Cave-In-Rock State Park, Illinois Ozarks Travel Guide

4.7 (1740)

Explore a historic cave, hike scenic trails, and discover stunning Ohio River views at this Southern Illinois state park.

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Cave-In-Rock State Park

Cave-In-Rock State Park in Southern Illinois offers a unique blend of natural beauty and intriguing history. The park's namesake, a 55-foot-wide cave carved by wind and water, served as a shelter for Native Americans, a haven for river pirates, and a landmark for westward-bound travelers. Today, visitors can explore the cave, hike scenic trails, and enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River.

A brief summary to Cave-In-Rock State Park

1 New State Park Rd, Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, 62919, US
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Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cave-In-Rock State Park.

Explore the cave itself, but be aware that it may be inaccessible during Ohio River flooding.
Take the short trail from the parking lot to the cave entrance.
Consider visiting nearby attractions such as Garden of the Gods and the Shawnee National Forest.
Take the Cave-In-Rock Ferry across the Ohio River to Kentucky to visit Amish shops and the town of Marion.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Herod Cave Historic Site

Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Explore Cave-In-Rock State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cave-In-Rock State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From the village of Cave-In-Rock, head east on New State Park Road. The park entrance is a short drive from the village center. Follow the signs to the main parking areas near the playground. Parking is free, but can be limited during peak season.
Walking

From the parking lot near the playground, follow the sidewalk trail uphill between the parking lot and playground. Turn left at the fork and follow the path down to the Ohio River shoreline. The cave entrance is a short walk along the riverbank. This trail is not handicap-friendly.
Ferry

From Marion, Kentucky, take KY 91 north to the Cave-In-Rock Ferry landing. The ferry crosses the Ohio River to Cave-In-Rock, Illinois. The ferry is free for pedestrians and vehicles. From the ferry landing in Illinois, follow the signs to Cave-In-Rock State Park. The park entrance is a short drive from the ferry landing.

Discover more about Cave-In-Rock State Park

Cave-In-Rock State Park, located in Hardin County, Illinois, is a captivating destination steeped in history and natural splendor. The park's main attraction is the historic Cave-In-Rock, a 55-foot-wide cave formed by millennia of wind and water erosion on the limestone bluffs of the Ohio River. The cave's formation was also influenced by the cataclysmic effects of the 1811-12 New Madrid earthquakes.Known to Native Americans for thousands of years, the cave was first documented by the French explorer M. de Lery in 1729, who named it "caverne dans Le Roc" (cave in the rock). In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Cave-In-Rock gained notoriety as a hideout for river pirates and outlaws, including the infamous Samuel Mason Gang. These bandits preyed on flatboats carrying goods down the Ohio River, contributing to the cave's dark and mysterious past. Local legends also claim that Frank and Jesse James used the cave as a hideout.In 1929, the State of Illinois established Cave-In-Rock State Park, preserving the cave and its surrounding natural beauty. Today, the 204-acre park offers visitors a chance to explore the cave, hike scenic trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the Ohio River. The park features two marked hiking trails and several unmarked trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and picnicking within the park. The Cave-In-Rock Restaurant and Lodging, located within the park, offers dining and accommodation options.Cave-In-Rock State Park is conveniently located near other attractions, including the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, and the Cave-In-Rock Ferry. The ferry provides a free ride across the Ohio River to Kentucky, where visitors can explore Amish country and the town of Marion.