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    Fort Defiance State Park

    3.4 (7 reviews)

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    Ivy V.

    Cool spot to think this is the most Southern point of Illinois and where the Ohio River meets Mississippi River. Nothing much around the area, just the rivers, some benches around. It really feels that time has forgotten this place.

    The southernmost tip of Illinois (taken from the ground)!
    Jason V.

    Located literally on the southernmost tip of Illinois (as well as the lowest point in the state) is Fort Defiance State Park. I haven't known very much about this historic park that long, and apparently none of my friends in the St. Louis area did. If you haven't been here yet, I highly recommend checking it out! I would start in the parking lot that is right at the main entrance. Plenty of great views and photo opportunities await. Even though it is in poor shape, there is the iconic sign that reads 'shortest route in Illinois', which has the U.S. Highways 60 and 62 on it. There's also historical markers, but I don't know if that building is ever open to the public. (Knowing Illinois' financial condition, probably not!). Then there is the short drive to the part that gives the visitor the best experience. There is a lot to see, but the one thing that stands out is the lookout structure, which is modeled to be like a pilot house deck. It consists of three levels, with a sheltered picnic area is on the bottom. You'll also find a historical marker which talks about the meeting of the rivers. You can also go directly to the river. Just be careful though - use your common sense. Take a moment and check out the 360-degree views! Again, this is so worth checking out, whether you just love history, scenery, geography, whatever. This is one of the few places in the United States that you'll see a confluence of two major rivers (Mississippi and Ohio), as well as the intersection of three states (IL, KY and MO).

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    Garden of the Gods - My dog on the trail!

    Garden of the Gods

    4.9(48 reviews)
    59.2 mi

    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!

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    Fort Defiance State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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