a new bath house with 8…read moreseparate/private restroom/showers. 6 are locked up for the season. For the two that are open, the rooms are blazing hot but the showers are very cold. Not quite ice cold but the are not even "like warm". Totally unacceptable. They need to take the money wasted on overheating the rooms to heating the water to a reasonable temperature.

The highlight of this park is a reconstructed wooden fort, which overlooks the river and is fairly…read moreimpressive. I assume there is some more action during business hours as it wasn't the most happening place in the evening. There are a variety of trails and other facilities, as well as a disc golf course. Maps suggest that a road leads to another forest park, but the road does become unpaved dirt and gravel before the point of crossing under the main highway. The water fountains did not work for me. It is a free park with some interesting features and a variety of possible uses.

In 2023, I toyed around with the idea of bridging the gap between 50km and the 50 mile distance. It…read morewas bothering me as I raced marathons and 50km that year until it happened. Maybe I have what I takes. I looked for a 50 mile distance race that had a very generous time limit on ultrasignup.com. I found Tunnel Hill 100 mile and 50 mile distance events in Vienna, IL. They offer 30 hours for both distances, so I would be able to complete the 50 miles with plenty of time to spare. I shared my findings on social media and they told me to go for it. And so, I did. Signing up online was easy, with prices under $100, you do get a bang for your running dollar. In the ensuing months before race day, it was on the back of my mind. Race day comes and I was not really nervous. Probably more excited than anything. My friend and I arrived in his rental car. We drove from Crystal Lake, IL. We lucked out on parking here and proceeded to packet pick up for our race bibs. Once secured, we milled around the mass group of participants that have joined that morning. After a brief race morning announcement, we were under way at 7am. The course was a figure 8, mostly trail with a lot of scenery and trees. The 50 mile course was a 13.1 mile out and back, then roughly 12 miles out and 11 miles on the return for the 50 miles. 100 miles repeat the 50 mile loop on the next set of 50 miles. It was literally that simple from a running standpoint. I started the race with mix emotions but every mile that checks off was me getting closer to the goal. The overall feeling of making it was electric and amazing at the same time. It was just after 2:30am when I crossed the finish line. No fanfare but just me and my thoughts. I figure that's how it is with these long distance running events, but I proved to myself that I can. There was a few aid stations on the course, but best thing was to carry your own aid if you need extra. But I carried my Starbucks cup, so I could carry water in between aid stations. Thank you to all the volunteers who make this event possible! When I made it to 35 miles, I knew I was in uncharted territory. I was tired and exhausted. I kept going and took breaks at the aid stations when necessary. It rain heavy that evening in 2024, which added an hour to my total time, but I didn't care at all. Just wanted to finish. Each step was a victory for me, especially after 40 miles and during the lonely stretches where it was just me and my thoughts. For the most part though, it was the greatest thing I've done since my 1st marathon in 2007. It was amazing to see other accomplished runners with me on the course that day / night. Happy that I finished and not doubted myself even just once. Happy for myself and that I believed in myself. Grateful and blessed. Tunnel Hill 100 mile ultra endurance event is staged at the Vienna City Park in Vienna, IL. They accept registrations annually at ultrasignup.com, which generally requires major credit cards as payment. As far as parking for race weekend, you just need to get here as soon as you can. Once other race participants arrive, it fills up pretty fast and they have another parking area for you to go to, but it is a half mile walk from the race venue. As far as public transportation, there is virtually none here. You would have to rent a car or have one of your own to get here. The closest airport will be in St. Louis, Missouri. Or Paducah, Kentucky. I happen to be driving from Chicago Illinois, because it was the cheapest I could find, flying into Chicago. For the most part though, it was a life changing experience for me and one that I won't ever forget forever. Definitely a place and race that can surely be the one you want to do your ultra distance in. Definitely a place where you can just let loose and enjoy the scenery while you crank the miles for your favorite distance or go race. If you don't have any yet or don't want to run Chicago, considered coming to this one since it's pretty awesome. Low-key and definitely a good vibe for all those involved. 5.0 stars for the overall experience Support local! A+

An excellent rail trail connecting 45 miles of truly rural spaces, this made for a great 2-day…read morebikepacking excursion. We cycled from Harrisburg to Karnak, stayed the night in a campground right at the end of the trail, and returned home the following day. If you were to start this exact trail from any population center, it would be teeming with visitors. But that's not the reality here. We didn't see more than two dozen other cyclists total in 2 weekend days in May -- we damn near had the place to ourselves. And we were the only campers at the campground on a Saturday night (although some people might have stayed away because of rain in the forecast). The path itself is in really good shape for such an old trail. It's well-maintained and well-marked, and best of all, it's shade the whole way. You're almost always surrounded by trees. The terrain is surprisingly interesting, and for a number of miles you follow wetlands. I also particularly liked the bridges, which employ used railroad ties beautifully. And of course, there is the namesake tunnel, which you hit around mile 22. If there is a downside, it's the relative lack of amenities. You're not going to have ample choices for groceries or restaurants. But at least water stations and dry good shops are still around every several miles. And you're not here for the restaurants anyway.

I stopped here on a road trip. The visitor center was shut down due to COVID-19 but it was still…read moreeasy to find my way around. I went to the scenic overlook and got a great view of the muddy Mississippi River. we (me and my dogs) then hiked a mile, which wasn't bad. but it was hilly. there was also a lake where people were swimming. this a great park, if you are driving through the area be sure to stop by and enjoy the nature it has to offer.

