Red Hills State Park, Illinois

A lovingly preserved 967 acres of Planet Earth, Red Hills State Park is defined by wooded hills, deep ravines, meadows, springs and a pristine 40-acre lake for recreational use. You won’t wanna miss the trek up to the top of Red Hills, which just so happens to be the highest point of land between St. Louis and Cincinnati. There, you can ascend the 120-foot tower for an even better view. Chauncey Marsh Nature Preserve (a satellite area of the park) is perhaps the best remaining example of what’s called a Wabash Border Marsh Ecosystem, with marshes, dry and wet prairie, lush bottomland forest and thriving riverine communities. In late July and early August, the beautiful pink and white hibiscus and hairy rose mallow make it the place to be. The Trace Inn Restaurant offers fine dining with rustic decor.