21 Spectacular Waterfalls in Illinois and Wisconsin You Must See

When you need to get away from the noise and the chaos of the city, take a short drive to decompress at one of the relaxing waterfalls around northern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin.

With all the recent rain and flash flooding, it's an active waterfall season around the Stateline area.

Benefits of enjoying a waterfall

There are many benefits of waterfalls, from the soothing sounds of the water that calms your nerves and promotes relaxation, to the exercise that you get hiking to see it.

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Just last year a study covered by the Today Show discovered that just being around water can "provide particular benefits" that can boost mental health.

What should I wear to explore a waterfall in Illinois?

According to the World of Waterfalls, some of the essentials you need when heading into nature to explore waterfalls in the Stateline area are:

1. Sturdy Hiking Boots.

2. GPS Vehicle Navigation or Smart Phone

3. Chemical Protection: Sunscreen, Lip Balm, and Insect Repellant.

4. Physical Sun Protection: Hat and Sunglasses.

5. Wool Socks.

6. Reusable Water Bottle.

7. Waterproof Gear: Rain Poncho and Waterproof Pants.

8. Day Pack.

Whether it's connecting with nature or getting to a place where you can be in the moment, get out to one of the 21 waterfalls that all are within a 2-hour drive from Rockford.