When you’re constantly surrounded by concrete, nothing is more refreshing than getting back to nature. Forget about skyscrapers, paved sidewalks, and honking cars, and go to one of these state parks in and near Chicago where the smog won’t get you. These little pockets of nature will help you unwind and get a fresh breath of air. Keep scrolling for all the best places to hike in and around Chicago:

1. Chain O'Lakes State Park
Chain-O-Lakes State Park, Illinois, USA
Facebook/Chain O Lakes State Park
Located in Albion, this fantastic state park has nine connecting kettle lakes that you can boat your whole way through. There is also a schoolhouse nature center, picnic shelters, and 10 miles of forested trails. Guests are allowed to fish, enjoy the beach, and even stay overnight in a cabin or at a campground. Learn more about Chain O' Lakes in this article!
2. Matthiessen State Park
Matthiessen State Park Fort, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Flickr/Tripp
Often overlooked for the nearby Starved Rock State Park, this natural area near Oglesby was once the location of a large, 176-acre estate. Today, it has expanded to include nearly 2,000 acres, as well as five miles of hiking trails and nine miles of biking trails. A stream cutting through the park leads to the Vermilion River and creates a 45-foot falls known as Lake Falls. Read more about this state park in this article.
3. Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park, Westchester Township, IN 46304, USA
Pixabay/tpsdave
If you're ready to get out of the state, head to the dunes along Lake Michigan, which are about 47 miles east of Chicago. The 1,530 acres of sand dunes are formed by receding waters and wind-blown sand from the lake catching on plants and other dunes. Visitors enjoy difficult hikes through endless sand, birding, fishing, and swimming. Check out this article to learn more about these fascinating natural wonders.
4. Lowden State Park
Lowden State Park, 1411 N River Rd, Oregon, IL 61061, USA
Wikimedia Commons/IvoShandor
Set on 207 acres of land near Oregon, Illinois, this park was founded in 1945 and is home to the 125-foot-tall Black Hawk statue, also known as The Eternal Indian. Rock bluffs, streams, and winding trails make this place unique, and visitors enjoy scenic views of the Rock River, as well as fishing, boating, and water skiing. Click here to learn more about the amazing forest this park is located in.

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5. Shabbona Lake State Park
Shabbona Lake State Park Campground, 100 Preserve Rd, Shabbona, IL 60550, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
For a tranquil day away from it all, this 1,550-acre park situated on the man-made Shabbona Lake is the perfect outdoors trip. It was created by damming (Big) Indian Creek in 1975 and it's used for boating and fishing. Guests can also hike through prairies, meadows, forests, and other peaceful settings. It's a wonderful lake for kayaking, too.
6. Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
Located along Lake Michigan in Zion, this 4,160-acre park has over six miles of beautiful, scenic shoreline. Visitors enjoy boating, swimming, hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, and more. Wildflowers, sand dunes, beaches, and prairies provide relaxation and awe. Get all the details about this little slice of Midwestern paradise here.
7. Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
Situated on the Illinois River, this majestic park is popular for its sandstone canyons and waterfalls. Take a romantic hike to Lover's Leap Overlook or traverse any number of other paths through the 2,630-acre area in Oglesby near Matthiessen State Park. Guests marvel at the exposed sandstone formations, which make for excellent pictures. You can learn more about this amazing Illinois state park in this article.
8. Kankakee River State Park
Kankakee River State Park, 5314 IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA
Wikipedia/MrHarman
Located on 4,000 acres of land along the Kankakee River, this park is most popular for its limestone canyons and waterfalls. There are also several campgrounds, as well as excellent trails along the riverside. Guests may snowmobile here in the winter and horseback ride in the summer. And then there's the suspension bridge!

Love hiking? Check out 10 trails in Illinois to add to your hiking bucket list.

Have you ever been to any of these state parks? Share your experiences and photos with us! We love hearing from you.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit Near Chicago

Tori Jane | February 02, 2022

Where can I go hiking in Chicago?  

Big city hiking can be some of the best, if you ask us. There are plenty of wonderful trails in and near the Windy City for those who love a good outing; some of our favorites include trails at Starved Rock State Park, which offers up 13 miles of the good stuff that lead you through all sorts of natural wonders, like 18 canyons and some impeccably perfect waterfalls. Indiana Dunes National Park is a quick drive or train ride from the city across the lake; it offers some of the most iconic (and unique) landscapes in the entire Midwest, with ocean-like lake views and absolutely breathtaking dunes (and some of the best trails in the country). Or, you could check out the photogenic Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which is a 19,000-acre National Forest south of beautiful Joliet, which offers 22 amazing miles of hiking trails perfect for all skill levels. Want more Illinois? Check out this awesome hidden gems road trip through Illinois we’ve put together just for you!  

What are some of the best parks around Chicago for kids?  

The wonderful Windy City has TONS of awesome parks that are great for families with kids of all ages. Some of our favorite parks around Chicago for kids include Indian Boundary Park, on Lunt Avenue, which features a nature play area designed to pique children’s interests in the world around them, a climbing tower, water spray splash pads, and so much more. We also love Independence Park, on Springfield Avenue; this park features awesome amenities like zipline swings, an indoor pool, and even an on-site gym. Lucy Flower Park is another gem, with amazing old-growth trees, a flower-themed water play area, beautiful gardens, and more, and finally there’s the Maggie Daley Park, which features an adventure playground and several imagination-sparking play areas like a pyramid, a pirate ship, a suspension bridge, and more.  

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