Southern Illinois recreation spot named among ‘best free things to do’ statewide
A popular wilderness area in southern Illinois was recently named one of the best free things to do in the state by travel site Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor’s report of the “Best Free Things to Do in Illinois” in 2026 put Garden of the Gods in 15th place out of more than 900 listings, sorted by “traveler favorites.”
Garden of the Gods has 422 reviews on Tripadvisor, with a 4.8-star rating. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service describes Garden of the Gods Recreation Area as one of the “most photographed locations in the state.”
The recreation area gives visitors opportunities to hike, camp and picnic, and the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail was recently named one of the best hiking trails in Illinois. The flagstone trail has an “easy” rating on hiking and outdoor recreation app AllTrails, and is a quarter-mile loop. The spot is known for its “unique sandstone rock formations” and panoramic views.
The Forest Service recommends hikers use caution due to high cliffs in the Garden of the Gods area, and also advises hikers to carry water and food in reusable containers, as well as a first-aid kit. Poison ivy and venomous snakes can be found in the area, and cell phone coverage is “spotty or non-existent.”
Leashed dogs are allowed at Garden of the Gods, and the observation trail and picnic areas are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
No permit is required to enter or camp in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, according to the Forest Service.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials recommend hikers in the state follow several best practices, including staying on designated trails, avoiding picking any flowers, using insect repellent and taking water with you on long hikes.
Top 20 best free things to do in Illinois
Here’s how Tripadvisor ranked the top 20 best free things to do in Illinois:
- Millennium Park, Chicago
- The Magnificent Mile, Chicago
- Cloud Gate, Chicago
- Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
- Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago
- Navy Pier, Chicago
- Garfield Park Observatory, Chicago
- Starved Rock State Park, La Salle County
- Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield
- Route 66
- Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain, Chicago
- Lincoln Tomb, Springfield
- Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago
- Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest
- Union Station, Chicago
- Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago
- Chicago Fed’s Money Museum, Chicago
- Matthiessen State Park, La Salle County
- Water Tower Place, Chicago
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site landed in 22nd place.
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