Explore And Dine On This Cave Themed Day Trip In Illinois

Adventures can be found all over, and day trips can quickly feel rushed when extra travel time gets involved. Thankfully, this little adventure has two parts in the same place, making it easy to plan around. From exploring a cave to dining in a restaurant with matching stone walls, it all adds up to a fun cave-themed day trip. If you love nature, Southern Illinois scenery, or just caves in general, Cave-in-Rock State Park is ready to have you whenever you arrive.

Exploring outdoors is always a fun adventure, whether you like to hike alone or with family and friends in tow. Overlooking the Ohio River, the park is full of natural limestone, as well as one feature that inspired the park’s name.

kevin joest/AllTrails

Of course, the major attraction out at Cave-in-Rock State Park is the titular cave. Sitting at a comfortable 55 feet wide, it’s hard to get claustrophobic inside such an open space. Will you go inside?

Michelle Coffey/AllTrails

Thankfully, the inside space is also part of the trip. The cave has been used as a hideout, a backdrop for a movie, and is now a fun stop on outdoorsy trips to this state park.

Jessica Mulkey/AllTrails

After your caving adventure, your stomach might feel like it’s about to cave in as well. Have no fear! Grabbing a bite to eat at Cave-In-Rock State Park Restaurant is the best solution for your snacking needs.

Rene Hladik/Google

Between the taxidermy mountain lion and all the stone on the walls, it’s no wonder the restaurant feels just like the park. Even dining outdoors is a treat, and enjoying a bit more sunshine during warmer months is an easy choice to make.

Jana Shepard/Google

With plenty of dishes on the menu and buffet days covering all sorts of options, even families don’t have too much trouble feeding different palates. Plus, if you love it here enough to stay, the lodging is a comfortable bonus option for this cave-themed day trip. How fun!

GEOFISHING/Google

If you just love exploring caves in general, you might also enjoy a little-known cave hiding out in the Ozarks next time you’re looking for an adventure.