5 Caving Adventures In Illinois, USA

1. Illinois Caverns State Natural Area

Illinois Caverns State Natural Area is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is located in Monroe County, where there are woodlands, fields, and a prairie trail to explore. The area’s main attraction is a wild cave that features almost 3 mi (4.8 km) of passages that can be explored on foot. This place requires a valid permit to enter, and that can be obtained at the site office. The minimum group size for entry is four persons. Visitors should wear sturdy boots and a hard hat, and each person should have three sources of light.

Illinois Caverns State Natural Area

Address: 4369 G Road, Waterloo, Illinois, USA

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 8:30am - 3:30pm (Closed on Sun - Wed)

2. Sand Cave

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Sand Cave is located in Shawnee National Forest, a few miles from the Miller Grove Community and Crow Knob. The cave is a deep and dark shelter carved into the sandstone face. It once played the role of the “Underground Railroad” during the 19th century, when slaves escaped and went north through the wild countryside, and they used Sand Cave as a shelter. Other hiding spots include other caves, such as Brasher Cave and Ox-Lot.

Sand Cave

Address: Shawnee National Forest, Herod, IL 62947, United States

3. Cave-in-Rock

Cave-in-Rock is located outside the town of the same name in southern Illinois. The cave is situated atop high bluffs, offering views across the Ohio River and a forest nearby. The cave itself is 55 ft (16.7 m) in width and was carved from the solid limestone rock thousands of years ago. Besides the cave, there are a number of hiking trails in the area that varies in difficulty and will take you through the forests. Three playgrounds were developed for children, as well as picnic areas with tables and grills. Camping and a restaurant are also located on the property.

Cave-in-Rock

Address: 1 New State Park Rd., Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, USA

4. Devil's Cave at Red Oak Nature Center

Red Oak Nature Center is located in the Fox Valley Park District and offers many nature activities. This site is situated on the east bank of the Fox River in Batavia and includes a wildlife habitat. It is where red fox, deer, and bald eagles can be spotted, and sights of lush forest areas and panoramic views over the countryside can be enjoyed, along with walking trails and restful picnic areas. At the site, the Devil’s Cave can be explored, and it is one of few caves in the Chicago area that has plenty of folklore and history behind it.

Devil's Cave at Red Oak Nature Center

Address: 2343 S River St, North Aurora, Illinois, USA

Website: Devil’s Cave at Red Oak Nature Center

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 3pm (Closed on Mon)

5. Indian Caves

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Indian Caves are located on the Kankakee River in Perry Farm Park. They can be found on the paved walking trails on the property. The caves are small and narrow, with a ravine through the river. Care must be taken when visiting this place, as the rocks are often slick with water, making them difficult to navigate. Perry Farm Park also offers running, rollerblading, and biking in the lovely nature areas with a beautiful landscape. The family can also visit Barnyard Playground, a hands-on experience for the kids, and a children’s museum called Exploration Station. The barns, animal pens, gardens, and farm buildings are open for exploration, as is Centennial Orchard, Millennium Garden, and Durham Memorial on the farm.

Indian Caves

Address: Perry Farm Park, 459 N Kennedy Dr, Bourbonnais, Illinois, USA

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

Have fun exploring the caves of Illinois, USA!

After spending time in the major cities, with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shops, head out into the countryside to visit scenic natural parks where you can hike, picnic, and have exciting caving adventures in Illinois.