Geography Site Picks 5 Illinois Natural Wonders To Visit In Fall

I'm not one of those downstate Illinoisans who will tell someone who's planning to visit Illinois to "Forget about Chicago, there are so many better places to visit in Illinois!"

Of course you've got to check out Chicago if you're not from here and have never been to Chicago before (or even if you have). However, in addition to all that the city of Chicago has to offer, there are lots of other spots scattered throughout the state that are well worth visiting.

WorldAtlas.com, a reference and educational website focused on geography, maps, country facts, and related data recently released a list of what they believe are the 5 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Illinois This Year.

While Chicago does have some beautiful places, it doesn't have much in the "natural wonders" department other than Lake Michigan.

Let's take a look at the natural wonders in Illinois that come highly-recommended from World Atlas.

You Can't Talk About Natural Wonders In Illinois Without Talking About Starved Rock State Park

Even if you've never had the chance to visit Starved Rock State Park, you've undoubtedly heard of it (click here to learn the horrifying reason it got its name). If you're looking for stunning scenery, Starved Rock is your place:

WorldAtlas.com:

Starved Rock State Park is unlike anywhere else in Illinois, its dramatic canyons and cliffs shaped by the ancient Kankakee Torrent more than 14,000 years ago. Spread across 2,630 acres along the Illinois River, this is the state’s most visited park, drawing millions each year with its sandstone formations, seasonal waterfalls, and sweeping overlooks. Trails wind through 18 canyons, with favorites like LaSalle, St. Louis, and Ottawa revealing cascades in spring or transforming into frozen ice falls during winter.

Next Comes The Garden Of The Gods Wilderness, Located Within The Shawnee National Forest

Here's one that I have never seen, despite being a life-long Illinois resident.

The Garden of the Gods Wilderness is a 3,318-acre parcel of land inside the Shawnee National Forest that covers parts of Hardin, Pope, Saline, and Gallatin counties:

Garden of the Gods Wilderness in southern Illinois is one of the most striking landscapes in the Midwest. This wilderness reveals sandstone formations sculpted by wind and rain over 320 million years. The short Observation Trail, paved with flagstone, leads to panoramic views over the forest and showcases iconic rock features. The best time to visit is spring for wildflowers and waterfalls or autumn for brilliant foliage and cooler hiking conditions.

Moving Into Carroll County, Just North Of Savanna, We've Got The Mississippi Palisades State Park

Here, you get to combine natural beauty with Native American history:

Spanning 2,500 acres near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple Rivers, this National Natural Landmark is not only a geological treasure but also a place deeply rooted in Native American history. Trails wind along ancient pathways once used by Indigenous people nearly a thousand years ago, especially the rugged southern routes that lead hikers past sheer rock faces and panoramic overlooks.

There are still more spots that have an abundance of natural wonders here in Illinois, so click here to read the full piece from WorldAtlas.com.