The Small Illinois Town Of Oglesby Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State
By Melissa Mahoney|Published October 06, 2021
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Located at the confluence of the Illinois and Vermillion Rivers, Oglesby is a small city with a small-town feel and a population of just 3,600 residents. Home to two of the best state parks in Illinois, Oglesby has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor attractions just waiting to be explored. If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, Oglesby is the place for you.
Brimming with natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Oglesby attracts visitors from all over the state who are looking to spend time in the great outdoors. One place people are drawn to for its otherworldly landscape is Starved Rock State Park, which was named the "Best State Park in Illinois" by Travel+Leisure in 2021.
The 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park is home to forests and numerous waterfalls, canyons, trails, and scenic overlooks where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Illinois River. If you want to spend time on the river, you can take a guided kayaking tour with a nearby kayaking outfitter.
One overlook you must hike to is Eagle Cliff Overlook. It requires a rather steep climb up a staircase, but if you're able to make it to the top, you'll be treated to some of the best river views at Starved Rock.
Although Starved Rock was given the title of best state park, visitors should not overlook the equally-as-beautiful Matthiessen State Park. Located along the Vermillion River, this state park has 1,936 acres filled wth forest, canyons, rock formations, streams, and plenty of waterfalls.
Matthiessen State Park has five miles of hiking trails, some which lead to the tops of bluffs while others lead into the dells. There are so many fascinating things to see here that it never gets boring no matter how many times you visit.
The Vermillion River winds its way through the forest, past Matthiessen State Park, and finally joins the Illinois River. Through Vermillion River Rafting in Oglesby, you can have a white water rafting adventure along this river and experience 14 rapids all while enjoying unspoiled natural beauty along the way.
With state parks, access to two rivers, and more, you can easily find campgrounds around Oglesby as well. With both tent and RV sites, Pleasant Creek Campground sits in the woods along a tributary of the Vermillion River and is located just minutes away Starved Rock State Park.
Offering numerous outdoor attractions, it’s no wonder why Oglesby is a popular spot for those who want to spend time enjoying nature. What’s your favorite natural attraction around Illinois? Please let us know in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
