Garden of the Gods Wilderness
Garden of the Gods Wilderness, Natural wilderness area in southern Illinois, United States
The Garden of the Gods Wilderness spans 3,318 acres of sandstone formations, cliffs, and natural trails within the Shawnee National Forest.
The sandstone bed that forms the current landscape was created during the Carboniferous period, approximately 300 million years ago, and remained untouched by glaciers.
The sandstone formations received names reflecting their shapes, such as Camel Rock, which was featured on the 2016 America the Beautiful quarter series.
The wilderness area includes marked observation trails with flagstone pavers, wooden steps, and interpretive signs explaining geological features along the paths.
The terrain contains numerous hoodoos and erosion patterns that create distinctive rock formations, making it the most visited wilderness area in Illinois.
Location: Illinois
Inception: 1990
Operator: United States Forest Service
GPS coordinates: 37.60690,-88.39470
Latest update: May 11, 2025 03:56
This collection presents geological formations created through natural processes over millions of years. From layered sandstone waves in Arizona to volcanic basalt columns in Northern Ireland, these locations demonstrate Earth's geological diversity. Erosion, tectonic activity, and mineral deposits have shaped landscapes that provide insights into our planet's history. The selection includes limestone caves in New Zealand with glowworms, thermal springs in Turkey with travertine terraces, and colored rock formations in China created by iron-rich minerals. Visitors will find glacier caves in Iceland, canyons in Utah, and salt pans in Namibia. Each location documents specific geological processes and offers opportunities to explore different rock formations and natural phenomena.
Illinois features historical landmarks, nature parks and architectural structures. The region presents pre-Columbian settlements, geological formations, state parks with waterfalls and canyons. Visitors find lighthouses, gardens, historic villas and specialized museums.
Crenshaw House
16.4 km
Cave-in-Rock State Park
26.2 km
Millstone Bluff
30.2 km
Illinois Salines
14 km
Tolu Site
22.7 km
Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site
25 km
Illinois Iron Furnace
13.3 km
Shawneetown Bridge
25 km
Battery Rock
29 km
Mantle Rock Archeological District
28.4 km
Orr-Herl Mound and Village Site
20.1 km
Carrier Mills Archaeological District
20.5 km
Golconda Historic District
27.9 km
Gallatin County Courthouse
22.1 km
Lusk's Ferry, Illinois
27.9 km
John Marshall House Museum
24.8 km
Saline County Poor Farm
18.8 km
Bell Smith Springs
25.1 km
Lusk Creek Canyon
16.1 km
Saline County Courthouse
19.4 km
Hardin County Courthouse
19.5 km
Eldorado City Hall
23.2 km
Harrisburg City Hall
19.5 km
Camp Mather-Camp Logan
22.1 km
Robert and John McKee Peeples Houses
25.1 km
Cave In Rock State Park
26.3 km
Grand Theater
23.2 km
Raum Lookout Tower
21.6 kmReviews
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