4 Outdoor Activities in Marion, IL

Even though Marion is a small town with a relaxed vibe, sometimes it’s nice to get away from town and explore the beautiful parks, forests, and wildlife refuges that are so close to town. The next time you want to get out in nature, check out these four places to get some fresh air and sunshine.

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Image used with permission via Flickr by Curtis Abert

Head about 12 miles south of Marion to the town of Goreville and enjoy the spectacular scenery at Ferne Clyffe State Park. This park has over 2,430 acres of forests, unique limestone rock formations, cliff caves, and stunning waterfalls. Ferne Clyffe State Park has attracted visors to this scenic spot for centuries due to the lush fern grottos, hiking trails, and rock-climbing opportunities. In addition to hiking and rock climbing, visitors can hunt and fish or spend a couple of nights camping in this hidden gem.

Make sure you bring your camera with you as you explore Ferne Clyffe State Park. Stop by the 150-foot-long shelter bluff rock formation known as Hawks’ Cave for great photographs. During the wet season, check out the 100-foot-tall waterfall that tumbles down the limestone rock wall. You can find the waterfall when you hike the Big Rocky Hollow Trail.

Spring is the best time of year to see wildflowers in bloom as well as the native dogwood and redbud trees in flower. During the fall, hike the trails to witness the stunning fall foliage as the hickory, maple, and sumac trees begin to lose their leaves.

Bring your fishing pole and try your hand at catching largemouth and smallmouth bass at the 16-acre Ferne Clyffe Lake. After a day of exploring this beautiful park, enjoy a meal at one of the many picnic shelters scattered throughout the park.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Located just 5 miles from Marion, lies the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Endless recreational opportunities abound within the 44,00-acre refuge. You can fish from shore or by boat at any of the three lakes: Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devils Kitchen. The refuge has diverse flora and fauna, including wetlands and hardwood forests.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is an integral part of the Mississippi Flyway, where migratory birds rest during their travels. During the cold months, you can see up to 20,000 Canadian geese wintering over. Biologists and botanists have identified over 245 bird species in the refuge along with 33 mammal species, 63 fish species, and 44 reptile and amphibian species.

Included in the 24,000 acres of the western part of the refuge is a 4,050-acre wilderness area, and the eastern part of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a 20,000-acre wildlife sanctuary. You’re welcome to camp in designated areas, hike along marked trails, fish, and enjoy being in an outstanding southern Illinois wildlife refuge. The refuge is located at 8588 Route 148.

Mandala Gardens

When you want to get away from the city and relax in a beautiful garden setting, head over to Mandala Gardens just 1 mile away from downtown Marion. This 7-acre nature retreat features a beautiful pond where you can catch fish, a labyrinth that you can walk through, benches to sit and relax on, and lovely gardens filled with seasonal flowers.

Mandala Gardens was created as a botanical wonderland where people could find sanctuary from their busy lives and reconnect with nature. Today as you stroll through the area, you’ll see gardens filled with heirloom vegetables, native flora, and circular stone sculptures called mandalas. Through the years, Mandala Gardens has transformed and expanded with the addition of a screened-in gazebo and sculptures from international artists. Mandala Gardens is the perfect place to hold a special event, such as a wedding, a birthday party, or a family reunion.

While Mandala Gardens is privately owned, it’s open to the public every day from 8 a.m. until dark, and the entrance fee is $2 per person. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to explore Mandala Gardens with you. Find Mandala Gardens at 1704 N. State St.

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

Located in the Shawnee National Forest, the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is one of the most visited spots in southern Illinois. The recreation area allows visitors to hike, camp, picnic, and horseback ride. One of the highlights of the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is the short but steep 1/4-mile Observation Trail that takes you to the top of the uniquely formed sandstone rock formations.

From the top of the trail, you have sweeping vistas of the Shawnee National Forest and the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area. Make sure to take photographs of the most famous rock formations along the trail, including Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Mushroom Rock.

When you want to explore more of the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, there are over 5.5 miles of well-marked interconnecting trails. Watch for wildlife such as deer and bobcats, as well as numerous bird species. Bring a lunch with you and enjoy your meal at one of the picnic sites located along the trail system.

If you’d like to spend a few days camping in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, book a reservation at the Pharaoh Campground, which has 12 campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, and flush toilets. If you don’t want to rough it, you can make a reservation for a cozy cabin at Shawnee Forest Cabins. Amenities there include a comfortable bed, kitchenettes, hot tubs, and an outdoor fire pit.

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is about 60 miles from Marion. Head east on Route 13 towards Harrisburg, then south on Route 145. Route 145 turns into Route 34, and then you follow the directions to the parking area.

We hope you enjoy exploring the lovely outdoor areas around Marion, Illinois. Which spot was your favorite to visit? Did we miss a hidden wilderness area, park, or hiking trail?  If so, please drop us a line to let us know, and we’ll add it to our list.