TOP 30 Natural attractions in Illinois

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, located at 27064 Dutton Road in Beecher, Illinois, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction covering 891 acres of diverse habitats such as forest, prairie, wetland, and Plum Creek. Acquired between 1938 and 2007, this preserve was previously a Boy Scout camp and now offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on its 2.27 miles of natural surface trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping at the primitive campsites, sledding on the 40-foot hill in winter, and geocaching with permits. The Plum Creek Nature Center on site provides nature education opportunities for all ages, with a natural playscape for outdoor learning experiences. With state-threatened or endangered plant and animal species, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve is a protected Illinois Nature Preserve dedicated to conserving its natural resources for future generations.

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 7402 Lake Katherine Drive in Palos Heights, Illinois, United States. This beautiful institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding area through its well-maintained gardens and serene lake. With a variety of plant species, walking trails, and educational programs, Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or learn something new about the environment, this institution provides a peaceful and informative experience for all who visit.

Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located in Momence, Illinois. This tourist attraction offers visitors the chance to explore and appreciate the beauty of the wetlands ecosystem. With its diverse plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species, the preserve provides a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about the local environment. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, Momence Wetlands Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

Sand Ridge Nature Center is a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of South Holland, Illinois. This park and tourist attraction is a haven for nature lovers, offering a variety of hiking trails, educational programs, and interactive exhibits that showcase the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Visitors can explore the lush forests, serene wetlands, and scenic prairies that make up this beautiful natural area. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or embark on an outdoor adventure, Sand Ridge Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park is a hidden gem located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. This park offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life, with its scenic trails, lush greenery, and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, bird watching, or simply relax and unwind in this beautiful natural setting. The park is named after Henry C. Palmisano, a former quarry that has been transformed into a stunning nature park. It is a popular tourist attraction, attracting nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park also offers educational programs and events for visitors of all ages to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a stunning natural park located in Eddyville, Illinois, United States. This picturesque destination is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The preserve features a variety of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. With its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views, Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

Nature's Nest is a charming florist and store located at 550 U.S. 45 in Eldorado, Illinois. Our shop is a sanctuary for nature lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh flowers, plants, and unique gifts inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Whether you are looking for a stunning bouquet for a special occasion or a charming houseplant to brighten up your home, Nature's Nest has something for everyone. Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and helping you find the perfect botanical treasure. Visit us today and experience the tranquility and beauty of Nature's Nest.

Cache River State Natural Area is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 930 Sunflower Lane in Belknap, Illinois, United States. This natural area boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, including swamps, wetlands, and forests, making it a haven for wildlife and a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the numerous hiking trails, go birdwatching, or take a leisurely boat ride along the Cache River. With its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, Cache River State Natural Area is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

The Burpee Museum of Natural History, located at 737 North Main Street in Rockford, Illinois, is a fascinating destination for tourists and locals alike. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the natural history of the region and beyond, featuring exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, Native American artifacts, and more. Visitors can explore interactive displays, attend educational programs, and even participate in hands-on activities. With its diverse collection and engaging exhibits, the Burpee Museum of Natural History offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Lakeview Nature Center is a serene park and tourist attraction located at 10050 North 1500th Road in Macomb, Illinois, United States. This nature center offers visitors a peaceful escape into the beauty of the natural world, with stunning views of the surrounding lake and lush greenery. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe local wildlife, and participate in educational programs to learn more about the diverse ecosystem of the area. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a fun-filled adventure, Lakeview Nature Center is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Attractions Salon is a premier beauty salon located at 7116 Windsor Lake Parkway in Loves Park, Illinois. Our experienced team of stylists and beauty professionals are dedicated to providing top-notch services to help you look and feel your best. From haircuts and styling to manicures, pedicures, and facials, we offer a wide range of beauty treatments to suit your needs. Come visit us at Attractions Salon and let us help you enhance your natural beauty.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 320 Knoch Knolls Road in Naperville, Illinois, United States. This nature center offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the local flora and fauna through interactive exhibits, guided hikes, and educational programs. With its scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and serene surroundings, Knoch Knolls Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Come and discover the natural beauty of Illinois at Knoch Knolls Nature Center!

Crabtree Nature Center is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 3 Stover Road in Barrington, Illinois, United States. This nature center offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, with miles of hiking trails, educational programs, and interactive exhibits showcasing the local flora and fauna. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or a tourist wanting to experience the beauty of Illinois, Crabtree Nature Center is the perfect destination for you. Come and immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world at this serene and picturesque location.

Pilcher Park Nature Center is a serene oasis located at 2501 Highland Park Drive in Joliet, Illinois, United States. This beautiful park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The park features lush greenery, winding trails, and a variety of wildlife, making it the perfect place for nature lovers to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an educational experience, Pilcher Park Nature Center has something for everyone.

Bison's Bluff Nature Playground is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 1111 East Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, Illinois, United States. This nature playground offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in the great outdoors, with opportunities to explore and interact with the natural environment. From hiking trails to interactive exhibits, Bison's Bluff is the perfect destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Come and discover the beauty and tranquility of Bison's Bluff Nature Playground today!

The Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, located at 1111 East Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, Illinois, is a museum, park, and tourist attraction all in one. This 135-acre refuge features fields, forests, marshes, and streams, offering over three miles of handicapped-accessible hiking trails for visitors to explore. The Nature Center provides educational displays and information on natural history, while the 1880s living history farm allows visitors to step back in time and experience rural German farm life. Visitors can learn about nature and local history at Spring Valley through various activities such as exploring, discovering, observing, and listening. To preserve the natural resources of Spring Valley, visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and refrain from activities that may harm the environment or disrupt other visitors.

