Where to See Waterfalls Near Chicago

TOPICS:darien oak brook palos heights south elgin st. charles

Posted By: Annie Tandy June 10, 2020

Finding waterfalls in Chicagoland is not common, so when you spot one it makes hikes that much more special! We’ve been spending more time in nature lately and find these waterfalls so beautiful and peaceful. It’s also fun to race floating sticks down the rapids and an extra bonus if our kids can splash in a nearby creek!

Fullersburg Woods Waterfall, Oak Brook

Fullersburg Woods
3609 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Park in the lot off York Road a little north of Ogden Avenue and walk the paved trail under the bridge and past the giant waterwheel on the Graue Mill Museum.

While most waterfalls in our area are from dams, this one has become controversial as of late. Some want to preserve the historical significance of the dam to power the the only waterwheel gristmill in the Chicago area and some want to remove the dam to restore the natural ecosystem. Click here to learn about the debate on Facebook.

Delnor Woods Waterfall, St. Charles

photo courtesy of local mom, Lauretta Q.

Delnor Woods Park
517 IL-25
St. Charles, IL 60174

Paved paths meander around the park and it’s fun to ford the creek by this waterfall.

Blackhawk Waterfall, South Elgin

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Route 31
South Elgin, IL 60177

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Known as the hidden waterfall and a little off the path, this natural waterfall cascades into a shallow creek. Click here to read more about where to park depending on how far you want to walk.

Lake Katherine Waterfall, Palos Heights

Lake Katherine Botantic Gardens
7402 Lake Katherine Drive
Palos Heights, IL 60463

There is a very small waterfall by the entrance of Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens as you walk in from the parking lot. The grounds are also beautiful for a walk. Click here to get more details about visiting Lake Katherine.

Rocky Glen Waterfall, Darien

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Cass And Northgate Roads
Darien, IL 60561

Rocky Glen Waterfall is a beautiful spot! Click here to read more about Waterfall Glen and find out the best place to park, as well as how to get to the waterfall.

Phillips Park, Aurora

Phillips Park
1000 Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, IL 60505

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About the Author

Annie Tandy

Annie loves making great memories with her kids and started Kidlist in 2011 so she can help others do the same! Besides finding fun and exciting things to do, Annie and her kids enjoy caring for their chickens and hanging out with them in the backyard. Click here to read about Annie's chickens and see pictures! She also finds joy in gardening, home improvement projects, knitting, soap making, and painting along with being active in her community, church, and as a board member of the Western Springs Business Association. Click here to follow Annie on Instagram.

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