11 Fascinating Caves in Illinois You Can Explore [Update 2024] (2024)

Are you a fan of Batman movies or comics? Or do bats intrigue you? If either one of these things is true, then you are most likely fascinated with caves. Although caves are viewed as these terrifying, secluded dark places, they are so much more than that.

There are caves in Illinois that are part of historic landmarks, parks or natural reserves, which have been turned into tourist attractions. These caves offer a number of natural amenities, and are popular among people who love an adventure.

To satisfy your curiosity, here is a list of the most fascinating caves in Illinois.

1. Cave-in-Rock

(View on Map)

The main attraction intheCave-in-Rock State Park is thecave inside a sandstone cliff. This cave has a fascinating past since the Native Americans lived there for almost one thousand years. Additionally,thugs, pirates, exilesand thieves exploited this cavefor criminal acts throughoutthe 18th century.

2. Ox Lot Cave

(View on Map)

TheOx Lot Cave is an overhead refuge wheresettlers from Europeand Native Americans used tofrequently keeptheir animals. The route to this cave is through a2.3-mile scenic trail called theRim Rock Recreational Trail.

Recreationalfacilities including picnic tables and pedestal barbecues areaccessible here, which is why picnicking is one of its most popular features.

3. Indian Caves

(View on Map)

Visit the Indian Caves in Illinois if you’re looking for a thrilling but challenging experience. These are a collection of little caverns on the Kankakee River in the town of Bourbonnais. The Indian Cavesare best suited for seasoned urban explorers since one must navigate through their small canyons while avoiding slick rocks.

Check out these amazing bike trails in Illinois.

4. St. Louis Canyon Cave

Louis Canyon’s granite boulders have a small cave cut out of them as a result of degradation over time. To see this cave, visitors must travel a mile-long route in Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. Moreover, guests can also access stunning waterfalls that are close to the St. Louis Canyon Cave. Alongside waterfalls, there are also canyons nearby.

5. Stemler Cave

(View on Map)

This is a cave that is situated in Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve, a natural preserve and park in Colombia, Illinois. This cave is perfect for those who are looking for a nice walk in a secluded, but intriguing area.

6. Devil’s Cave

(View on Map)

Red Oak Nature Center is famed for having scenic trails and a small-mouth cave along with many other natural features. The cave, Devil’s Cave, is a big tourist attraction in this park and also inhabits animal life inside it, including different species of bats. Besides caves, this rustic park, the Red Oak Nature Center, is home to trails and campsites, giving you a complete experience.

Have a look at these awe-inspiring hiking trails in Illinois.

7. Sand Cave

(View on Map)

Sand Cave is a large-mouth cave in a secluded area that is perfect for camping or trekking. The cave is located in a designated historic landmark in Simpson, Illinois. Sand Cave is one of the most spacious caves in the state, so if you are looking for a cave with a massive entrance and space inside, then this is the cave for you to visit.

8. Rock Cave

Rock Cave is a unique cave situated inside Rock Cave Natural Preserve. It is a very popular natural preserve where people can go hiking and walking inside the cave. Ravine forests, streams and amazing rock formations are found around this cave in Altamont, Illinois.

9. Blackball Mine Cave

(View on Map)

Blackball Mine CaveinIllinois is part of the Pec*msaugan Creek Blackball Mines Nature Preserve and was once used formarble mining. Interestingly,5different species of batscurrently use this caveas a site to hibernate, including the nearly extinct Indiana Bat.

Blackball Mine Cavealso has quite a few restrictions that visitors must abide by, for the safety of these bats and the guests themselves.

10. Illinois Caverns

(View on Map)

Renowned for being the second-largest cave in Illinois,Illinois Caverns is situatedinsideanatural reserve in Waterloo.Touring thiscaverntakes a long time, which featurestiring walks acrossankle-deep streams. But the crystallites, rock formations, flow stonesand soda streamers that cover thesecave walls will leave you in completeawe. Also, don’t forget to pack additional clothing.

11. Fogelpole Cave

Fogelpole Cave is situated inside a natural preserve area known as the Fogelpole Cave Nature Preserve in Prairie Du Rocher town. This is one of Illinois’s biggest and most peacefulcaves that supports a wide range of bat species. The nearly extinct and highly popular Indiana Bat also lives inside this cave.

Choose the cave you want to visit in Illinois from this list based on what preferences you have. If you like caves with stunning waterfalls nearby, then St. Louis Canyon Cave is the obvious choice. However, if you want to visit a spacious cave with a large entrance, then Sand Cave is the best option for you.