Apple River Canyon State Park

Apple River Canyon State Park is a natural area in Jo Daviess County featuring the Apple River flowing through deep ravines bordered by tall limestone and dolomite cliffs. The protected land spans roughly 300 acres and includes diverse rock formations, wooded slopes, and river ecosystems that support various plants and animals.

The state acquired and protected this land in 1932 to preserve the natural features and establish a recreation area for the public. The canyon itself formed over millions of years as ancient waters carved through limestone and dolomite layers that were once part of a prehistoric sea.

The canyon served as a seasonal hunting and fishing ground for Native American peoples who traveled through this region for generations. Visitors walking the trails can sense how the landscape has shaped human activity over time.

The park has five marked trails ranging from easy riverside walks to more challenging hikes up the canyon slopes. Picnic areas and campgrounds are spread along the riverbank, making it convenient to rest and view the cliffs from different vantage points.

The limestone walls contain marine fossils from an ancient sea that covered the region millions of years ago before water erosion carved out the current canyons. These remains reveal that tropical waters and coral reefs once thrived in what is now northern Illinois.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1932

Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/AppleRiverCanyon.aspx

GPS coordinates: 42.44611,-90.05250

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:22