Everyone flocks to Starved Rock State Park, and with good reason. The park is gorgeous. But people make the trip all the way down to this area, and most of them have no idea that there is a fantastic state park just a couple of miles down the street. In fact, most people never get to the smaller, less visited Matthiessen State Park. For the people who have visited, however, Matthiessen is the favorite. It has the canyons and waterfalls that Starved Rock has, and a visit here will make you feel like you surely are not in Illinois. By the way, it is absolutely stunning in the fall. GO RIGHT NOW.
There is a 45 foot drop between the lower and upper dells, and you can walk down into the canyon below.
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!
Sometimes it's nice just to unplug and get away. While a walk around the block can do plenty to help clear my head, nothing quite compares to hitting the road and seeking some serenity in a far-flung place. Fortunately, there are some incredible Illinois state parks - some of which are just far enough off the beaten path that they offer the space and quiet needed for a full reset. And the most remote state park in Illinois makes it easy to relax and simplify without ever having to leave its boundaries. Read on to learn more about Walnut Point State Park in Illinois.
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Walnut Point State Park is located in rural East Central Illinois, just outside the small town of Oakland, which has a local population of under 800 residents. With no major cities surrounding the 671-acre property, Walnut Point is one of the most remote state parks in Illinois.
The closest large city is the college town of Charleston, which is about 20 miles away. Nearby highways include I-57, U.S. 36, and Illinois Route 133.
The park was named after the county's first pioneer settlement, which was established about two miles from the park in the 1830s. Its main draw is the 59-acre Walnut Point Lake, where fishers have the chance to angle for bass, bluegill, brown bullhead, crappie, sunfish, and catfish.
Motorboats and swimming aren't allowed in the lake, but there are numerous floating docks, piers, and feet of shoreline that are perfect for posting up. Visitors can also kayak and canoe in the lake, as well as in the Embarras River.
The park's simple beauty is unparalleled, and two scenic drives wind throughout the woods surrounded by hickory, oak, sassafras, locust, walnut, and maple trees.
Parkgoers don't even need to leave the park for a home-cooked meal. The Lazy Day Cafe, formerly known as the Walnut Point Restaurant, offers classics like fish and chips, sandwiches and paninis, burgers, salads, French fries, appetizers, and desserts. Firewood can also be purchased there, and kayaks are available for rent.
So, would you escape for a getaway at one of the best state parks in Illinois? Have another favorite underrated outdoor spot? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by visiting the Walnut Point State Park website - and make sure you're equipped with all the hiking essentials. Driving across the state for your nature escape? Check out our list of the ultimate road trip must-haves.
Have you visited Walnut Point State Park in Illinois? Let us know in the comments!