Wildwood Nature Center, located at 531 Forestview Avenue in Park Ridge, Illinois, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all ages. This park, tourist attraction, and zoo offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife and the environment. During open hours, visitors can meet and learn about the animals at the Nature Center, as well as explore the interactive Nature Nook filled with educational resources and activities. Outside, guests can hike the trails that wind through the woodland, prairie, and pond areas, spotting local wildlife and native flora along the way.

Heller Nature Center is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 2821 Ridge Road in Highland Park, Illinois, United States. This serene and picturesque natural oasis offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and diverse wildlife, Heller Nature Center is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or a tourist exploring the area, Heller Nature Center is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a tranquil and rejuvenating experience in the great outdoors.

Oakdale Nature Preserve, located at 4433 South Cranes Grove Road in Freeport, Illinois, is a beautiful 133-acre park that offers a variety of natural attractions. Just three miles south of Freeport on Baileyville Road, this park features forests, streams, and restored prairies for visitors to explore. New amenities at Oakdale Nature Preserve include a spacious picnic shelter, a nature-based playground, trail enhancements, and wayfinding signage. With over four miles of trails that wind through forests, tall grass prairies, and streams, there is plenty to do at Oakdale year-round. Visitors can hike, bike, jog, cross-country ski, snowshoe, picnic, photograph, bird watch, track animals, and identify plants.

Andresen Nature Center is a charming tourist attraction located at 409 North 4th Street in Fulton, Illinois, United States. This nature center offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the local flora and fauna of the area. With interactive exhibits, guided nature walks, and educational programs, Andresen Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world at Andresen Nature Center.

The Ruth Edwards Nature Center in Lowell Park, located at 2114 Lowell Park Road in Dixon, Illinois, is a beautiful and educational destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park and tourist attraction offers a variety of programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including guided nature walks, bird watching, and environmental education workshops. The center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural beauty of the area, and provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, the Ruth Edwards Nature Center is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature in the heart of the United States.

Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve, located at 1701 Morman Road in Amboy, Illinois, is a park and tourist attraction that was purchased by the Illinois Audubon Society in 2012. This 302-acre wetland complex is a rare and fragile portion of the Green River Lowlands section of the Grand Prairie Division. The preserve features black oak sand savannas, sedge meadows, and dry sand prairie, providing diverse habitats for native flora and fauna. The watery nature of Amboy Marsh makes it a unique and important environment, with springs, seeps, marshes, and wetlands supporting a variety of wildlife, including amphibians that rely on fishless ponds for breeding. Visitors to the preserve can enjoy birdwatching and may spot a variety of bird species, as documented in the Avian Breeding Community report for 2019.

Franklin Creek State Natural Area is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 1872 Twist Road in Franklin Grove, Illinois, United States. This beautiful natural area offers visitors a chance to explore and enjoy the serene beauty of the Illinois landscape. With its lush greenery, flowing creek, and scenic trails, Franklin Creek State Natural Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply unwind in nature, this park is sure to provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for all who visit.

Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve is a park and tourist attraction located at County Highway 4 in Galesburg, Illinois, United States. The preserve, also known as Western Illinois Nature Group, was established to preserve a forested property in west central Illinois for the enjoyment of future generations. The institution seeks financial support from the community and organizations to maintain the wooded area. The property is closed to the public during Spring Turkey hunting season and Fall Deer hunting through IRAP. Guided hikes and events are organized throughout the year, such as a Wildflower Identification Hike and quarterly board meetings. Membership renewal and donations can be made online or by mail. Birdies for Charity donations are welcomed to support the preserve. Trails are closed during October and December for hunting. Visitors are reminded to be respectful of hunters on the property and follow safety guidelines. Bequests to Western Illinois Nature Group are encouraged to support the preservation of Blackthorn Hill for future generations. Please note that water is shut off during winter and will be turned on in the spring.

The Galesburg Nature Center is a serene park and popular tourist attraction located on Woodblock Road in Galesburg, Illinois, United States. Visitors can explore the beautiful natural surroundings, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching, and learn about the local flora and fauna through educational programs and exhibits. The center is a perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Illinois landscape.

Forest Park Nature Center is a hidden gem nestled at 5809 North Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights, Illinois. This institution is a unique blend of a park, store, and tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. With its lush forests, winding trails, and diverse wildlife, Forest Park Nature Center provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can explore the center's interactive exhibits, shop for nature-inspired gifts at the store, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque surroundings. Whether you're a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Forest Park Nature Center is the perfect destination for all ages.

The Watershed Nature Center is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1591 Tower Avenue in Edwardsville, Illinois, United States. This stunning natural oasis offers visitors the opportunity to explore and connect with the local environment through its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and educational programs. Whether you're looking to unwind in nature, learn about the local ecosystem, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll, The Watershed Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Ballard Nature Center is a charming park and tourist attraction located at 5253 U.S. 40 in Altamont, Illinois, United States. This institution offers visitors a peaceful and immersive experience in nature, with beautifully maintained trails, scenic views, and a variety of flora and fauna to explore. Whether you're looking to relax in a serene environment, learn about local wildlife, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, Ballard Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and discover the beauty of the outdoors at this hidden gem in Altamont.

White Rock Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 6438 Bluff Road in Valmeyer, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The tranquil setting of White Rock Nature Preserve provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, White Rock Nature Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located on Piney Creek Road in Ava, Illinois, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area, with lush forests, towering bluffs, and a serene creek running through the landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and scenic setting. Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.