cave-in-rock state park

There really isn't much here, you walk down by the river to get into the cave, we went all the way to the back, the kids had a great time. Had a snack at the picnic tables and watched boats on the river.

I thought it was ok. The views were nice but there really wasn't much to do there. If you are in the area it is a nice pit stop.

The was really really cool. Walked all the way to the back of the cave and there is a huge hole in the ceiling. The only bad thing is the graffiti, such a shame to deface something so awesome.

Walking up the Ohio River bank, you could easily picture pirates lying in wait for the hapless boatmen moving their goods and belongings down river.

My family visited when I was very small. It was exciting after watching old movies where the pirates of Cave in Rock were featured preying on the boatmen heading down river. Lots of history wrapped up in this area. Legend is that boosters of early Chicago came to Old Shawneetown to borrow funds. This whole area was busy when the rivers were the main form of travel. Before the prairies were drained, the roads built, before railroads. This was the main corridor of traffic for those trying to get their goods to market down the river. Plus it is a great outdoor adventure, good hike, great cave, nice view of the river. Good stop and it doesn't take all that long.

This was something we did after we ate lunch and before we drove to Garden of the Gods State Park. It is a beautiful, if strenuous walk, to the cave. But the views are fantastic, and if you have an hour, it is well worth the trip.

Good Rock Cave within walking distance. Nice picnic pavillions overlooking the Ohio River. It was nice to watch the barges going up and down the river.

We stopped here after our enjoyable ferry ride into Illinois. The hike was easy enough for the whole family to enjoy. The kids had fun climbing on the rocks. The adults enjoyed talking about the history of the cave.

Near the southern tip of Illinois along the Ohio River, Cave in Rock is prominently mentioned in many pioneer histories. Lacking an easy eastern trade route, they often rafted their way to New Orleans. Bandits and pirates inhabited the cave and preyed on the river travelers. This state park protects the cave and many wonderful views of the Ohio, but we saw no plaques or signs about the fascinating history of the place. With a lodge and many picnic grounds this is a great stop to inhale a little of the smell of history.

So disappointed with Cave in Rock. We hiked down the stairs and into the cave only to see that people have decided to write graffiti all over the inside of the cave. I'm sure it was nice at one time.

This small cave had a history that dates backs over hundred years, very nice and beautiful views. It's a shame that the walls are vandalize with graffiti, I guess people think it's cool to stamp their names there. But over all a nice place to visit. Park has lots of pavilions for family reunions etc..

The price was right (free) and the kid enjoyed it. Makes a nice day trip. Not too much in the area. Make sure that you have plenty of gas left when you get there.

May 16th, Tony and I had a nice day trip.We drove up from Nashville, TN and took the Free Ferry across the Ohio River. It docks in a small riverside city called Cave-in-Rock, Illinois. As you unload from the ferry, you drive to the stop sign and make an immediate right. Go to the end of the street and make another right into the Park.Once in the park, there are a couple of large parking lots you can stop at and there is a really nice playground with a good old fashion Merry Go Round...when I saw this I had immediate memories of when I was a young girl with pig tails sitting on the merry go round wrapping my arms tight while the larger kids spun us around...if you let go, YES YOU WOULD FLY OFF..and that is what the larger kids was trying to make us do...lol !!!! and NO ONE STOPPED THEM...OMG..growing up in the late 60's...Then we drove around to the top of the knoll, made another right and it took us along a river road where we are driving on the bluffs. There are picnic tables and shelters with grills. Playgrounds and bathrooms with some great over looking areas..picnic tables with terrific views of the lazy Ohio River...Then we drove on down to another parking lot and parked our van near some stairs descending down to the waters edge. Here the stone steps lead between some bluffs and you are taken to a large opening or clearing near the waters front. If you go right you can walk along the coast line beside the large rock cliffs and enjoy..or if you go left you are led to a small wooden boardwalk, once off the boardwalk you are at the Large Cave opening.The cave itself is free, Well lit from the large opening of the front of the rocks and you can go inside. It is not that deep about 3000 feet in more or less..it is a huge open room in the back..some of the shadowed area are dark... a small flashlight would be helpful..if you look up..there is a natural skylight made by God...it is nice..Up top they have a small rock wall built around it and some metal grates over the opening.. I really enjoyed the visit at this park. The actual walk is fairly easy with a few steps but mainly very easy access. The entire walk took us only about 30 to 35 minutes. I mean you can stay longer of course and enjoy a picnic or cookout..but we were there only for the walk and the cave. I would definitely go back again!!!I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys these type of outings without a lot of hard hiking or walking..very easy and elderly and pet friendly..BEST of ALL....FREE and only about 2 hrs from Nashville, Easy day trip!!!

We took a nice Sunday drive to Cave in Rock State Park. Had a delicious lunch in the lodge, and took the short walk to the cave. I was expecting the park to be somewhat bigger with more things to do, but it made for a nice afternoon.

Must go to the Cave of course, Very cool short walk from the cabins. Rim ridge hike as well. Just off of Hwy 1 and Garden of the Gods at sunset.