Cave-In-Rock IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cave-In-Rock, Illinois.
1. Cave-in-Rock State Park
HISTORIC CAVE AND VIEWS
Cave-in-Rock State Park features a spectacular limestone cave that once served as a hideout for river pirates in the early 19th century. This beautiful 204-acre wooded park offers recreational activities including boating, camping, fishing, and picnicking, along with stunning views of the Ohio River. Visitors can explore two hiking trails of moderate difficulty that showcase the park's tranquil forests and inspiring vistas.
2. Kaylor's Restaurant
RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Kaylor's Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience overlooking the scenic Ohio River within Cave-in-Rock State Park. Guests can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the panoramic views of the water and surrounding landscape. The restaurant serves as a perfect spot to relax and refuel after exploring the natural attractions of the park.
3. Garden of the Gods
SPECTACULAR ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods is one of the main attractions in the Cave in Rock area, featuring spectacular rock formations including the famous Camel Rock which appears on the 2016 Illinois State Quarter. The recreation area offers both challenging rock climbing opportunities and simple hiking trails suitable for visitors of all skill levels. Nature enthusiasts and photographers will be captivated by the unique geological features and panoramic views of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest.
4. Cave in Rock Ferry
FREE RIVER CROSSING
The Cave in Rock Ferry provides a free ride across the Ohio River for both pedestrians and vehicles, connecting Illinois to Kentucky's Amish Country. This historic ferry service offers visitors a unique transportation experience and serves as a gateway to additional attractions beyond state lines. The short journey across the water provides excellent views of the river and surrounding landscape.
5. Old City Jail
HISTORIC LAW ENFORCEMENT BUILDING
The Old City Jail, located on West Clay Street in Cave in Rock, stands as a testament to the area's rich history and is open for public viewing. Visitors can step back in time as they explore this well-preserved piece of local law enforcement architecture. The historic structure provides fascinating insights into the criminal justice system of bygone eras in this river town.
6. Ohio River Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE RIVER DRIVE
The Ohio River Scenic Byway passes through Cave in Rock, offering travelers breathtaking views and access to numerous historical sites along the mighty Ohio River. This scenic route allows visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of southern Illinois at their own pace. The byway connects various attractions in the region, making it perfect for day trips or extended explorations.
7. Shawnee National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS AREA
Shawnee National Forest encompasses over 280,000 acres of protected wilderness in southern Illinois, including areas near Cave in Rock. The forest features diverse ecosystems, from hardwood forests to cypress swamps, providing habitat for numerous species of plants and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching throughout this expansive natural treasure.
8. Tower Rock Recreation Area
HISTORIC RIVER LANDMARK
Tower Rock Recreation Area features a prominent 50-foot rock formation that rises dramatically from the Ohio River, serving as a landmark for river travelers since the earliest days of exploration. This natural monument was noted by many early explorers, including George Rogers Clark during his historic journey. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, and taking in the spectacular river views from this unique vantage point.
9. Rim Rock Recreation Area
ANCIENT FOREST PATHWAYS
Rim Rock Recreation Area offers visitors a chance to explore ancient rock formations and pathways created by prehistoric Native Americans among massive sandstone bluffs. The area features the Pounds Hollow Lake, perfect for fishing and swimming, surrounded by scenic forest landscapes. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the unique flora, including rare plants that grow in the moist, shaded environment of the rock shelters and cliff faces.
10. Illinois Iron Furnace
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
The Illinois Iron Furnace is the only remaining iron furnace structure in the state, dating back to the 1830s when it was used to produce iron from local ore deposits. This historical industrial site offers visitors a glimpse into the region's economic past, with interpretive displays explaining the iron-making process and its importance to early settlement. The peaceful wooded setting along Hog Thief Creek provides a pleasant atmosphere for exploring this significant piece of Illinois industrial heritage.
11. Hardin County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Hardin County Historical Society Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the rich history of the county, including Cave in Rock. Exhibits showcase the area's river heritage, native cultures, pioneer settlement, and the development of local communities over time. Visitors can gain valuable insights into the region's past through carefully curated displays and knowledgeable volunteer guides.
12. Cave-in-Rock Lodge
RUSTIC PARK ACCOMMODATIONS
Cave-in-Rock Lodge offers comfortable accommodations within the state park, providing an ideal base for exploring the natural attractions of the area. The lodge features cozy rooms with modern amenities while maintaining a rustic charm that complements its woodland setting. Guests can enjoy convenient access to hiking trails, the historic cave, and stunning Ohio River views just steps from their door.
13. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
SERENE LAKE DESTINATION
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area centers around a beautiful 25-acre lake nestled in the hills of the Shawnee National Forest near Cave in Rock. The area offers a sandy beach for swimming, boat ramps for non-motorized watercraft, and excellent fishing opportunities for bass, bluegill, and catfish. Surrounding the lake are picnic areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil forest environment.
14. Rose Hotel State Historic Site
RIVERSIDE HISTORIC INN
The Rose Hotel State Historic Site is Illinois' oldest still-standing hotel, built in 1812 on the banks of the Ohio River and now operating as a museum. This charming structure has hosted numerous notable guests throughout its history, including future presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved rooms and enjoy the sweeping river views from the same vantage point that travelers have appreciated for over two centuries.
15. Kentucky's Amish Country
TRADITIONAL RURAL COMMUNITIES
Kentucky's Amish Country is easily accessible from Cave in Rock via the free ferry across the Ohio River. Visitors can experience the simple way of life maintained by Amish communities, with opportunities to purchase handcrafted furniture, quilts, baked goods, and other traditional items directly from Amish craftspeople. The scenic countryside drive through this region offers glimpses of horse-drawn buggies, well-tended farms, and a peaceful rural landscape that seems untouched by modern times.