The Midwest is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. with incredible parks, countless float trips, and beautiful campgrounds, there is no shortage of options for those looking to indulge in the great outdoors. In this article we will focus on the lesser known attractions around the Midwest. Meaning, we won’t feature any state of national parks. Instead we will direct our attention to those hidden gems, that only the locals know about. Many of these places you can have all to yourself. Enjoy and let me know if you have been to any of these, and If I have missed any hidden gems. I would love to hear about it.
Sable Falls-Michigan
Beautiful Sable Falls is part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and is located about 1.0 mile west of Grand Marais Michigan, on Alger County Road H-58. For more information, click here. Sable Falls tumbles 75 feet over a cascading slope of Munising and Jacobsville sandstone formations on its way to Lake Superior. The best viewing is from the bottom of a long staircase of 168 steps. The trail from the parking area to this staircase is a short one. The beach at the end of the Sable Falls Trail is part rock and part sand, with views of the Grand Sable Dunes towering above.
Big Spring-Missouri
The Big Spring area contains the Big Spring of course, but the park is also loaded with caves, rocky bluffs and numerous scenic sites! The Big Spring is sometimes called America’s biggest spring. The spring can be seen from the parking area, and a wheelchair accessible walkway leads right to it. The accessible Slough Trail is nearby, along with several other trails that are not suitable for wheelchairs. Big Spring is located four miles south of Van Buren at the end of State Route 103. For more information, click here.
Heritage Canyon-Illinois
Heritage Canyon is a 12-acre wooded structure and nature walk dotted with buildings that take the visitor back to the 1800’s. Self-guided walking tours marked by numbered yellow arrows on brick paths will guide you through a pleasant experience. There is an ol church building which is still used for small wedding services to this day. There is also a covered bridge and numerous other structures along the path. The entire trail is surrounded with towering 200 foot high bluffs. Heritage Canyon is located at 515 North 4th street in Fulton Illinois. The park is open daily from 9 to 5. For more information, click here.
Cataract Falls-Indiana
Kenneth Keifer / shutterstock
Cataract Falls are part of Lieber State Recreation Area. The falls source is Mill Creek, and it has the highest volume of water flowing through, although it is not the tallest cascade. Cataract has an upper and lower waterfall. The upper is 30 feet, while the lower is about 15 feet. Visitors will need to pay an entrance fee to enter the park and then it is a short hike across the bridge that spans Mill Creek to get to the waterfalls. The falls are about a mile apart. The falls create a stepping stone effect with giant boulders. For most people, the lower falls are known as the Cataract Cascades. Mill Creek, which is downstream from lower Cataract Falls, flows into Cagles Mill Lake. Visitors can reach the falls from the nearby towns of Cunot or Cataract, off State Road 243. For more information, click here.
Blue Springs Natural Area-Missouri
Missouri is absolutely loaded with incredible natural springs. However there is one that has incredible sapphire blue water it doesn’t even look real. However Blue Spring near Eminence is 100% real. You don’t have to guess how it earned its name. Blue Spring is 14 miles east of Eminence or 14 miles west of Ellington off of State Route 106. For more information, click here. In an area just loaded with gorgeous sites, Blue Springs Natural Area still stands out above the rest. Just follow the Blue Spring Trial path to the most stunning sapphire blue water you have ever seen! The spring is one of the deepest in the United States reaching depths of 310 feet in some areas. Blue Spring is accessible all year, but is most beautiful in the fall while the leaves are changing color and in the spring when the wildflowers bloom.
Bell Smith Springs-Illinois
Hiking with Shawn
Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. The area features an abundance of strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil’s Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna. Bell Smith Springs is located at Bell Smith Springs Rd, Ozark, IL. For more information, click here.
Spearfish Canyon-South Dakota
Spearfish Canyon Nature Area is a hidden gem located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The park is located 1 mile west from the Scenic Byway at Savoy on FDR 222 in Spearfish Canyon. For a private guided tour of the canyon, click here. The Spearfish Canyon Nature Area includes the Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls and the Savoy Pond area. The canyon is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills. A trail system connects all three areas and offers spectacular views of the waterfalls and foliage in the Fall.
Rocky Falls-Missouri
Rocky Falls in Shannon County is another waterfall that can also be considered a shut-in. Located nine miles southeast of Eminence on Highway NN, Rocky Falls’ cascades down sixty feet of igneous rock into a pool of cold, clear water. Rocky Falls is located on Route NN, off of Route H east of Eminence and Winona. For more information, click here.
Millstone Bluffs-Illinois
First off I need to warn you, this trail is not for the faint of heart. It’s an excruciating vertical hike. However, if you make it all the way to the top, it is quite a rewarding jot. To reach Millstone Bluffs in Southern Illinois take IL-145 to IL-147. In 1.4 miles look for the signage on the right for Millstone Bluffs. Continue for 0.3 miles to the parking lot and enjoy this rare glimpse into Native American History. The area is known as Millstone Bluff, and the trail offers a unique peak into a prehistoric Native American community offers more variety than any other archaeological dig in Southern Illinois. If a challenging hike isn’t what your looking for, you can still view the spectacular towering bluffs from the parking lot. This really is a sight to be seen as the bluffs stick out like a sore thumb from the surrounding flat terrain. For more information, click here.
Maramec Springs-Missouri
Whether its learning about the the Park’s deep history, fishing for trout, or exploring the spring, Maramec Spring Park has something for everyone to enjoy. The park is located at 21880 Maramec Spring Dr, St James, MO. For more information, click here. The Park contains the fifth largest spring in the state. An average of 100 million gallons of water flows from the Spring daily. The 200 acre public use area of the Park provides many amenities and activities for visitors such as a cafe, store, camping, wildlife viewing, fish feeding, picnicking, shelters, playgrounds and fishing. The beautiful spring is filled with rainbow trout, stocked daily by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Agate Falls-Michigan
Considered by many to be one of upper Michigan’s most picturesque waterfalls, Agate Falls Scenic Site is located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. The falls are created as the river finds its way over an extended shelf of terraced sandstone. The resulting waterfall is a broad band of interlacing cascades and small falls nearly 40 feet high. Agate Falls Scenic Site is located at M-28, in Trout Creek, Michigan. For more information, click here.
Rim Rock Recreation Area-Illinois
The Rim Rock Recreation Area & Trail is located in Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, if you haven’t already heard this area is a hotbed for outdoor adventure! To take advantage of this historic beauty, take Highway 34 to Karbers Ridge Road and turn East. Follow Karbers Ridge Road 8.3 miles to the Rim Rock entrance road. For more information, click here. The Rim Rock area is broken up into two sections the Upper Trail and the Lower Trail. The Upper Trail is paved and is wheelchair accessible with assistance. The trail leads guests past the remnants of a Native American rock wall and offers stunning views of the valley below. About halfway through this trail you will find the staircase providing access to Rim Rock’s lower trail. This is a challenging hike, but its also very rewarding.
Sodalis Nature Preserve-Missouri
Sodalis Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park property that was given to the city to preserve endangered bats. It is now Hannibal’s second-largest park. Sodalis Nature Preserve is located at 819 Ely St in Hannibal, Missouri. For more information, click here. Only non-motorized recreational activity is allowed, such as hiking, running and biking. The almost 2-mile loop trail is fully paved.
Cache River Natural Area-Illinois
The Cache River State Natural Area holds onto some of the highest quality aquatic and terrestrial natural communities remaining in Illinois. Wetlands within this area are so important to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds that in 1996 the Ramsar Convention collectively designated them a Wetland of International Importance, only the 19th wetland in the United States to receive the distinction. The site offers a wide array of recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and seasonal hunting programs. For more information, click here.
Kitch-iti-kipi Spring-Michigan
Palms Book State Park is home to one of the most impressive fresh-water natural springs in the world. This is easily one of Michigan’s most alluring natural attractions, and its gorgeous! Kitch-iti-kipi Spring is Michigan’s largest freshwater spring, spanning 200 feet across and 40 feet deep. The flow continues throughout the year at a constant 45 degrees Fahrenheit, gushing more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute from fissures in the underlying limestone. The park is located at M-149 (a mile north of the Co Rd 455 junction) in Manistique Michigan. For more information, click here.
Roark Creek Waterfall-Missouri
The Waterfall Trail runs along an unnamed tributary of Roark Creek and includes some beautiful rock formations, a waterfall, and a dense tree canopy. Branson Missouri is full of amazing places, from incredible shows to breathtaking sites there’s a reason it’s one of the top destinations in the Midwest. Sometimes thou Branson can get a little crowded. If you are in the area and feel the need to get away from everyone, just head on over to the Branson Waterfall Trail and enjoy a scenic hike and even take a dip in one of the pools of water you find along the way. For more information, click here. For directions to reach the waterfall trail, click here. Trust me, you will need these directions!
Sylvan Island-Illinois
Sylvan Island Recreational Park is located on the Mississippi River just off the shore of Moline Illinois. The Island is connected to the mainland and is accessible by a walking bridge! The park is a converted abandoned industrial site, that is still riddled with the remains of the long forgotten Sylvan Steel plant. While lots of evidence of the plants existence still exists, nature is slowly devouring the remaining ruins. The park is located on 2nd street and 1st avenue in Moline. For years the Island sat abandoned, and was a popular spot for fishermen, and bird watchers. Now the island is officially open to the public, and is once again making a big impact in the community. Sylvan Island has a total acreage of 37 acres, with 1.24 miles of trails both circling the Island and winding throughout. The park is open daily, year round from 6 am until sunset. For more information, click here.
