Nothing captures the majesty of fall more than the changing colors of trees. And what better place to see these trees than in some of Illinois' best state parks? Here are eight you want to check out:
Gosh, when isn't it a great time to head to Oglesby and survey Starved Rock State Park? Well, if you haven't gotten to it yet this year, you're in luck. Fall might be the best time to see it.
People flock to Makanda to take in the breathtaking natural beauty at all times of the year, but you'll really love it when the leaves begin to change.
Just off of 74 in central Illinois (Oakwood), Kickapoo State Park invites visitors throughout the year, but it is wonderful to visit to see the fall foliage.
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Boy, aren't those a sight to see! Where else--state park or otherwise--do you like to take in the fall foliage?
Illinois is known as a state that has vast, sweeping prairies and plenty of spectacular open space. It might surprise you to learn that one of our state parks is less than 21 acres in size! The smallest state park in Illinois is a gateway to a much bigger network of amazing hiking, biking, and nature paths, though – and a visit to the Channahon State Park is a great way to experience the outdoors. If you ask us, this tiny but mighty state park in Channahon deserves a day trip to explore. Check it out!
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Despite being a small plot of land, Channahon is a significant spot in Illinois's geography.
A historic river lock site is here, too, so you can choose to visit for the beautiful scenery and local lore!
The area around Channahon is important to archaeologists, too, as it was the site of a large Native American settlement, complete with mounds and pits that provide insights into how they lived at the time. You can learn all about this fascinating Illinois park on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
We love exploring state parks in Illinois. Which is your favorite for hiking, biking, fishing, or paddling? Let us know in the comments!
The Illinois Rock Statue Worth Driving Across The State To Explore
The Black Hawk Statue in Oregon, Illinois, is a significant historical monument created by Lorado Taft, offering picturesque views and rich cultural history.
Illinois is as rich with history as it is with corn, soy, and construction. From the earliest known inhabitants of the land to making new strides in technology and engineering, I seem to learn something new about this state every day. Growing up in DeKalb County, I was lucky to be surrounded by a mix of nature and history that helped me understand my own roots and how generations of people before me had contributed to the area's culture. So when people from Central or Southern Illinois ask me where they should visit to learn something about the region, I always point them in the direction of this incredible Black Hawk Statue in Illinois.
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"Eternal Indian," also known as the Black Hawk Statue, is a stunning 48-foot-tall concrete monolith created by sculptor Lorado Taft between 1908 and 1911. It's believed to be the second-largest statue of its type in the world only to "Christ the Redeemer" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sculpted as an homage to several Native American tribes, the statue stands watch 77 feet above the Rock River and overlooks the small town of Oregon below.
Historians speculate that the statue most likely pays respect to Sauk, Sioux, Mohawk, and Fox Native cultures.
In 1898, its sculptor, Lorado Taft, established the Eagles Nest Art Colony for his colleagues and art students to convene and create at the 141-acre park. Often, the group would walk up onto the bluff to reflect and take in picturesque views of the surrounding area, and today visitors can observe the statue in the same place.
The artist colony is now known as the Taft Campus and serves as Northern Illinois University's outdoor education campus. For decades, it's been tradition for students in Northern Illinois to spend a weekend at the retreat center, which includes rooms with bunk beds and a buffet-style dining room. I had this experience, myself, in middle school.
Pro tip: Illinois Route 2 offers one of the best views of the sculpture from afar, particularly at sunset when the radiant colors make Black Hawk glow.
The statue and Taft Campus are located adjacent to Lowden State Park, a 207-acre park that includes the Rock River with incredible bluffs and overlooks, hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
To round out your trip, stop by the charming, historic town of Oregon. The county seat of Ogle County, Oregon was originally the homeland of Winnebago and Potawatomi tribes before becoming a New England settlement in the 1800s. Today, its historic influences are seen everywhere from architecture to art to its events.
Oregon is the perfect place for a day trip with local shops and dining, as well as plenty of opportunities to explore its historic districts. If you love nature as much as small-town charm, this place should make the bucket list.
