5 Caving Adventures In Illinois You Can't-Miss
If you love exploring caves, then this post is for you! Caves are beautiful and mysterious places that fascinate travellers of all ages. Caves in Illinois have something to offer everyone – from the kids with a sense of adventure to the oldest person who enjoys quiet. No matter your preferences, there's a cave waiting for you in Illinois! Read on to know our top picks. 1. Illinois Caverns State Natural Area Illinois Caverns State Natural Area is located in Monroe County and is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Here, visitors can explore woodlands, fields, and a prairie trail. The area's main attraction is a wild cave with almost 3 mi (4.8 km) of passages that can be covered on foot. You need a valid permit to enter the premises, which can be obtained at the site office. The minimum member size for entry is four. Remember to wear sturdy boots, a hard hat, and sources of light. 2. Sand Cave The Sand Cave trail is an adventure, and this little-known cavern is the coolest end destination! The highest elevation found here is 104 feet, and chances are you'll have the place to yourself, as most people don't know this cave exists.
Sand Cave in Shawnee National Forest is just a few miles from the Miller Grove Community and Crow Knob. The cave is a deep, dark shelter carved into the sandstone face. It is said that in the 19th century, this place played the "Underground Railroad" role when slaves escaped and went north through the wild countryside. They used Sand Cave as a safe shelter. 3. Cave-in-Rock Cave-in-Rock is situated atop high bluffs, offering views across the Ohio River and a forest nearby. The cave itself is 55 ft (16.7 m) in width and was carved from solid limestone rock years ago. Besides the cave, there are many hiking trails in the area that vary in difficulty and take you through the forests. Here, you can find three playgrounds for children and picnic areas with tables and grills. Camping and a restaurant are also developed on the property. 4. Devil's Cave at Red Oak Nature Center Red Oak Nature Center is in the Fox Valley Park District and offers many nature activities. This site lies on the east bank of the Fox River in Batavia and includes a spectacular wildlife habitat. Red foxes, deer, and bald eagles can be spotted there. The magnificent sights of lush forest areas and panoramic views over the countryside are a treat to watch. Visitors can also enjoy the walking trails and restful picnic areas. At the site, you can also explore the Devil's Cave. It is one of the few caves in the Chicago area with plenty of folklore and history behind it. 5. Indian Caves Indian Caves are ideally situated on the Kankakee River in Perry Farm Park. Visitors can locate it on the paved walking trails on the property. The caves are narrow, with a ravine through the river. Be careful when visiting this place, as the rocks are often slick with water, making them challenging to navigate. Perry Farm Park also offers rollerblading, running, and biking in the lovely natural areas with picturesque landscapes. Whom should you bring with you to Illinois Caves? You must bring three other people to explore the Illinois caves. A group must have four or more people, with at least one adult for every five minors. You should bring someone who
has been there and knows what they're doing. This ensures you don't get lost or hurt. If you can hire a professional cave guide, that may be a good idea for exploring caves in Illinois. The bottom line After spending time in the city areas with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shops, head out into the countryside to visit scenic natural parks for a hike, picnic, and have exciting caving adventures in Southern Illinois. For more information and travel tips on exploring the top places in Illinois, read our other blogs here.
