United States
Illinois (IL)
Cave in Rock
Things to Do in Cave in Rock
Cave-in-Rock State Park
See all things to do

Cave-in-Rock State Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Cave-in-Rock State Park
4.5
171
#1 of 2 things to do in Cave in Rock
State Parks
Read more
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Write a review
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Cave-In-Rock State Park Lodge
31
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Native American
Roses Kountry Kitchen
37
0.4 mi$ • American • Diner
See all
Attractions
1 within 6 miles
Cave In Rock Ferry
50
0.4 miFerries
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
171 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
62
Average
23
Poor
4
Terrible
2
harryatkck
Kansas City, KS936 contributions
A neat place to visit
May 2021
This cave is a neat place. The entrance is right next to the Ohio River. You can even put your hand in the water as you walk to the entrance. The cave is not too large, but it is impressive. However, use caution inside as the uneven dirt & rock floors can be slippery. Because of the many stairs required to get to the cave & the uneven surfaces inside I do not recommend this for people that are mobility impaired.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jmpncsu
Raleigh, NC4,435 contributions
Cool Cave along the River
Sep 2020
We visitied Cave-in-Rock State Park while vacationing in Shawnee National Forest. It's just a short 0.25 mile hike from the parking to the very impressive cave. Right along the river, it may have been used by bandits and outlaws in the frontier days. The cave is huge and you can walk a good ways in. There is an opening in the ceiling so even the interior of the cave is slightly illuminated. Good idea to bring a flashlight or use your phone in any case. It's a really cool landmark and definitely worth a stop if visiting the area.
Written December 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HonestMa
Chicago, IL80 contributions
Spectacular
Jun 2020
Not a strenuous walk at all. Completely paved walkway. Only about 1/4 mile around with several paths to walk out onto rocks. Gorgeous views. Don't recommend going in rain or wet conditions as rocks could be dangerous/slippery.
Written June 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherry C
Wadsworth440 contributions
Quick stop and glad we did!
Apr 2022
This was a quick stop to check out the cave. We were quite surprised at just how big it was and how far back it went. Not sure if the legends are true of 'river pirates' hiding out here, but certainly can see how they could have! Also imagine this area gets flooded quite often, as it's right on the river bank. We didn't check out any thing else in the park (trails, etc), but are glad we made this stop. Very interesting.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonnie V
Streamwood, IL25 contributions
A very nice hole along the River.
Mar 2021
It is such a beautiful place to visit. You have to go and learn the history that actual Pirates used this cave. Unfortunately it was flooded and we could not go in. The rock formations around it are so beautiful to look at.
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christy G
Chicago, IL111 contributions
Beautiful natural wonder except ..
Sep 2020
Thanks to people like Keith, Joanna, Alex & Layla who don’t appreciate natural beauty.. half of the area is tainted by idiotic spray painted terms of endearment.
The other half is amazing.. devote about a 1/2 hour after the ferry and you’re good to carry on to other beauties of Southern Illinois.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
4471
Robinson, IL191 contributions
Very neat location on the river
Dec 2020
The cave is so neat, and the history of this area is interesting. It's a short walk up / down the stairs to reach the cave, and a nice view of the river - from the cave level and the overlook above. The campground looks nice too.
The ferry ride across the river was fun, although the Amish stores on the Kentucky side were all closed until March so we wasted about an hour driving there...
I've heard the restaurant here is good, but it was closed when we visited.
Written January 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Davigeta
Saint Louis, MO932 contributions
So-so, know what you are getting into!
Jun 2021
The park is easy to find, the cave less so. You can park in the lot that appears right after you enter the park. Then you have to go up a series of steps and then down another series of steps. Alternatively, you can drive past that lot, and the road turns to the right and more or less doubles back on itself. There are 3 shelters on this part of the park road. Park on the side of the road just before shelter 3, or in the parking lot for shelter 3, and you just have the steps going down to deal with. Vault toilets are available near this parking site. If you pass shelter #3 you have gone too far. The cave is not too far from the bottom of the steps, to the left. The entrance is worth a picture. However, be aware that (at least when we were there), this place was VERY MUDDY, and I don't think it had recently been raining. If you fall, you will be a mess! I went part-way in only. I don't advise going too far if you are unsteady on your feet or if you have nice clothes or shoes on. Wear gloves at least, if you can. The view is ok
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Luann M
Pecatonica, IL387 contributions
Neat little spot to visit. Very scenic right by the Ohio River, and interesting history.
Aug 2021
This cave is in a neat little park right by the Ohio River. At first, we didn't know quite where to park, but we figured it out and then took several flights of steps down to the cave. It was interesting figuring out the history of the cave. It was a really hot day, and we didn't do much hiking, but I appreciated seeing the cave and then going to the lodge dining room for an afternoon dessert.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin P
Canton, Ohio, United States501 contributions
Nice views
Aug 2020 • Couples
This is a nice place to stop if you are close. People have defaced some of the area which is a shame. There was a lack of markers explaining history of the area. I recommend driving around and parking near exit if you can. Lots of people in the way so hard to get good pictures without people on the weekend.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 169
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Cave-in-Rock State Park (Cave in Rock) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Cave-in-Rock State Park
Cave-in-Rock State Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Attractions near Cave-in-Rock State Park: View all attractions near Cave-in-Rock State Park on Tripadvisor