Littleton IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Littleton, Illinois.
1. Bailey House
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK
Bailey House stands as one of the most significant historic sites in Littleton, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's past. This well-preserved historic landmark showcases the architectural style and living conditions of early settlers in the region. Visitors can explore the building and learn about its importance to the local community's development.
2. Lincoln Courthouse Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Lincoln Courthouse Museum preserves an important piece of Illinois history connected to one of America's most beloved presidents. This specialized museum houses artifacts and exhibits related to Abraham Lincoln's legal career and the judicial system of his era. History enthusiasts can explore the displays that highlight Lincoln's connection to the local judicial circuit.
3. Sportsman's
OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTER
Sportsman's offers a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers and recreation enthusiasts in the Littleton area. This popular destination provides facilities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor sports throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to connect with Illinois' natural beauty.
4. Starved Rock State Park
MAJESTIC NATURAL WONDER
Starved Rock State Park, located just 1.5 hours from Chicago, features breathtaking hiking trails through towering trees and stunning rock formations. Visitors can explore scenic overlooks, observe beautiful waterfalls (especially after rainfall), and enjoy activities like canoeing, paddle-boating, or cross-country skiing during winter. This natural wonder is consistently ranked as one of Illinois' top outdoor attractions and offers year-round beauty for nature enthusiasts.
5. Pere Marquette State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER WILDERNESS
Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois' largest state park, sits majestically along the Mississippi River offering diverse outdoor experiences. Visitors can hike miles of scenic trails, cycle along river bluffs, go fishing in the rich waters, or explore the forest on horseback. The park's natural beauty changes with the seasons, making it an ideal destination for southern Illinois adventures year-round.
6. Garden of the Gods
ANCIENT ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods showcases dramatic rock formations perched atop large rolling hills with spectacular views of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest. These natural wonders, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion, provide unmatched photo opportunities for visitors. The unique geological features make this Midwest treasure an absolute one-of-a-kind destination that attracts nature lovers and photographers throughout the year.
7. The Morton Arboretum
TREE-FILLED NATURAL PARADISE
The Morton Arboretum encompasses 1,700 acres of beautiful tree-filled landscapes perfect for exploring in any season. This vibrant hub serves as both an educational center for nature studies and a world-renowned facility for scientific research on trees and conservation. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, seasonal displays, and special exhibits that highlight the importance and beauty of trees in our environment.
8. Illinois State Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Illinois State Museum showcases the rich natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of Illinois through comprehensive exhibits and collections. Visitors can explore galleries featuring prehistoric artifacts, natural history specimens, and fine art that tell the story of the state's development over time. The museum offers educational programs and rotating exhibits that provide fresh perspectives on Illinois history for guests of all ages.
9. Anderson Japanese Gardens
SERENE ASIAN-INSPIRED LANDSCAPE
Anderson Japanese Gardens offers a tranquil escape with meticulously designed landscapes inspired by traditional Japanese garden principles. Visitors can wander along winding paths past koi ponds, waterfalls, and carefully pruned trees that create a harmonious natural setting. The gardens change with each season, providing a different but equally beautiful experience throughout the year for meditation, photography, or simply appreciating horticultural artistry.
10. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CITY
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remnants of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico. Visitors can climb Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas, and explore the interpretive center to learn about this sophisticated urban center that flourished around 1100 CE. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into an advanced civilization that once supported thousands of inhabitants in a complex society with remarkable achievements in engineering, astronomy, and agriculture.
11. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY RESIDENCE
Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves and showcases the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, where he lived from 1844 to 1861 before becoming president. Visitors can take guided tours through the meticulously restored rooms filled with period furniture and personal items that provide insight into the everyday life of the Lincoln family. The surrounding historic neighborhood features additional exhibits and structures that help illustrate the social and political environment that shaped one of America's greatest presidents.
12. Shawnee National Forest
DIVERSE NATURAL WILDERNESS
Shawnee National Forest spans over 280,000 acres across southern Illinois, offering diverse ecosystems from hardwood forests to dramatic bluffs and cypress swamps. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, camp under the stars, or enjoy activities like horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching throughout the vast wilderness. The forest's unique geological features, including natural bridges, caves, and distinctive rock formations, create a playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
13. Illinois Beach State Park
LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE
Illinois Beach State Park stretches along six miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, offering a rare sandy beach experience in the Midwest. Visitors can swim in the clear waters during summer months, hike through diverse ecosystems including dunes, marshes, and oak forests that support unique plant and animal species. The park's natural beauty changes dramatically with the seasons, from summer beach activities to autumn color displays and winter ice formations along the shore.
14. Wildlife Prairie Park
NATIVE ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Wildlife Prairie Park provides a 2,000-acre habitat showcasing native Illinois wildlife in naturalistic settings rather than traditional zoo enclosures. Visitors can observe bison, wolves, bears, elk, and other species that once roamed freely across the prairie state, while learning about conservation efforts and ecosystem management. The park combines wildlife viewing with recreational activities including hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and educational programs that highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats.
15. Matthiessen State Park
CANYON AND WATERFALL HAVEN
Matthiessen State Park features dramatic canyons, streams, and waterfalls carved through sandstone bluffs over thousands of years. Hikers can explore five miles of well-maintained trails that wind through lush forests and descend into the main canyon where seasonal waterfalls create picturesque scenes. The park's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife and plant species, making it a paradise for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a less crowded alternative to nearby Starved Rock.