When we want to get away, sometimes an impromptu road trip is best. Exploring your own state by car may lead you to some unexpected places that maybe you’ve never heard of or never had the opportunity to visit before. Illinois is filled with many incredible hidden gems, and we’ve created this road trip that features over 16-hours of driving time and 10 stops. Get ready to see some of the best hidden gems in Illinois!

This hidden gem road trip will circle around the state and will take a few days to get through. You may add your own stops by clicking on this interactive Google map.
Google Maps
1. Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, Joliet
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site/Facebook
If you like to explore abandoned places and learn about history, the Joliet Iron Works is a great place to visit. Once the second-largest steel mill in the country, it operated from 1869-1932. It then laid dormant and forgotten about until 1991. It is now a park with an interpretive trail and access to the I&M Canal Trail. You'll love exploring the Joliet Iron Works site.
2. Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna
lowelk defrance/AllTrails
This 2,500-acre park is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple Rivers and has a rich Native American history. Take a hike along the easy 0.7-mile Indian Head Trail to explore the cliffs. Campsites are also available for a fee. There's do doubt about it -- The Mississippi Palisades will drop your jaw.
3. Giant Oak Park, Peoria
Kelly S/TripAdvisor
This park is named after the giant burr oak tree whose branches span outwards 100 feet. The tree has a circumference of 13 feet and is believed to be at least 300 years old. The park contains a picnic area and is a lovely place to stop for a bit to marvel at both the tree and the Historic Easton Fountain. For more information, visit the Giant Oak Park webpage.
4. Dana Thomas House, Springfield
Rich G/TripAdvisor
If you love architecture, then a visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed 12,000-square foot Dana Thomas House is a must. Take a free tour of this turn-of-the-century gem by reserving a time on the Dana Thomas House website. And if you want to see more houses designed by the famed architect around the Prairie State, you're in luck! Frank Lloyd Wright Made His Architectural Mark In Illinois With 6 Houses, and each one is incredible.

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 Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Illinois

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5. Pink Elephant Antique Mall, Livingston
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall/Facebook
Occupying an old high school, this antique mall has over 50 vendors with some interesting goods for sale. Have some fun searching for your next treasure and order some ice cream while you're here! To learn more, visit the Pink Elephant Antique Mall's Facebook page.
6. Cedarhurst Center For The Arts, Mount Vernon
hd452016/TripAdvisor
This art center offers galleries, an outdoor sculpture garden, visual and performing arts, and so much more! Come see works by notable artists like John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassat. Admission is free, although there may be a charge for certain exhibitions and programs. Find out more on the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts website.
7. Cache River and Heron Pond State Natural Areas, Belknap930 Sunflower Ln, Belknap, IL 62908
Carl Russo/AllTrails
Located in the southernmost part of the state, this nature preserve features ancient cypress trees with massive bases rising out of a swamp. There's also a river, ponds, and forest providing an important habitat for many mammals and over 230 species of birds. Walk along the easy trails to view the diverse landscape and do some birdwatching. For more information, read our feature article about the Cache River and Heron Pond State Natural Areas.
8. TREC Trails, Effingham
Kristen Chi/AllTrails
This urban trail system is paved, offering a lovely hike through woodlands, over a creek, and past farmland. Come for a hike and some wildlife viewing! Find out more about TREC Trails on the town of Effingham's website.
9. Spurlock Museum, Urbana
Spurlock Museum/Facebook
Tucked away on the University of Illinois Campus, this museum educates visitors about global history and culture through its exhibits. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information on hours of operation and current exhibits, visit the Spurlock Museum website.
10. Elawa Farm, Lake Forest
Elawa Farm/Facebook
Elawa Farm is a gentleman's farm and garden that was built in 1915 and has since been restored. Visitors may explore the gorgeous gardens, historical buildings, and market. This hidden gem is adjacent to the Middlefork Savannah which has several miles of hiking and biking trails. For more information and to plan your visit, go to the Elawa Farm website.

There are obviously many, many more hidden gems in Illinois. What would you add to this list? Please let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

hidden gems in Illinois

Elisa Regulski | May 23, 2022

What are the most unique parks in Illinois?

There’s something so fun about exploring Illinois' hidden gems. Not many people know about Nike Park in Addison, but that should change. It was once an old missile launch site, but now it’s an exciting public park. Here, you can play on the baseball diamond, let the kiddos run free on the playground, and engage in a fun game of tennis.

When the weather gets warm, you’ll want to cool off at a thrilling water park. And no place can beat Splash Country in Illinois. This barnyard-themed park is fun for the whole family!

What food trails can I take in Illinois?

Feeling hungry? There are so many fun ways to dine in Illinois. Why not make a whole weekend out of it? Spice lovers will enjoy the Ultimate Taco Trail through Illinois. If you’re craving Chicago-style hot dogs, you’ll want to embark on this delicious foodie tour. And who doesn’t love pizza? Indulge in this scrumptious, cheesy goodness on this pizza trail through Illinois. 

Which hidden gems in Illinois should I visit?

If you’re on the hunt for some amazing Illinois hidden gems, we know just where you should go. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll enjoy exploring the Pomona Natural Bridge inside Shawnee National Forest. This gorgeous structure spans 90 feet and stands at 30 feet tall. While you’re in the area, you should explore the numerous hiking trails. The verdant scenery and tranquil surroundings will make you feel calm and at ease. For more fun, visit Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby. This lovely destination is home to babbling brooks and picturesque walking paths. Eager to learn more? Check out our full list of the best little known places in Illinois. 

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Featured Addresses
75 Columbia St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
Mississippi Palisades State Park, 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
426 W High St, Peoria, IL 61606, USA
301 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
908 Veterans Memorial Dr, Livingston, IL 62058, USA
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 E Richview Rd, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA
Cache River State Natural Area, 930 Sunflower Ln, Belknap, IL 62908, USA
1325 Outer Belt W, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
600 S Gregory St, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
1401 Middlefork Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA