This Illinois Park Feels Like a Secret Canyon on the Mississippi—With Towering Cliffs, Panoramic River Views, And 15 Miles of Scenic Trails

Forget the city parks—there’s a natural wonder in Illinois where you can explore through soaring cliffs, enjoy one of the country’s longest rivers , and wander through miles and miles of scenic trails. Resting near the small city of Savanna in northern Illinois, Mississippi Palisades State Park is renowned for its gigantic bluffs in the Midwest. Covering 2,500 acres along the Mississippi River, the cliffs, composed of limestone, rise hundreds of feet above the river, providing those who ascend them with expansive views of the waterway and surrounding valleys. A guide to the Mississippi Palisades State Park --------------------------------------------------- The park features more than 10 miles of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely riverside walks to strenuous climbs that lead to overlooks such as Lookout Point and Sentinel Point. While strolling around, be on the lookout for deer, foxes, and wild turkeys that are common year-round. However, there is one special aspect of the Mississippi Palisades State Park that many people may not realize. The area was part of a significant trade route for Native Americans long before European settlement, and it contains remnants of Native American earthworks. Several trails pass by these archaeological site s, allowing visitors to connect with both the natural scenery and human history. Source: https://secretchicago.com/mississippi-palisades-state-park-illinois/