If you are looking for some real rest and relaxation, Cave In Rock, IL is a great place to visit. Cave In Rock is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Southern IL. The population of Cave In Rock is Approximately 400, and there is not a single stop light to be found in the entire town.
One of the jewels of this small town is the Cave In Rock State Park. The 204 acre heavily-wooded park is located on a 60 foot rugged bluff overlooking the Ohio River. The high bluffs in the park provide some spectacular views of the Ohio river and the passing barge traffic. Just choose a picnic table, and watch the river roll on by.
The Cave In Rock State Park is home to a 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. In the past outlaws and river pirates used the cave as a headquarters. The cave also served as a backdrop for a scene in the movie “How The West Was Won.” After a visit to the cave, a ride across the river via the ferry should be in order.
I have been crossing the river on this ferry boat since I was a youngster, and I am still fascinated by each ride. The Cave-in-Rock ferry crosses the Ohio River between Illinois Route 1 and Kentucky Route 91. The ferry is a very short distance from the park. The free ferry service operates seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Once your vehicle is parked, you can walk to the front of the ferry and enjoy the ride across the river. When the ferry unloads in Kentucky, you can drive about 10 minutes down the road to an Amish store that has some really great homemade strawberry jam. Just watch out for the horse and buggies traveling the roads.
When you get hungry, you won't find any fast food in Cave In Rock. There are three restaurants in town. Dutton's Cafe has the best fish in town, it says so right on the building. The restaurant in the park has an outdoor dining area that sits right on top of one of the highest bluffs in the park. Their placemats provide a map of the area with many interesting sites marked. GJ's is the other option, and is my favorite. It is my favorite because they bring around platters of fried green tomatoes while your waiting on your order.
If you decide to spend a few days, you are going to need a place to sleep. On the north side of the park there is a camp ground with 34 Class A sites and 25 tent sites.The class A sites are equipped with electricity and can accommodate units up to 60-feet long. The campground has a nice shower house that boasts plenty of hot water and restrooms. Handicapped sites also are available. Firewood and grills are furnished at each campsite. Just pull in and choose a site that is unoccupied(most sites are unoccupied). The camp host will eventually find you to collect the $15.00/day fee (sometimes days later).
If you are not into camping, the park has a lodge with eight suites, each accommodating up to four people comfortably. The suites contain deluxe baths, a dining area and wetbar, a large bedroom/living room, and a private patio deck overlooking the Ohio River. One suite is handicapped accessible.
If you stay longer than a few days, there are many natural wonders in the area to keep you occupied. While you are in line for the ferry, look to the right and you will see a small building that has tourist information. Just open the door, go inside, and grab some of the brochures about the area.
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Comments: 30
I've got an article on the go similar to yours describing where we camp in New York State. I was happy to see your article and hope others who camp in State or Provincial Parks will share their stories too.
It's spring so it must be time to start planning our menus. Our reservations are already made. Happy camping.
Cindy, I could spend all day just watching the barges travel the river.
Krissy, it is my kind of place too. :-)
Jessie, Thank you!
Thanks for a great travel destination for us this year. It's not far from St. Louis and sounds like a fascinating spot. Love places with history and great fish dinners.
Namaste, Wayne
10 4 u