5 Best Waterfalls to See in Illinois

Ferne Clyffe Waterfall is a hidden gem nestled within Ferne Clyffe State Park in the Shawnee National Forest. Whether your itinerary includes a day trip or an overnight camping trip, this enchanting 100-ft. waterfall can be seen on the Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail, a 1-mile trail with impressive canyon and forest views.

Along the trail, listen to the sound of a gentle stream that runs alongside the path. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as the deer, squirrels, and chipmunks that thrive in the forest. As you get closer to the waterfall, you can hear its thundering sound grow louder. Witness the spectacular sight of this waterfall cascading over rocky canyon walls into a deep pool below.

Escape to Thunder Bay Falls, 1 of the 5 best waterfalls to see in Illinois. Thunder Bay Falls, a wide 40-ft. waterfall, is located near the charming town of Galena in a private recreation area. The waterfall is created by a spillway at one end of Lake Galena and it’s easily accessible to hikers of all skill levels via a short path.

Witness the raw power of water as it pours over several tiers, creating a mesmerizing display that fills onlookers with wonder. During the winter, the waterfall can become frozen in place, a sparkling, magical site to behold. For those staying in Galena, don’t miss the natural attractions in the nearby Apple River Canyon State Park.

Matthiessen State Park beckons nature enthusiasts with its captivating geological formations, including the Giant’s Bathtub, a spectacular waterfall in the park’s Lower Dells. Open year-round, the park offers an opportunity to visit the Giant’s Bathtub in every season. Experience the waterfall amid summer’s lush landscapes when the forest resembles an emerald gemstone.

During fall, the waterfall is framed with fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Winter transforms the park into a glistening white wonderland blanketed with snow. Throughout the park, visitors can discover a variety of intriguing rock formations and small waterfalls in the Upper Dells area. Keep watch for wildlife sightings, including deer, ducks, and geese, and listen to the enchanting songs of warblers, finches, and sparrows.

Within the Starved Rock State Park along the Illinois River, LaSalle Canyon offers impressive waterfall views as water cascades over a sandstone cliff. Photographers are drawn to the picturesque LaSalle Canyon and the scenic views of the Illinois River along the River Trail, a 2.6-mile route renowned as one of the most scenic hikes in Starved Rock.

For an exhilarating experience, visitors can walk behind the curtain of water. Other popular waterfalls in the park include French Canyon and Wildcat Canyon. Be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center for souvenirs and to learn more about the formation of the park's stunning canyons and sandstone gorges.

Located within Apple River Canyon State Park, Apple Canyon Lake Falls is a scenic waterfall created by a spillway formed by Apple Canyon Lake, a man-made reservoir. Considered among the 5 best waterfalls to see in Illinois, this treasured cascade attracts visitors with its tranquil setting within the park.

Onlookers are captivated by the sight of water plunging over a natural rock wall into the river below. Lush forest vegetation surrounds the waterfall, making it a favorite spot for photographers year-round. The park also offers secluded trails around the lake, providing opportunities for hikers to immerse themselves in quiet walks in the picturesque scenery of the park’s diverse flora and fauna.