IL topography (Chicago, Peoria, Springfield: homes, neighborhood, theater)

[Steve-o]

I get so many DMs and general questions regarding the topography of IL that I figured Id start a thread so I can redirect people to this thread for details. Please feel free to add your opinions/comments to this thread and keep it going. If you'd like to share an area of IL that has nice swimming/hiking/boating/fishing/etc, please do so.

The question that I get asked the most: "where are the hills in Illinois"? Well, there arent many, but theyre definitely here. Most are concentrated in the NW corner, a few small areas of central IL, along the Mississippi River, and southern IL (Metropolis area). The NW corner of the state is an unglaciated section full of medium sized hills and bluffs, some with excellent observation towers for a full panorama of the countryside (the Elizabeth, IL tower comes to mind). Some topography shots from that area:

[Steve-o]

There are also some small pockets of decent hills in the north central portions of the state (ie Oregon, IL region). There are several state parks in the area that take advantage of the topography and offer skiing, hiking, etc. 2 parks that come to mind are Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park. There is also Lowden-Miller State Forest in the area that is nice if you love hiking amongst pines as well as the Nachusa Grasslands.

Some shots from the area:

[Steve-o]

Chicagoland? Mostly very flat, with a few small pockets of small hills around, mainly out near the Fox Valley area (Geneva, St. Charles, etc). Theyre not big at all, but make some nice sledding, etc, hills. Some recommended parks are Campton Hills Forest Preserve, Big Rock Forest Preserve, etc. Just a few quick pics of the small hills in the area:











Small video of the ride up Jonnson's Mound (click on pic to play):




































As you can see, parts of Chicagoland have decent rolling hills, but the vast majority is as flat as a board.

[Steve-o]

I dont have too many shots of central IL's topography, but here are a few. If you stay along the river near Peoria, etc, youre treated to some nicely sized hills and nice woods, too. Places like Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park have nice limestone canyons, excellent hiking trails, some waterfalls, camping, etc.

[Steve-o]

Southern IL probably has some of the best hills in the state, IMO. Places like Garden of the Gods State Park, the LaRue/Pine Hills, Shawnee National Forest, Fults Hill prairie, etc, are gorgeous. Here are some links as I dont have any personal pics yet.

http://www.enjoyillinois.com/illinoi...harrisburg.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FFHBK65-tgs/R0...o/IMG_0212.JPG

Dont look down!
http://users.midwestmail.com/nightli.../03zLaRueB.jpg

http://www.fieldherpforum.com/Pictur...ertSnakeRd.jpg

http://www.life.uiuc.edu/suarez/till...s/SOILL002.jpg

http://www.life.uiuc.edu/suarez/till...s/SOILL001.jpg

http://irishinn.tripod.com/sitebuild...-c12553051.jpg

Be warned when out and about in southern, IL. There are a few species of venomous snake (copperheads, cottonmouths, timber rattlesnakes) and theyre very prevalent in areas. The area is also home to northern black widows, brown recluse spiders, and even a species of scorpion (not harmful).

[JoshB]

Steve, What a great idea for a thread. I have to say your pictures really do break the Illinois is flat stereotype that many place on IL.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Steve, What a great idea for a thread. I have to say your pictures really do break the Illinois is flat stereotype that many place on IL.

Thanks Josh. For the most part, as Im sure youre aware, IL is pretty dang flat, especially the central portions and Eastern portions of the state. I still am in awe at the variety of topography in IL, it really does have a lot to see, which surprises many people (including many natives). Between the rivers, lakes, streams, forests, prairies, swamps, bogs, sand prairies, hills, bluffs, small canyons, tallgrass prairies, savannahs, rock formations, palisades, etc, I think there is a lot to see here. You just have to know where to find it.

[linicx]

Central Illinois comprises five counties: Peoria, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason and Woodward. If the traveler should want to spend a day in Illinois and avoid the flat, dull, boring farmland the whiners complain about give them some good Wisconsin cheese to go with the whine and suggest they travel on IL 29 from 1-80 to Springfield. o

There are no "nine degree hills" in central Illinois but there are a few that will make a believer out of every 'Doubting Thomas" when ice and snow are on the ground. Farmington Road, Sterling Avenue, Western Avenue, Lower Grand View Drive, Forest Park Drive, Detweiller Drive and Fondulac Drive. The topography is a mix of hills, bluffs, water, folliage, farms and prairie.

There are three ways to view the Illinois River Valley from the bluffs: The lookout tower in Peoria Heights, Grandview Drive in Peoria Heights and Fondulac Drive in East Peoria. The next national Everglades is well underway in Mason and Fulton Counties. When finished 14,000 acres will be open to the public; about half is open now. There are many state parks in central Illinois where folks who like camping, boating, fishing, walking, hiking, biking, horse trails, hunting and exploring. There is also two marinas. and a private yacht club that has a variety of reciprical agreement with other sailing clubs. The state parks offer everything from a wild life animal experience, and a fish hatchery, to a Native American museum and archaelogical dig. Travelers can take a river cruise on a steam driven paddle wheel boat or gamble at a river casino. The three big parks in Peoria are several thousand acres each. They offer zoo, botanica, bandshell, summer theater and many other activities. However, one of the nicest smaller parks is Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. It has a rose garden, fountains in the lagoon, miniature golf, walking path, picnic area, kids fishin' derby and paddle boats in the summer. Pekin is also home to the famous Medallion Hunt held the week before the Marigold Parade.. .

[Steve-o]

Great input, linicx!

[Granny Sue]

Love to pictures! Thanks for sharing.

When my husband made his 1st trip to my home state of Illinois, he said...this is a flat as Florida. I told him to wait ten miles and it will change.

He fell in love. If it wasn't for the white stuff on the ground in the winter, I'd get him to move there.