There's No Better Place To Spend Your Summer Than These 7 Hidden Illinois Spots

For many of us, summer is the best time of year. It’s time to get out and explore places we never get to when the weather is cold. The warm air and sunshine inspire us to go out and connect with nature and find activities to do outdoors. But sometimes we don’t want the crowds that come with summer and want to visit somewhere out of the ordinary. If you’re looking to find some one-of-a-kind places to visit and activities to do this season, check out these hidden summer spots in Illinois.

David Wilson/Flickr

In the southernmost part of the Prairie State lies a swamp that looks like something out of a storybook. Growing out of the swamp are ancient bald cypress trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. Cache River State Natural Area is a fascinating place to visit not only to see the trees, but the variety of wildlife across the four ecosystems found within the park.

Learn more about Cache River State Natural Area in our previous coverage.

Evan Artinger/AllTrails

Located within Shawnee National Forest, Pomona Natural Bridge is a thing of wonder. A short hike leads to this 90-foot long stone bridge that will make your jaw drop when you see it. It towers 30 feet above the ground and has a width of eight feet. Because the hike is so short, it's a fantastic place to take kids.

Learn more about Pomona Natural Bridge in our previous coverage.

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Aikman Wildlife Adventure/Facebook

Want to go on a safari...in Illinois? Well, you can have your chance at Aikman Wildlife Adventures in Arcola! This awesome place has over 100 exotic animals that roam freely on the property and you can drive through to see them all. This will be one summer adventure the whole family won't soon forget.

Learn more about Aikman Wildlife Adventures in our previous coverage.

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We all know how incredible Galena is by now, but did you know there's a secret garden tucked away downtown just off Main Street? Linmar Gardens is privately owned but the owners offer paid tours Tuesday through Saturday and it's well worth the cost to explore this hidden gem!

Learn more about Linmar Gardens in our previous coverage.

Tony Schmidt/Google

This beautiful beach along the shores of Lake Michigan doesn't get the crowds that some of the other beaches get. Leone Beach is a hidden gem in Chicago that's the perfect place to bring the family and have fun swimming and playing in the sand.

Learn more about Leone Beach on the website.

The Resort at Egyptian Hills/Facebook

This little-known lake in southern Illinois is where you're guaranteed to find the peace and quiet you may desire during the busy summer months. The 2,300-acre Lake of Egypt has 93 miles of shoreline and is the perfect spot for swimming, watersports, fishing, and relaxing.

Learn more about Lake of Egypt in our previous coverage.

Alan Cesar/Google

Dixon Springs State Park may very well be one of the state's best-kept secrets. Featuring caves, waterfalls, canyons, cliffs, creeks, etc., this park has it all! Discover all it has to offer along the many trails. You're guaranteed to fall in love with this incredible place that's perfect to explore during summer.

Learn more about Dixon Springs State Park in our previous coverage.

What do you think of this list of hidden summer spots in Illinois? Is there anything else you would add? Please let your fellow readers know in the comments.