This Illinois Road Trip Takes You From Starved Rock State Park To The Shawnee National Forest
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
For those of you who have been long-time readers, you know how we love to curate road trips! Today’s road trip will take you from Starved Rock State Park, which is considered the state’s best park, all the way down to the vast expanse of the Shawnee National Forest. So, gas up the car and head out on this scenic road trip through Illinois.
For your convenience, follow this interactive map and go ahead and add any additional stops along the way!
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Considered Illinois' best state park by Travel + Leisure, Starved Rock State Park is 2,630 acres of beauty. Filled with canyons, waterfalls, and plenty of scenery, you will fall in love with Starved Rock. If you want to spend the night, book a room at Starved Rock Lodge. (Pictured here is Kaskaskia Canyon and its waterfall.)
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Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Located a few miles south of Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park is also worth a visit. It also happens to be a bit smaller and less crowded than Starved Rock, yet no less scenic. Stop here for a hike to take it all in! Visit the web page for more information.
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Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA
At just 2.5 miles, Grand View Drive in Peoria is short, sweet, and oh so scenic! Enjoy views of the Illinois River Valley as you drive along the bluffs. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
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Pekin Park District, 1701 Court St, Pekin, IL 61554, USA
Mineral Spring Park in Pekin offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Within its 200 acres, you'll find a bike trail, dog park, water park, minature golf course, a lagoon where you can go fishing and boating, and a whole lot more! It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon! Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL 62704, USA
Take a stroll through this gorgeous botanical garden in Springfield for free! This urban oasis provides a tranquil and scenic place to escape. Over 1,200 plants and flowers can be found throughout the garden. Visit the Springfield Parks website for more information.
1177 Yeagerlake Trail, Butler, IL 62015, USA
A hidden gem along this route, the 266-acre Shoal Creek Nature Conservation Area offers native hickory and oak woodlands. It's also home to 700 plant species, as well as 70 butterfly species. There are two loop trails to enjoy the scenery at this preserve. Head to the Visit Litchfield website for more information.
Shawnee National Forest, Illinois 62985, USA
Southern Illinois is an incredible place to explore, especially the 289,000-acre Shawnee National Forest. This area has so much to offer including the Pomona Natural Bridge, Garden of the Gods (pictured here), and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Are you ready for this scenic road trip through Illinois? Let us know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these places before.
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