Posted on February 7, 2024
Time to hit the trails! Take a look at 5 of our favorite parks for Midwest hiking in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Size: 289,000 acres | Trails: 38 | Total Trail Mileage : 374.1 miles
What convenes in the Shawnee National Forest, IL is more than just the rare diversity in the ecological region but also the distinct opportunity of a lifetime! With more than one million visitors, Shawnee is easily one of the most renowned hiking spots situated in Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Plenty of recreation opportunities for hiking, biking horseback, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, fishing, and camping. Our favorite location is the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area which claims to be one of the most photographed locations in the state of Illinois. For area dining, shopping, and places to stay, check out the Southernmost Illinois Touriusm Bureau to round out your trek planning.
Size: 69,372 acres | Trails: 13 | Total Trail Mileage: 51.1 miles
The forming of the Jewels of Lake Superior, Apostle Islands National Lake Shore, WI is ideal for your seasonal exploration! Options of both mainland and island hiking provide breathtaking experiences for any curious wanderer. Cruises, hiking, kayaking, rock formations, camping, boating, and history are just some of the activites that make this a popular recreation area. Shuttle and cruises to the islands are available through Apostle Islands Cruises. Since the area is directly impacted by conditions on Lake Superiror, be sure to always check weather conditions and closures. Whether planning to visit in Summer or Winter, Apostle Islands is a Great Lakes gem guaranteed not to disappoint.
Size: 200 acres | Trails: 2 | Total Trail Mileage: 2.4 miles
For the historically-minded individual looking for trails and tales, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, IN provides hiking trails, historical locales, living history, and monthly events to break the mold on your first journey into the woods! In addition to hiking this National Memorial, trekkers can expand their hike into the adjacent Lincoln State Park for an additional trails, camping, paddling, swimming and more. For area lodging, dining, shopping, and planning, check out all of the things to see and do in Spencer County, Indiana.
Size: 5,000+ acres | Trails: 1 | Total Trail Mileage: 1,200 miles
Why stop at the simple glance at history when you can relive a time of ancients? The recently opened and expansive Ice Age National Scenic Trail, WI provides 1,200 miles of trails throughout the entire state, following the traces of one of the great glaciers from the Last Ice Age. Talk about a cool adventure! The trail extends from Interstate State Park, near St. Croix Falls, WI, in the West and flows through the state of Wisconsin to Potawatomi State Park, near Sturgeon Bay, WI, in the East. Since the trail meanders through Wisconsin, we recommend starting with section hikes and planning stays accordingly. Additional travel planning can be found through Travel Wisconsin
Size: 71,187 acres | Trails: 47 | Total Trail Mileage: 217.9 miles
A world-renowned destination from the Great Lakes region, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore, MI is easily the most impressive site along all of Lake Michigan! With extensive hiking, camping, climbing, water and sightseeing opportunities both on the mainland and the two accompanying islands, there is plenty to see. Our favorite trail is the Shauger Hill Trail. Weaving along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the trail ascends to the 1,066' dune overlook with Westward views over Lake Michigan . . . the perfect sunset photo location in Sleeping Bear Dunes. This scenic park is just one of the many picturesque locations along M-22, so pack a bag and plan to explore the rest of Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan.