Top 10 Best State Parks Near Chicago

 

 

 

Are you a nature lover who enjoys exploring America’s most beautiful state parks? Are you planning a trip to Chicago, but also looking for a peaceful escape away from the busy city life?

 

If you would like to know which are the 10 best State Parks near Chicago, where you can recharge your batteries and admire the beauty of nature, scroll down and keep reading!

 

 

The Best State Parks Near Chicago

There are plenty of amazing Illinois state parks near Chicago to choose from whether you need a little adventure of a little rest and relaxation.

 

Whether you are in the mood for a little camping on Lake Michigan near Chicago, exploring the beautiful parks in Chicago and beyond or booking a cabin within reach of a national or state park, there is plenty of inspiration below.

 

If you are new to the city you could easily spend a couple of days in Chicago and head out to explore the nearby parks too.

 

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Indiana Dunes State Park

Situated along Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the most stunning recreational areas you can visit in the area.

The park spreads on a territory of over 2,000 acres, protecting white sand dunes and the beautiful shoreline of the lake.

 

Visitors can enjoy various types of activities, such as bird-watching, fishing, swimming or hiking through the 50 miles of trails.

In less than an hour, you will find yourself in a secluded paradise, surrounded by pristine white sandy beach and clean calm lake waters.

To find a hotel or cabin near Indian Dunes click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: $7 for Indiana license vehicles and $9 for the ones arriving from other states

Opening Hours: 7AM – 11PM

Address: 1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, IN 46304, United States

 

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Starved Rock State Park

One of the best natural spots for a day trip from Chicago is Starved Rock State Park. Mostly known for its interesting sandstone formations and steep canyons, the park is a real paradise for hiking enthusiasts.

The trails are winding through the vertical stone walls offering scenic views of the Illinois River.

 

It is not just the 18 beautiful canyons located within the park, that make it a secret peaceful paradise. During the hot summer days, it is a real pleasure reaching one of the waterfalls nestling in between the tall cliffs.

It is difficult to believe that this natural oasis is located just an hour and 30 minutes away from downtown Chicago! To find a hotel or cabin near Starved Rock State Park click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 08:30 PM

Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

 

 

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Matthiessen State Park

Deep forests, interesting canyons, peaceful streams and beautiful waterfalls will greet you at Matthiessen State Park. Covering close to 1,700 acres, this green paradise is situated less than 100 miles away from Chicago.

 

Due to its close proximity to Starved Rock State Park, you can easily explore both parks in one day, as long as you have made your plans in advance.

Enjoy the meandering hiking trails along the Vermillion River and make sure to reach the famous 45-feet tall Lake Falls. To find a hotel or cabin near Matthiessen State Park click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 08:30 PM

Address: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

 

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Pere Marquette State Park

Spreading on a territory of more than 8000 acres, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest within Illinois. The distance of 300 miles from Chicago, however, means that you cannot visit the park on just a day trip.

Keep in mind that it will take you around 5 hours to get there, so it is better to plan an entire weekend to admire the picturesque views of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

 

The park is particularly popular during the autumn months, when the area is covered by a beautiful carpet of red, yellow and orange leafs.

Make sure to book yourself a cabin way in advance for the ultimate experience of the tranquility of the area.

To find a hotel or cabin near Pere Marquette State Park click here to check availabilities.For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Opening Hours: 05:30 AM – 08:00 PM

Address: 13112 Visitor Center Ln, Grafton, IL 62037, United States

 

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Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Despite the fact that it has not been recognized as a state park, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a 2,500 -acres protected area that is totally worth the visit!

Located in DuPage County, the reserve can easily be reached in less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.

 

Home to 740 plant species and more than 300 animal species, the park features deep green forests, subtropical savannas and wide-open grassy prairies.

The numerous trails are suitable not only for hikers but also for bikers and horseback riders.

To find a hotel or cabin near Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Working Hours: one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset

Address: Lemont, IL 60439, United States

 

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Kankakee River State Park

With history dating back to the 1670s and 1680s, the Kankakee River State Park is one of the most interesting and unspoiled natural landmarks near Chicago.

With the first steps into the woods and the first glimpse of the quiet river waters forming beautiful cascades, you will feel like you have found a peaceful hidden gem.

 

The 4000-acres park offers opportunities for sports activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking as well as a few cabins and campgrounds for those who would like to spend the night.

Hit the road and in less than an hour, you will be able to explore one of the 10 best state parks near Chicago. To find a hotel or cabin near Kankakee River State Park click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Address: 5314 W, IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, United States

 

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Shabbona Lake State Park

The man-made fishing Shabbona Lake is situated 70 miles away Chicago. Nowadays, together with the water reservoir and the surrounding 1,500 acres have been declared as a state park, perfect for a weekend escape from the busy city streets.

 

If you enjoy water activities, such as fishing, boating and kayaking this is the place for you! There are a few hiking trails, for those who would prefer to explore the park on foot.

 

To find a hotel or cabin near Shabbona Lake State Park click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Working Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Address: 100 Preserve Rd, Shabbona, IL 60550, United States

 

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Channahon State Park

If you have just a limited amount of time in Chicago and would like to stay close to the city, you can easily reach the Channahon State Park in less than an hour.

Nestling between the Dupage, Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers, the name of the park means “the meeting of the waters”. The cool calm river waters are a real delight during the hot summer days.

 

Visitors can also explore the unspoiled park through the 61 miles of hiking trails while admiring some scenic views of the river gorges. To find a hotel or cabin near Channahon State Park click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Working Hours: 24/7

Address: Channahon, IL 60410, United States

 

ALSO SEE: 12 Best State Parks for RV Camping Across The US

 

 

Illinois Beach State Park

If you would prefer to spend your time relaxing on the beach, swimming and sunbathing, you should certainly visit Illinois Beach State Park.

 

Covering more than 4,100 acres, the park has around 6 miles of pristine white sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan. As one of the 10 best state parks near Chicago, the area will provide you with the ultimate spot for relaxation and unwinding surrounded by sand dunes and refreshing calm waters.

 

If you are looking for some sports activities, the park offers hiking and biking trails, options for bird-watching and boating, as well as camping grounds if you are planning on staying overnight.

 

To find a hotel or cabin near Illinois Beach State Park click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Working Hours: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Address: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, United States

 

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Chain O’Lakes State Park

Home to nine connecting lakes, Chain O’Lakes State Park is the perfect family-friendly destination. Besides the 10 miles of hiking paths trough the forest, visitors can enjoy the wide beach and the cool and peaceful water.

There are a number of picnic spots with barbecue pits, so make sure to bring some food and enjoy a fantastic day by the beach.

 

To find a hotel or cabin near Chain O’Lakes State Park click here to check availabilities. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs.

Entry Fee: Free

Working Hours: 08:00 AM – Sunset

Address: James Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081, United States

 

Would you like to relax by the beach or explore some hiking routes? Which one of these State Parks around Chicago would you visit first?

 

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