3 Illinois state parks named among best in the US for 2025. One made the top 10
Three Illinois state parks were recently named among America’s Best State Parks for Great-Value Stays, including one that made the top 10.
The ranking, from vacation rental company HomeToGo, was released July 31 and found Starved Rock State Park the seventh best in the nation. The analysis ranked 100 state parks, and Illinois’ Rock Cut State Park took 27th place, while Matthiessen State Park made 46th.
HomeToGo evaluated each state park on accommodation price, an affordability score and a “hidden gem score,” as well as on size, trails, wildlife and scenery. The highest possible overall score was 60, and popular Starved Rock State Park received the top Illinois score with a 49.76, while Rock Cut State Park scored a 46.76 and Matthiessen State Park got a 44.5.
At Starved Rock State Park, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, boating, camping, fishing, hunting and kayaking. The park’s visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and is closed holidays. Starved Rock State Park trails are open 7 a.m. to sunset, while the campground gates are open 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Some of Starved Rock’s biggest draws include its “stunning bluffs and canyons,” which are accessible from 13 miles of marked trails, according to the park’s website.
Suggested trail routes range from a 30-minute, 0.6-mile round-trip “easy” hike with a river view to a 4-mile “moderate to difficult” trek to waterfalls at French, Wildcat and La Salle canyons. Starved Rock State Park is in La Salle County and is about a 3.5-hour drive from Belleville. Prices for the campsites vary, but generally range from $25 to $35 per night.
Illinois’ second-best performer in the analysis, Rock Cut State Park, is about 81 miles north of Starved Rock and is the “largest state park in Northern Illinois.”
The state park offers hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoe trails, as well as two lakes for fishing and paddling, according to its website. Rock Cut State Park’s hours from April to October are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the November to March hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campsite prices vary, but will likely run you about $25 to $35 per night.
The other Illinois state park to make the cut, Matthieson State Park, is located just about 5 minutes by car from Starved Rock State Park.
“Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology,” the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports, and activities onsite include horseback riding, geocaching, hiking, mountain biking, archery and more.
Matthieson State Park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. Camping there is first come, first served and will run you $8 per night.
Top 10 best state parks in the US for 2025
Here’s how the top 10 America’s Best State Parks for Great-Value Stays compared, from HomeToGo:
1. Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania
2. Pocahontas State Park in Virginia
3. Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire
4. DeSoto State Park in Alabama
5. Hueston Woods State Park in Ohio
6. Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland
7. Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
8. Garner State Park in Texas
9. Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee
10. Turkey Run State Park in Indiana
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