We have an embarrassment of riches in Illinois when it comes to mind-blowing scenery. Your gorgeous photo submissions have proved just that. Here are some absolutely amazing photos of awesome scenery across our wonderful state.
1. Matthiessen State Park
Matthiessen State Park is full of canyons, prairies, forests, breathtaking rock formations, and waterfalls.
2. Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest is composed of 286,000 acres of gorgeous forests, bluffs, and cliffs. The crown gem: Garden of the Gods.
3. Illinois Beach State Park
Only encompassing 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan costaline, Illinois Beach State Park offers stunning views.
4. Chinquapin Bluffs
The Mackinaw River cuts through this gorgeous area that consists of prairie, wetland and forest.
5. Cache River State Natural Area
People come from all over to spot these giant cypress trees in Heron Pond.
6. Giant City State Park
In Makanda, Giant City State Park is home to huge bluffs of sandstone, which beautiful trees sit atop.
7. Lake Michigan
You can't talk about Illinois without talking about Lake Michigan.
8. Kinkaid Lower Falls
These falls actually spill out of Kinkaid Lake down in Murphysboro, Illinois.
9. Lost Kame Marsh Glacial Park
This park is a true jewel, with its rolling prairie, wetlands, delta kames, and oak savanna.
10. Ferne Clyffe State Park
People have traveled to Ferne Clyffe for over 100 years to see...you guessed it...ferns and cliffs. There also waterfalls and beautiful trees.
11. Timber Lake Forest Preserve
To passersby, this might look like a gross lake. Take a closer look, and you can see fantastic lilies atop a crystal clear lake.
12. Cave-in-Rock State Park
Alongside the Ohio River, Cave-in-Rock State Park sits atop high bluffs in a heavily wooded area.
13. Wildcat Canyon, Starved Rock
Starved Rock State Park is full of breathtaking canyons and waterfalls.
14. Monks Mound
Did you know that Monks Mound is the largest pyramid north of Mesoamerica and the largest pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas?
15. Beautiful Central Illinois Fields
You cannot talk about scenery that IS Illinois without talking about a simple field. This is Illinois.
Did you take any mind-blowing shots of some of the places we profiled? Be sure to share them on the Only in Illinois Facebook page!!
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