How lucky are we that TWO out of the 15 places mentioned on this list are right here in Rockford!?!

The website Thrillist recently put together a list of The 15 Most Beautiful Places in Illinois You Never Knew Existed, and I totally started smiling when I saw it. Not only because Rockford made the list twice, but because both places are ones my family loves to frequent.

Do you know what those two Rockford attractions are? I bet you do and love them as much as we do!

Here are the 15 Most Beautiful Places in Illinois according to Thrillist (In no particular order):

  • Anderson Japanese Gardens - Rockford
  • The waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park - Oglesby
  • Burden Falls - Shawnee National Forest
  • Grosse Point Lighthouse - Evanston
  • Great River Road - Western edge of the state, along the Mississippi River
  • Fabyan Windmill at Fabyan Forest Preserve - Geneva
  • Cahokia Mounds - Collinsville
  • Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest
  • Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens - Rockford
  • Buffalo Rock State Park - Ottawa
  • Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive - Canton
  • Grand View Drive - Peoria
  • Mississippi Palisades State Park - Savanna
  • Promontory Point - Chicago
  • Lake Falls at Matthiessen State Park - Utica

I am ashamed to admit that I have not heard of several of the other places on this list, but I now know where to go when I'm in the mood for a road trip to look at all the beautiful colors this Fall. Hope you take some time to enjoy them too!

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