Aug 5, 2022

If you’re located near Glenview, IL, and looking for a great place to explore nature, you’re in luck! Illinois is full of gorgeous parks that are sure to rejuvenate you. Check out some of these awesome state parks near you.

1. Illinois Beach State Park

Spanning along six and a half miles of Lake Michigan and boasting a diverse and unique ecosystem, Illinois Beach is the last beach ridge shoreline left in the state of Illinois. Come here to enjoy a beach day as well as a day in the nearby marshes and forests all in one. Swim, hike, fish, and marvel at the natural wonders around you.

2. Moraine Hills State Park

The wetlands and lakes of Moraine Hills State Park present another perfect environment to see a slew of different plant and animal species. Come to fish, bird watch, and hike or bike the trails, and enjoy the view of Lake Defiance, one of the only undeveloped glacial lakes in Illinois. Artifacts found nearby indicate humans have inhabited this lush land for thousands of years, and it’s no surprise why.

3. Volo Bog State Natural Area

Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Volo Bog State Natural Area is an amazing place to learn about how the Illinois landscape has changed over thousands of years. Like many other features of the Illinois wilderness, this bog is a result of glacial activity. Stop by not only to enjoy the sights but to learn how the landscape evolved from glacier, to lake, to bog.

4. Chain O’Lakes State Park

This aptly named park has a 44-acre lake but it also borders a chain of several other lakes. This water-oriented park is a great place for fishing and boating but it also offers many other activities including hunting, archery, horse rentals, and cross-country skiing in the winter. It is also a popular destination for camping, so you don’t need to rush through all 6,500 acres of wetlands in one day.

5. Starved Rock State Park

One of the most popular destinations in the entire state, Starved Rock is also the second oldest Illinois state park, having been designated in 1911. This park’s eighteen sandstone canyons offer magnificent views of waterfalls, ponds, and rock formations. 

Illinois is full of wonderful places to experience the natural world and these parks are just the beginning of the list. If you’re looking for the best way to traverse the ever-changing landscape, check out the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. Stop by Jennings Chevrolet today for a durable car to take you off-road into the American wilderness.

Image from Illinois.gov