• Q: How many state protected areas are there in Illinois?
  • A: There are over a hundred state protected areas in Illinois, including wildlife areas, state forests, nature reserves, state parks, and more.
  • Q: What types of recreation can visitors enjoy in Illinois' state protected areas?
  • A: These areas provide a variety of recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you're into something as simple as hiking or something more unique like metal detecting.

1. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park | Illinois State Parks
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2. Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor | Illinois State Parks
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3. Big River State Forest

Big River State Forest | Illinois State Parks
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4. Big Rock Forest Preserve

Big Rock Forest Preserve | Illinois State Parks
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5. Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve

Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve | Illinois State Parks
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6. Buffalo Rock State Park

Buffalo Rock State Park | Illinois State Parks
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7. Chain O' Lakes State Park

Chain O' Lakes State Park | Illinois State Parks
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8. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area | Illinois State Parks
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9. Franklin Creek State Natural Area

Franklin Creek State Natural Area | Illinois State Parks
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10. Grant Ulysses Park

Grant Ulysses Park | Illinois State Parks
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11. Hidden Springs State Forest

Hidden Springs State Forest | Illinois State Parks
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12. Illini State Park

Illini State Park | Illinois State Parks
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13. Apple River Canyon State Park

Apple River Canyon State Park | Illinois State Parks
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14. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area | Illinois State Parks
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15. Kankakee River State Park

Kankakee River State Park | Illinois State Parks
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16. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Kickapoo State Recreation Area | Illinois State Parks
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17. Lake Murphysboro State Park

Lake Murphysboro State Park | Illinois State Parks
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18. Lincoln (Abraham) Park

Lincoln (Abraham) Park | Illinois State Parks
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19. Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge | Illinois State Parks
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20. Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades State Park | Illinois State Parks
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21. Nauvoo State Park

Nauvoo State Park | Illinois State Parks
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22. Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest | Illinois State Parks
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23. Siloam Springs State Park

Siloam Springs State Park | Illinois State Parks
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24. Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park | Illinois State Parks
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25. William W. Powers State Recreation Area

William W. Powers State Recreation Area | Illinois State Parks
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