Apple River Canyon State Park
Check pricesHike wooded trails above a limestone canyon cut by the Apple River in the unglaciated hills of Illinois' northwest corner.

Photo: moistpics3, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
Hike 15 miles of bluff trails to overlooks high above the Mississippi, climb rock towers like Twin Sisters and Indian Head, and camp under the cliffs.
16327A IL Rte. 84, Savanna, IL 61074 · Savanna, IL
Mississippi Palisades State Park covers 2,500 acres of limestone cliffs, caves and wooded ravines 3 miles north of Savanna, where the Apple River meets the Mississippi; part of it is a National Natural Landmark. A 15-mile trail system has easier routes in the north and narrow, steep paths near the bluff edge in the south, plus short walks to Ozzie's, Louis' and Lookout points. Rock climbing is allowed at Sentinel, Twin Sisters and Indian Head. The campground has 241 sites, 110 with electric hookups, and boat launches on the river are free. Eagles feed on the river in January and February.
The closest stops to Mississippi Palisades State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Hike wooded trails above a limestone canyon cut by the Apple River in the unglaciated hills of Illinois' northwest corner.
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The official Illinois convention and visitors bureau promoting Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties in northwest Illinois.
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A museum at Black Hawk State Historic Site that presents the history of Black Hawk and the Sauk and Meskwaki peoples.
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