The best state parks near Chicago

It’s no wonder heading to LaSalle County’s Starved Rock State Park is a right of passage for Chicagoans. Often referenced as one of the most beautiful day trips in Illinois, the 13 miles of trails wind through sandstone canyons, rock formations, rushing waterfalls and 125-foot buttes overlooking the Illinois River. Visitors can hike alone or with guides, kayak, raft or simply picnic and camp in this geologically unique setting.

If you love sparsely populated beaches, bird watching, and tromping around valleys of bursting wildflowers, Zion’s Illinois Beach State Park is one of the closest to Chicago and only a short Metra ride away. Split into two sections over 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems. You can bike or hike the sand, dunes, marshes and forests before calling it a night at the park’s hotel or campground.

Midwesterners are proud that part of our beloved shoreline Indiana Dunes was named a National Park in 2019, and Hoosiers still claim Indiana Dunes State Park, the 2,000 acre park situated alongside its federally managed neighbor. In this state park, you’ll find 16 miles of trails—including the "3 Dune Challenge," a 1.5-mile climb up the three tallest dunes in the park, getting you over 500 feet of elevation—a nature center, a bird watching tower and a beach to watch the sunset.

Covering over 50,000 acres of southwestern Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine State Forest is just over two hours by car from Chicago and offers some of the hilliest hiking and trail running routes in the region. Though it’s home to many annual 50-mile and 100-mile trail races and other ultramarathons, you don’t have to be a runner to enjoy the dense pine forests and glacial hills. Split into southern and northern units, both sections of the park include ample camping, mountain biking routes, swimming, boating, fishing and more.

Though Warren Dunes State Park offers an easily accessible beach with food trucks, kayaking, hang gliding and more, there is more to this nearly 2,000-acre Michigan state park than just the water. Over the dunes, head into the forests for more than six miles of trails, bird watching and camping. As you climb, you’ll get great views of Lake Michigan and see stunning sunsets. A stop at this park is also worth it for wine lovers—you’ll be near many places to sample some of the state’s best sips.

Wisconsin’s Devil’s Lake State Park is one of the most popular weekend spots for Chicagoans, and after seeing the view of the lake from the famous 500-foot bluff you’ll understand why. The over 30 miles of wooded trails passing rocky streams, quartzite and many unique (and iconic) rock formations are perfect for exercising before jumping into the lake or taking in the fall colors when the weather turns cool. And with over 400 campsites, you can get an early start at all the best experiences. On your drive, make a stop in Madison for breweries, cheese curds, shopping and more.

Nestled between Illinois’s largest concentration of natural lakes and surrounded by natural and conservation areas, the over 400 acres of shoreline at Chain O’Lakes State Park makes it an ideal destination for wildlife viewing and water recreation. Just an hour-and-fifteen-minute drive from Chicago, this park is popular for fishing, canoeing, boating, hunting and camping and also features moderate hikes of around two miles. So whether you’re into catching some bass and catfish or hearing the calls of swamp sparrows, Chain O’Lakes is a great city escape.

Once you survive the flat, mundane section of Northern Indiana’s I-65, you’ll soon find yourself in the dramatic dips and crests of Southern Indiana’s state forests. Just east of the picturesque university town of Bloomington, IN, Brown County State Park is Indiana’s largest and often compared to the Great Smoky Mountains. Hiking or mountain biking along the dozens of rugged trails is one of the best ways to experience the forest and the scenic drives make viewing the overlooks accessible. At just under a four-hour drive, this is best suited for a long weekend or a few days’ stay.