Illinois Outdoors

Most of Illinois' terrain is flat or gently rolling farmland but it still has a few surprises up it's sleeve. The landscape was carved by glaciers leaving around 90% of it beautiful, gently rolling grasslands. However at the southern tip of the state lies Shawnee Hills, a small strip of land measuring 40 miles wide by 70 miles long, which has higher elevations and rivers, valleys and woodlands. Little Grand Canyon, located in Shawnee National Forest, is 200 feet deep. The land in general ranges from about 279 feet above sea level at the Mississippi River to 1,235 feet above sea level.1,064 feet at Charles Mound. Many people enjoy a visit to the unique World Shooting & Recreational Complex. There they can enjoy a variety of activities including skeet & trap shooting, cowboy action shooting, archery, camping and fishing. Rock climbing and rappelling is offered in many of the state park as well as your more traditional activities. Another different activity is a trip to the Dickson Mounds State Museum which is a major on-site archaeological museum. Here you can discover the world of the people native to the area in the distant past.http://www.thingstodo.com/states/IL/index.htm> And a simple day of a nice walk or hike along with a picnic is open to everyone with all the choices of parks in the state.http://www.illinois.gov/Visiting/outdoor.cfm

National Parks and Monuments:

• Shawnee National Forest - Picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, rappelling, auto trails and horseback riding.
• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail - traces the Missouri and Columbia rivers. Trail crosses the state of Illinois.
• Lincoln Home Historical Site - Home of President Abraham Lincoln and his family.
• Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail - 70,000 Mormons used the trail in the mid-1800'sto escape religious persecution.
• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail - more then 16,000 Cherokee Indian people were forced to leave their homes using this trail. http://www.nps.gov/state/IL/index.htm

Illinois has a multitude of State Parks, Forests and Areas. A highlight of some of the best parks are:

• Apple River Canyon -scenic canyon, limestone bluffs, deep ravines, springs, streams and wildlife viewing.
• Argyle Lake - 93-acre lake, virgin forests, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and hiking.
• Castle Rock - sandstone bluff, rock formations and ravines.
• Delabar - great park for anglers, hikers, campers and picnickers.
• Wildlife Prairie - 2,000-acre zoological park with over 150 animals from 50 different species that are native to Illinois.
• Illini - beautiful views, buildings and riverside picnicking, winter sports and camping.
• Cache River - true southern swamps and wetlands, 39 threatened or endangered plants and animals. visitors center, hiking, canoeing and fishing.
• Pere Marquette - exceptional fall colors, bald eagles. Bird-watching, horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating.
• Chain O'Lakes - Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes. Wonderful for boaters, anglers and skiers.
• Giant City - massive sandstone structures. Camping, fishing, hiking and rappelling.
• Starved Rock - amazing views along the Illinois River. Picnicking, fishing, boating, horseback riding and camping.
• Mississippi Palisades - retraces the trails of the native people of the area, varied wildlife to view.
• Jubilee college - lovely rolling grasslands. Hiking, picnicking and camping. http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/

National Scenic Roads and Highways are: Great River Road - Illinois, Lincoln Highway, Meeting of the Rivers Scenic Route, The National Road - Illinois and Ohio River Scenic Route - Illinois.