Our great state is home to many historic trails that lead to Illinois wonders from a long gone time. There is much to discover all over this state, and this list of seven hiking trails will show you seven of our best kept secrets.
Find pieces of Illinois history all along these paths. Scroll on for details about where these wonders live. Check it out:
- Iron Furnace, Hardin County, near Rosiclare.
Wikimedia Commons/Nyttend Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this piece of Illinois history was constructed between 1837 and 1839 from brick. It was in use until about 1883, though operations had declined long before then due to the Civil War, and was used to smelt iron that was mined nearby. Click here to learn more about this historic site.
- Black Hawk Statue, Lowden State Park, Oregon.
Wikimedia Commons/IvoShandor Also known as “The Eternal Indian,” this statue stands 48 feet tall and overlooks the Rock River. It was built between 1908 and 1911. The design of the statue encompasses several Native cultures, including the Sioux, Mohawk, and Sauk tribes, and sits on a 207-acre park.
- Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, Rubio Woods Forest Preserve near Midlothian.
Wikimedia Commons/Redwoodperch One of the scariest historic trails in Illinois is the one that leads to this haunted cemetery. Burials took place here between 1844 and 1989 but the spiritual activity never stopped. The path to this place takes you about a half mile off the road where locals are technically not suppose to trespass. Click here to learn more about this creepy graveyard.
- Tunnel Hill State Trail, Johnson, Pulaski, Saline, and Williamson counties.
Flickr/Curtis Abert This 55.3-mile trail is one of the most memorable hikes in the state. It has been accessible to locals since 1998 but was used to haul coal as far back as 1847 when the line was completed. The path takes you past old towns, farms, forests, and many other wonders that will make you want to hike this trail over and over again.
- Cave-In-Rock, Cave In Rock.
Flickr/David Wilson Once used by gangsters, pirates, and other criminals as a hideaway, this famous historic attraction in Illinois is worth the hike. Situated in the town named after it, the cave overlooks the Ohio River and is 55 feet at its widest. Click here for more interesting information about this piece of history.
- Illinois Prairie Path, DuPage County.
Flickr/Oak Park Cycle Club For this trail, you’ll be witnessing history the whole time. It takes you across bridges and past stretches of track that used to be a part of the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Electric (CA&E) rail line. Click here for more information about this abandoned railroad trail.
- Albany Mounds State Historic Site, Albany.
TripAdvisor/IA_Hawks Along the numerous trails of this 205-acre park, guests spot ancient Indian Mounds as well as hills, valleys, and prairies. It is ideal for biking, hiking, and spotting wildlife. The land was once inhabited by those who subscribed to the Hopewell culture over 2000 years ago.
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Wikimedia Commons/Nyttend
Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this piece of Illinois history was constructed between 1837 and 1839 from brick. It was in use until about 1883, though operations had declined long before then due to the Civil War, and was used to smelt iron that was mined nearby. Click here to learn more about this historic site.
Wikimedia Commons/IvoShandor
Also known as “The Eternal Indian,” this statue stands 48 feet tall and overlooks the Rock River. It was built between 1908 and 1911. The design of the statue encompasses several Native cultures, including the Sioux, Mohawk, and Sauk tribes, and sits on a 207-acre park.
Wikimedia Commons/Redwoodperch
One of the scariest historic trails in Illinois is the one that leads to this haunted cemetery. Burials took place here between 1844 and 1989 but the spiritual activity never stopped. The path to this place takes you about a half mile off the road where locals are technically not suppose to trespass. Click here to learn more about this creepy graveyard.
Flickr/Curtis Abert
This 55.3-mile trail is one of the most memorable hikes in the state. It has been accessible to locals since 1998 but was used to haul coal as far back as 1847 when the line was completed. The path takes you past old towns, farms, forests, and many other wonders that will make you want to hike this trail over and over again.
Flickr/David Wilson
Once used by gangsters, pirates, and other criminals as a hideaway, this famous historic attraction in Illinois is worth the hike. Situated in the town named after it, the cave overlooks the Ohio River and is 55 feet at its widest. Click here for more interesting information about this piece of history.
Flickr/Oak Park Cycle Club
For this trail, you’ll be witnessing history the whole time. It takes you across bridges and past stretches of track that used to be a part of the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Electric (CA&E) rail line. Click here for more information about this abandoned railroad trail.
TripAdvisor/IA_Hawks
Along the numerous trails of this 205-acre park, guests spot ancient Indian Mounds as well as hills, valleys, and prairies. It is ideal for biking, hiking, and spotting wildlife. The land was once inhabited by those who subscribed to the Hopewell culture over 2000 years ago.
What other historic trails do you enjoy in Illinois? Share your favorites with us and our readers in the comments below!
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