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Jul 18, 2022 · There is a great variety of beautiful state parks near Chicago. With everything from lush forests to towering sand dunes, the area has much to offer nature-lovers and explorers. Here we have some of the best state parks near Chicago for your next adventure.
- James “Pate” Phillip State Park | 45 Minutes. Clocking in at about 45 minutes from Chicago, this is the closest Illinois State Park to Chicago. The park is reclaimed farmland slowly turning time backward to bring back the natural Illinois grasslands and prairie ecosystem that was stripped away as settlers developed the land.
- Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park | 50 Minutes. As the only one of Illinois State Parks along Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach State Park offers great views of the lake just about an hour away from the city!
- Kankakee River State Park | 1 Hour. Straight down 57, hop-off at the Manteno exit and you’re just ten minutes away from Kankakee River State Park! With 4,000 acres of protected forest and 11 miles of river shoreline, there are activities for any kind of outdoor explorer.
- Chain O’ Lakes State Park | 1 Hour 15 Minutes. Chain O’ Lakes Stat e Park is a Lake County State Park for Chicagoans looking to enjoy some water activities in a smaller lake than Lake Michigan!
- Alexandra Owens
- Starved Rock State Park. Where: LaSalle County, Illinois. What to Expect: One of the Midwest’s most popular parks, ancient glaciers formed Starved Rock’s namesake 125-foot butte which hangs precipitously over the Illinois River.
- Indiana Dunes National Park. Where: Porter County, Indiana. What to Expect: One of the most ecologically diverse preserves in the nation with over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers and forests, Indiana Dunes boasts unusual features like oaks growing right out of the sand.
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Where: Wisconsin. What to Expect: And now for something completely different: a massive, prehistoric trail. Harkening back to a time some 15,000 years ago when an ice sheet covered much of North America, this route traces ancient sedimentary formations such as kames (sand mounds) and eskers (long, winding ridges) and provides fascinating insight into glacial history.
- Moraine Hills State Park. Where: McHenry County, Illinois. What to Expect: Surrounding 48-acre Lake Defiance, one of the few glacial lakes in Illinois that remains largely undeveloped, Moraine Hills State Park immerses visitors in the area’s woodlands, wetlands and abundant wildlife.
Jun 12, 2024 · Enter these scenic state parks that offer tons of outdoor fun for families of all ages and abilities. Families can go hiking, fishing, picnicking, biking, camping and more at these nature spots. Plus, these six state parks are just a drive away, with way less foot traffic than what you’ll typically encounter at Starved Rock.
Jan 26, 2022 · Let’s take a look at the state parks near Chicago and see what makes them fascinating places to visit. 1. Starved Rock State Park. Location: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348 Carved by eons of glacial runoff, Starved Rock State Park is a geological wonder with steep sandstone canyons, several of which have seasonal waterfalls.
Key Details. The state of Illinois boasts 41 State Parks, 17 State Wildlife Areas, 11 State Recreation Areas, and 6 State Forests within its boundaries. In total, the Illinois State Park system spans over 475,000 acres of land, offering a diverse range of outdoor experiences.
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Illinois offers a diverse range of state parks, each with its unique charm and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re looking for camping, hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, these six state parks near Chicago, IL, are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
