When you think of Illinois, you might think of skyscrapers and cornfields. But within the state, there are some really amazing, breathtaking places such as beautiful gardens in Illinois. One you might not know about is Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. It is one of the largest and most authentic Japanese gardens in North America. If you visit, be prepared to be soothed and awed at the same time at one of the best gardens in Illinois.

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Have you ever strolled in the beauty of Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois? Do you have any other favorite Illinois gardens? Let us know in the comments. For the most current updates, follow Anderson Japanese Gardens on Facebook. If you want to see more beautiful places, put on your hiking boots and explore these amazing hiking trails in Illinois:

18 Best Hikes in Illinois: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

 

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Scenes Of Beauty In Illinois

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois?

The most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois include:

  • Mississippi Palisades State Park. Come see the lush bluffs at the point where the Mississippi and Apple Rivers join together.
  • Matthiessen State Park. The canyons here have interesting striations and there are beautiful waterfalls hidden throughout.
  • Cache River Natural Area. You’ll find 1,000-year-old cypress trees in these vast wetlands in Illinois.
  • Starved Rock State Park. In these canyons, some trees grow out of the sides almost horizontally and there are all sorts of lovely hiking trails.

Learn more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Illinois?

Bucket list natural attractions in Illinois include:

  • Cave-In-Rock. This ice-age cave has a long history of being used as a hideout for pirates and bandits. 
  • Pomona Natural Bridge. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this natural rock bridge is 90 feet across and 30 feet high.
  • Burden Falls. As one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, this one is 35 feet tall and is made up of several smaller falls.
  • Giant City State Park. There are swirling, otherworldly rock formations here that look like they’d be at home on an alien planet. 

Find out more about bucket list natural attractions in Illinois

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois?

The most scenic hiking trails in Illinois include:

  • Garden of the Gods Observation Trail. The very short trail provides stunning views and stony hoodoos. 
  • Castle Rock State Park. There are boardwalk hikes here with amazing views of the rolling hills and lush forests in this park.
  • Waterfall Glen Trail. This is a long but easy hike where you can see beautiful waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
  • Buffalo Rock State Park. While the verdant foliage is a sight in itself, there are also bison that roam the area that are a wonder to behold.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois

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