A lot of sad but informative history at the visitors center, don't pass it by. The visitors center…read morealso features wildlife of the area, and the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Camping, swimming, picnic areas available. Couple of nice lookout points for photos.

This is without a doubt one of the top parks that my kids have ever been to. When you step into the…read morepark you see sculptures of wizards, knights, dragons, and fantastical creatures. It is like stepping into a Dungeons & Dragons story. The highlight thought is without a doubt the castle. There are ramparts, hidden armories, gargoyles, coats of arms, statues and a whole menagerie of fantastical creatures. I had to tear my 5 and 3 year old away from it. It could have kept them busy for hours. There is also a touching backstory to the park. It was founding in memory of Jeremy "Boo" Rochman who died in a car crash nearby. He loved fantasy and his family set up the park in his honor. The park is privately funded, and can accept donations through its website. So if you do stop in and enjoy it, please make sure to support the park.

Best park in the state. This place will keep you busy for hours. The dungeons and dragon theme tops…read moreit off.

Cave-In-Rock is probably worth a stop if you happen to be not too far away…read more Tip: If you decide to visit this place, I suggest that you drive around and park near the exit if there's room there. It'll make leaving when that time comes easier. My two biggest complaints about this venue: On the weekends, you'll find so many other people visiting that it's hard to get decent pictures There's virtually no signage that explains what's what here Additionally, the venue has been defaced by various visitors over time, which makes things less pleasant for future visitors.

Cave in Rock SP is a unique laid back place. On the Ohio River, a visit to the cave namesake is a…read moremust, where pirates nicknamed River Rats would strike out or lure boats in to pilfer. We tent camped here in late July, and camping I would give 3 stars. Reserving a site would be nice since I was traveling over 7 hours to the area, and peace of mind is nice. Camp Host was fairly curt, which I've never seen. Also, no firewood to buy on site. They have a garage for wood but don't sell it and recommended the one redneck in town who sells it at a skyhigh rate. We were lucky he was at home. Bathrooms and showers at the park were impeccably clean. The park restaurant was not bad, we loved the fried catfish and acoustic guitar duo. There are rentable cabins here right by the restaurant, RV and tent camping, and plenty of hiking. Not far from Garden of the Gods!

Had a really nice weekend at Ferne Clyff. There are 18 trails that are maintained and for various…read morelevels, but be aware that nearly every trail has poison ivy just at the edge of pathways. There's lots to do, whether you're there to hike, bike, climb, or relax in nature. The camping grounds are a bit crowded, but most everyone keeps to themselves and are very friendly. There are lots of primitive restrooms throughout the park, but maintained with plumbing restrooms are only available for overnight paid guests. If you forget firewood, there is a place near the main campground restrooms where you can get bundles of firewood from a vet owned business. As of 5/8/2026 when I'm writing this, each bundle is $5 and can be paid in cash or QR.

This is my go to hiking park when I need to introduce someone to the beauty of SoILL on a tight…read moretime budget. The Waterfall Trail is flat and wide and boasts a fun waterfall in wet seasons, but also lovely bluffs and wildlife even when it's dry. My favorite hike was on a cold January day. We started with flurries, and the ground was completely white when we completed it. My kids are also HUGE fans of the Hawks Cave hike. Lots of fun boulders to climb on and explore. It's a short (though a bit steeper) hike, but begs you to linger at the cave.

Great National Wildlife Refugee! An oasis down the road from Marion which was awful because it is…read morefull of semi trucks and fast food and rushing cars. If you are in the area seek this place out. It is beautiful. Lots of grasslands with birds such as wild turkeys! There is a large expanse of water that can drive through on a narrow gravel road.

Went for a walk and stumbled on this gem. Liked the park so much, cancelled my hotel and stayed in…read moreone of the cabins. Ended up just strolling through the park about five or six miles of walking over the two days. We sat on the covered porch at night. Cabins are going to be renovated over the next few months which will be nice. Loved the museum as well.

I'm going to be the first person to say that I never workout. I rarely go hiking or run but you…read moreneed to do it once in a while. A friend wanted to go to this park because she had a passport like card where each park had a different restaurant. I invited myself because I didn't want her going by herself. We got there and found out this park was not part of the passport. A little disappointing but that wasn't holding us back. The park itself is gorgeous. It has a big building with a museum inside which is free so you have a good reason to escape the heat. There were multiple hiking trails so you did get your workout for a couple hours. The only heads up I'm giving is each big hiking trails have "side trails" so you may get lost for a little bit. We got lost more than I would like to admit. Overall it's a good park with nice views and an adorable museum. If I'm ever back in town, I wouldn't mind hiking here again.

Although short, I had a great time exploring the park. The trail that I really wanted to see was…read moreinaccessible because of construction. The visitors center is also wonderful and I highly recommend exploring this park especially in spring or Fall. There are several accessible trails.

Beautiful rocks and park! Here is some info that maybe helpful before your visit:…read more - Internet connection is not good at some spots in the park. - Fat Man's Squeeze has no signage on it, or around the park. It only says "Nature Trail" on the rock. It is a very tight giant crack. You will not miss it. - Also there is no sign that indicates Venomous Copperheads hibernate in between those rocks. I heard stories about it, but we only saw warning signage about ticks and some bugs. - The visitor center is nice. It has bunch of valuable info about the park and taxidermy. Also 1 live tortoise and a black snake live in the tanks inside. There are picnic tables around. The area is so peaceful. - Alcohol is banned between September & May