Hidden Beautiful places in Illinois

[toomanycars]

Giant City State Park - Makanda, IL
Cedar Lake - Murphysboro, IL

[TRLWGN1]

I'm pretty partial to our little slice of heaven here in Menard Co.





this was taken last Sunday

[wildbill1]

Originally Posted by keithert

The Galena area is very nice. Leaving Galana from the north end of town follow the Stagecoach Trail toward the town of Lena. Very pretty road with lots of twisties.

I know the area well and it is beautiful country. I hunt near Scales Mound.

[choper]

devils prop out side of mt Vernon il

[Schmittrz]

The Great River Road beginning in Alton, IL runs along the Mississippi River where you can start by seeing the Alton Lock & Dam in action, drive West toward the small town of Grafton, home to only about 700, that boast its own traffic jams during Fall weekends when the trees along the bluffs are changing. Numerous hidden away spots along the River Road including Principia College in Elsah, Chatauqua, and many others. Following your stop in Grafton, where you find many great restaraunts and bars to check out, drive West toward Pere Marquette State Park which is chock full of hidden places to relax, reflect or enjoy a horseback ride along its trails.

Oh, and you might like knowing that Bald Eagles are often spotted from mid January thru March as they spend their winters along the riverfront. If you've never seen one in the wild, they are really impressive creatures.

Enjoy!

[Schmittrz]

I agree that taking a scenic boat ride from Navy Pier at sunset is a must see. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, scored cheaper tickets on a less than full excursion, and was stunned by just how beautiful that view was. When I did a photo book on a recent weekend trip there, I used a photo snapped of the sunset over the city from the boat. People who have seen the book ALWAYS comment on what an amazing shot it was. I usually tell them that the photo doesnt do it justice. See it in person if you can.

[Fourwheelin7]

Garden of the Gods in Saline County! Southern IL beautiful hiking area.

[Intense-Dakota]

Matthiessen state park (near Starved Rock) is awsome. The best part of this place is the caves and the waterfall near the end of the canyon.

[Chapman87]

Lake Evergreen or Comlara park is a great place to fish, mountain bike, road bike, hike, i think they even have some horse trails.

Perfect place for a picnic also.

[stinkbait87]

Little grand canyon in southern illinois is amazing