Waterfall Hero Hikes: Cave-in-Rock State Park

Cave-in-Rock State Park is a 204-acre Illinois State Park along the Ohio River in Holden County. The park is named for a 55-foot wide cave in the bluffs along the Ohio River. Slowly carved by the erosive forces of wind and water, the cave was significantly widened in the New Madrid earthquake of 1811. In the early 19th century, river pirates were known to prey on travelers in the region. The state of Illinois purchased land around the cave in 1929 for the formation of a park. Today, the park has hiking trails, picnic areas, a campground and a restaurant.

Contact Information:

1 New State Park Rd.

Cave-in-Rock IL 62919

Phone: (618) 289-4325

Directions:

From Harrisburg, head east on IL-13 for about 14 miles and turn right onto IL-1 south. Drive 21.4 miles to Cave-in-Rock and turn left on Main Street. At the second cross street, turn right on Broadway Street and immediate left onto Park Avenue, which enters the park.