The Least Visited State Park in Illinois Was Once A Ghost Town—And You Stay Overnight This Fall

We’ve recently written about the most visited state park in Illinois, Starved Rock. While it may not be a hidden gem, it does offer significant natural beauty to explore . However, it can sometimes be extremely crowded— it’s no surprise, given its well-known reputation. But what about a different park? One that fewer people are acquainted with? We’re here to let you in on a secret: the least visited state park in Illinois, Rauchfuss Hill State Recreational Area. The lease visited park: Rauchfuss Hill State Recreational Area -------------------------------------------------------------- Before it was revitalized, Rauchfuss Hill State Recreational Area was essentially just a ghost town. Th e State park, located in southern Illinois and the Golconda area, was recently opened five years ago, featuring scenic hiking trails and a mesmerizing overlook. The main attraction is a large bluff located on the north side of the marina , known as Rauchfuss Hill. This area features a picnic area and a hiking trail that ascends on the historic steps on the south bluff, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is also known as Steamboat Hill , because it offers the best location for watching boats go up and down the Ohio River. If you’re not hiking, recreational boaters find the miles of shoreline , numerous islands, and deep, clean water of the Smithland Pool to be opportunities for fishing, skiing, and boating. Source: https://secretchicago.com/rauchfuss-hill-state-recreational-area-least-visited-state-park-in-illinois/