Things to Do in Illinois
Illinois, a region in the Midwestern United States, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor activities, extending beyond its reputation as the "Prairie State." The state features numerous state parks, state forests, and a national forest, providing varied terrain from river bluffs and sandstone canyons to woodlands and lakeside trails. This geography supports several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, and more.
Things to Do in Illinois
For those seeking outdoor activities, Illinois provides a wide array of routesโฆ
204
Routes
4.7
(608)
Average rating
14892
People visited
4.7
(17)
1,300
runners
9.38km
00:58
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4,501
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
570
runners
17.7km
01:49
30m
30m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
262
runners
9.38km
00:58
10m
0m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(45)
703
riders
30.4km
01:16
40m
40m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.4
(5)
391
riders
75.4km
03:11
140m
140m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
242
riders
76.5km
03:06
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
110
riders
67.0km
02:42
90m
90m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(4)
58
hikers
6.95km
01:50
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
52
hikers
10.7km
02:52
140m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
32
hikers
7.03km
01:48
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
34
hikers
1.87km
00:31
40m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
30
riders
44.5km
02:32
80m
80m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(27)
438
riders
42.3km
02:24
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
15.0km
00:52
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(20)
280
riders
25.1km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
riders
12.8km
01:01
90m
110m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.07km
00:14
10m
0m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.32km
00:11
10m
10m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(10)
65
riders
15.4km
01:16
120m
120m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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5.0
(1)
10
riders
62.8km
04:22
190m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
52.2km
04:21
100m
100m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
29.5km
02:07
130m
130m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
15.2km
01:01
70m
70m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Illinois?
Illinois offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Jogging, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Mountain biking, and Gravel biking. The region features more than 4,700 routes, catering to various interests and skill levels. These routes have an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars from over 177,000 visitors.
Where are the best hiking trails in Illinois?
Popular hiking destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, known for its canyons and waterfalls, and Shawnee National Forest, which features diverse terrain and the unique rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Matthiessen State Park also offers scenic trails with waterfalls. For more options, explore the Hiking in Illinois guide.
What are the best cycling routes in Illinois?
Illinois provides numerous cycling opportunities, such as the Illinois Prairie Path, a 60-mile (97 km) route through prairies and towns, and the Des Plaines River Trail, extending 31 miles (50 km) with river views. The Fox River Bike Trails offer over 40 miles (64 km) of scenic paths. Discover more in the Cycling in Illinois guide.
Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois offers many routes suitable for families, including easy trails and paths designed for all ages. Parks like Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve provide accessible options for leisurely walks. For specific recommendations, consult the Family-friendly hikes in Illinois guide.
Where can I find easy hiking trails in Illinois?
Easy hiking trails are available across Illinois, including paths in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve and various state parks. These routes typically feature minimal elevation gain and well-maintained surfaces. The Easy hikes in Illinois guide provides detailed information on suitable options.
What natural features can be found on trails in Illinois?
Illinois trails showcase diverse natural features, including the dramatic sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls of Starved Rock State Park. Shawnee National Forest is home to unique rock formations like those in Garden of the Gods. Matthiessen State Park also features deep canyons and cascading waterfalls.
Are there dog-friendly trails in Illinois?
Many trails and parks in Illinois welcome dogs, though specific regulations may vary by location. It is advisable to check local park rules before visiting. A comprehensive list of suitable routes can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes in Illinois guide.
Can I access hiking trails in Illinois using public transport?
Yes, some hiking trails in Illinois are accessible via public transportation, particularly those closer to urban centers. Komoot offers a dedicated guide to help users find routes that start near bus stations. Refer to the Hikes from bus stations in Illinois guide for specific options.
How popular are outdoor routes in Illinois on komoot?
Outdoor routes in Illinois are highly popular on komoot, with over 177,000 visitors having explored the region. There are more than 4,700 routes available, collectively receiving over 10,000 ratings. The average rating for these routes is 4.67 out of 5 stars.
What komoot guides are available for Illinois?
Komoot offers several guides for Illinois, covering various activities and interests. These include Hiking in Illinois, Running Trails in Illinois, Cycling in Illinois, and specialized guides like Family-friendly hikes in Illinois and Waterfall hikes in Illinois.
How can I contact Illinois tourism for more information?
For additional information about tourism in Illinois, the official tourism website is EnjoyIllinois.com. The Illinois Office of Tourism can be reached at +1 312-814-4732 for the Chicago office or +1 217-785-2007 for the Springfield office.
What makes Starved Rock State Park a popular hiking destination?
Starved Rock State Park is renowned for its 13 miles (21 km) of trails that navigate through 18 glacier-carved canyons and past dramatic sandstone bluffs. The park features numerous seasonal waterfalls, which are particularly vibrant in spring and early summer. Its unique geological formations attract many hikers.
What is unique about Shawnee National Forest?
Shawnee National Forest, located in Southern Illinois, spans over 280,000 acres and features six distinct ecological regions, including wetlands, canyons, and dense forests. It is home to the famous Garden of the Gods with its unique sandstone formations. The 157-mile (253 km) River to River Trail also traverses remote parts of the forest.
Are there dedicated road cycling routes in Illinois?
Illinois offers several dedicated routes for road cycling, including the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, a 20-mile (32 km) paved path along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Cyclists can also explore segments of the historic Route 66. More options are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Illinois guide.
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