Illinois' Secret, Mysterious Bayou Is A Shady, Green Cypress Swamp Called 'One Of Nature's Masterpieces'

When it comes to swamps in the United States, your mind likely conjures up images of one of Florida's oldest state parks, a place overflowing with wildlife and wetlands buried deep in the South. And while most swamps in the country are found in the Southeast, you might be surprised to discover there's one tucked away at the southern tip of Illinois. That's right — you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and diverse swamp ecosystem right in the heart of the Midwest (minus the presence of crocodiles and alligators). The Cache River State Natural Area is home to some of the best wetlands in the state, and it's often considered "one of nature's masterpieces," hidden away in the Midwest.

The Cache River State Natural Area is about two hours south of St. Louis. Spanning over 18,000 acres and encompassing three different regions, it's a place of extreme biodiversity. From cypress trees with trunks spanning 40 feet in circumference to endangered animals seeking shelter, the Cache River State Natural Area is a wonderland you'd never expect to exist in Illinois.

Enjoying the scenery is easy, thanks to a variety of hiking trails, a wonderful nature center, and the chance to cruise through its waterways on a canoe. You're also close to plenty of restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds, making a trip to the swamps of Illinois an excellent way to see the best the Land of Lincoln has to offer.

The Cache River State Natural Area is an excellent spot for all sorts of outdoor activities. The first thing you should do, however, is pop into the Wetlands Center. Along with a sprawling 2,000 square foot exhibit hall, there's a wildlife viewing area and an accessible hiking trail overlooking Cypress Creek. You'll also be treated to an in-depth look at this vibrant ecosystem, giving you a better appreciation of the wilderness just outside.

You'll find 18 miles of trails carving through the landscape, most of which are perfect for all skill levels. For something more challenging, the Little Black Slough Trail runs for 5.5 miles as it takes you near bald cypress, tupelo swamps, and beautiful sandstone bluffs. A section of it can be difficult to traverse when water levels are high, but it's a wonderful way to soak up the scenery.

Want to get out on the water? You can paddle through the Lower Cache River Trail to witness Illinois' largest bald cypress tree. Estimated to be well over 1,000 years old, it's a highlight of any trip to the natural area. Check out Cache Bayou Outfitters for rentals and tours. Regardless of how you spend your time at Cache River State Natural Area, be sure to bring a good pair of binoculars. Hundreds of species call the area home, including great horned owls, great blue herons, gray foxes, otters, and a wealth of amphibians and fish.

Dozens of regional airports are scattered throughout the countryside near the Cache River State Natural Area, but flying into St. Louis might be the easiest option for most travelers. Nashville is also less than three hours away — if you decide to fly into Music City, be sure to explore a top-rated "Instagram Tour" around its artsiest district. Fly into St. Louis, and you can dip over to a timeless town filled with historic sites.

If you're interested in camping, there are several nearby options. The Shawnee Forest Campground is just a few minutes north, and it's one of the most popular in the region. With large sites that can accommodate all sorts of RVs, two shower houses, laundry rooms, and miles of walking paths meandering along two large ponds, it's an excellent spot to use as a base camp. Prefer a traditional hotel? Look at the many options across the border in Paducah, Kentucky. You might also want to take a peek at Davie School Inn, just 30 minutes northwest. Housed inside a converted school, it's a unique place to unwind between adventures.

Fat Edd's Roadhouse is the perfect spot to indulge in a hearty meal after hours of exploring the swamps of Illinois. With over 2,400 Google Reviews, the American restaurant has an impressive 4.5 stars. Check it out for an assortment of burgers, barbecue, and chili dogs. As for when to visit Southern Illinois and the Cache River State Natural Area? If you don't mind the heat and humidity, the summer months offer verdant foliage and plenty of sunlight hours for exploration. Spring and fall, meanwhile, offer more temperate weather, while the winter months give you unprecedented solitude.