Illinois Caverns State Natural Area

Illinois Caverns State Natural Area is a 120-acre preserve in southwest Illinois’ Monroe County. The preserve contains woodlands, prairie, and a wild cave. The cave features stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone dams, soda straws, and an underground stream.

Cave wildlife includes bats, salamanders, fish, and insects. It is also home to the Illinois Cave Amphipod, a small, shrimp-like creature found only in a handful of Illinois caves. The Illinois Cave Amphipod is listed as a federally endangered species.

Cave visitors must complete an application permit and have the proper equipment to explore this wild cave. There are three miles of mapped cavern passages in the cave brochure. The cave temperature stays a cool 58 degrees year round.

The above ground facilities at this park include picnic areas and a half-mile prairie trail.

For more information about Illinois Caverns State Natural Area, write or call:

Illinois Caverns State Natural Area
10981 Conservation Road
Baldwin, IL 62217
(618) 458-6679

Directions:
From St. Louis, go south on Highway 3 for 30 miles and follow the signs to the Illinois Caverns State Natural Area.

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