Greer Spring-Missouri
One of the most significant natural features in Missouri, Greer Spring, is the second largest spring in the state with a mean daily discharge of approximately 210 million gallons/day. The trailhead is located 18 miles south of Winona and 8 miles north of Alton on MIssouri Highway 19 about 1.5 miles south of the Highway 19 bridge that crosses the Eleven Point River and just north of the tiny town of Greer. This is a fun hike and the trip down to the spring and back took just about 90 minutes. The trail is very well maintained and the spring and area surrounding it are gorgeous!
Jackson Falls-Illinois
Jackson Falls is one of the best waterfalls in all of Illinois. During the 5 mile hike to get to the base of the falls, you can also see two other waterfalls, along a beautiful canyon. During the summer months, Jackson Falls is one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. But what’s even more stunning is the rocks that surround this area. There are numerous sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders. The area is also a popular place for rock climbing. In fact, there are 60 climbing locations to choose from, each about 50-60 feet in height. Jackson Falls is located in Shawnee National Forest at Glen St Falls Rd, Simpson, IL 62985. For more information, click here.
Whitewater Canyon-Iowa
A hidden gem in every since of the word. The park has excellent trails and best of all you will likely have the entire place to yourself! Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area is located off Highway 151 and Curoe Road, approximately 5 miles northeast of Cascade Iowa. For more information, click here. This 562 acre area is open for public hunting during state designated hunting seasons. It is also a favorite with hikers, wildlife-watchers, and anglers dipping a line in Whitewater Creek. This unique location features 200-foot cliffs and scenic overlooks in a narrow valley along Whitewater Creek. During periods of sufficient water, it is also floated by canoers and kayakers. Winter provides areas to snowshoe and cross-country ski.
Sylvan Lake-South Dakota
Sylvan Lake is probably the most recognizable of the five Custer State Park lakes, and of any of the Black Hills lakes for that matter. Its definitely a favorite of almost anyone who has seen it, especially photographers, artists or anyone that saw the Nicolas Cage movie “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets” (although the location may seem off). Sylvan Lake is a very popular spot for weddings and other special occasions or as the most beautiful swimming hole one could possibly find. Sylvan Lake is located within Custer State Park at 13438 US Highway 16A, In Custer South Dakota. For more information, click here.
Little Rocky Hollow-Ohio
The Little Rocky Hollow State Nature Preserve is a tiny 256 acre nature preserve in Ohio. The physical address is 17440 Kreashbaum Rd, in Rockbridge, Ohio. Entrance to the Little Rocky Hollow State Nature Preserve will require a permit, however it is easy to obtain. you can do so by clicking here. The preserve may only be 256 acres however I hiked well over 7 miles exploring the area. There is one main access trail to enter the park, after that just follow the creek past waterfall after waterfall. I counted at least 6 significant waterfalls and several other smaller falls.
Dunning Spring & Ice Cave-Iowa
Dunning Spring And Ice Cave is located along the Upper Iowa River in Decorah Iowa. The park features a 200 foot waterfall, an extensive trail system. numerous spots for picnics and even the famous Ice Cave. This is a gorgeous area that is a perfect place to spend a day exploring. Both the river and the spring are popular swim spots within the park, although the spring water is very cold. The park is located on Ice Cave Road in Decorah Iowa. You can’t miss it.
Bond Falls-Michigan
The locals refer to Bond Falls as one of the most pictorial falls in the Midwest of Michigan. There are six different viewing locations and three platforms, which make great picture spots. You will be surrounded by natural beauty during your walk to the falls and will fall in love with the cascading water along the boardwalk. Many people enjoy Bond Falls for hiking, photography, enjoying a picnic or simply relaxing and taking in the glorious scenery. Bond Falls Scenic Site is located on Bond Falls Road in Paulding Michigan. For more information, click here.
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area-Missouri
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is located in the in the heart of Branson and offers a nature escape with 140 acres of wooded and rugged hill country and 5.3 miles of trails. Both visitors and locals can enjoy this unique park with its two woodland trails that wind through forest, along bluffs and across glades. The bluff trail (marked in blue) is my personal favorite, this trail takes you through a mature growth forest, and leads you to stunning views high above Lake Taneycomo. Follow the trail down to the lake and you will find a couple caves, and an epic waterfall. The hike is not easy but its totally worthwhile. As an added bonus, there is a unique spot to hit the lake at the very end of this trail. Its a great little cove to cool off in before hiking back to your car! Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is located at 412 Owen Lane, in Branson, Missouri. For more information, click here. For directions to the park, click here.