5 Mood-Boosting Illinois Spots That’ll Lift Your Spirits (Plus One Adorable Baby Elephant)

We all know sunshine feels good, but did you know it’s one of nature’s best mood boosters? Getting outside is one of the simplest ways to flood your brain with feel-good chemicals. In other words, Illinois has some built-in therapy waiting for you in every direction.

The Happy Hormone Effect

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When you’re outside soaking up sunshine or breathing in fresh air, your body goes to work making “happy hormones.” That includes dopamine (the reward chemical), oxytocin (the love hormone), endorphins (the painkiller), and serotonin (the mood stabilizer). Translation: nature is medicine… and it’s free.

Illinois Sunshine Therapy

Some of my favorite serotonin spots are right here in our backyard. Start with Lake Le-Aqua-Na in Stephenson County, one of the cleanest, clearest lakes in Illinois. Then there’s Galena, a town that looks like it was made for sunny strolls and iced coffee breaks.

MORE: 6 Reasons Galena is the Perfect Road Trip

Head south for a waterfall fix at Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest—the tallest in Illinois—and keep the good vibes going in Geneva, easily one of the friendliest towns around.

For something totally unique, try glamping in the Shawnee Hills Dome, surrounded by 289,000 acres of forest sunshine, and fresh air.

Bonus Serotonin Boost: Baby Elephant Joy

If all else fails, cue the baby elephant video from the Oregon Zoo. The little one plays with a pumpkin while the grown-ups squash massive ones. It’s the perfect reminder that joy can be simple... and contagious.

(Watch the baby elephant video here!)

READ MORE: 3 Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois Perfect for a Relaxing Visit