21 Spectacular Illinois Waterfalls Within 2 Hours of Rockford

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.

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.

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:

Sturdy Hiking Boots.
GPS Vehicle Navigation or Smart Phone
Chemical Protection: Sunscreen, Lip Balm, and Insect Repellant.
Physical Sun Protection: Hat and Sunglasses.
Wool Socks.
Reusable Water Bottle.
Waterproof Gear: Rain Poncho and Waterproof Pants.
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.

21 Illinois Waterfalls within a 2-Hour Drive of Rockford

These 21 spectacular waterfalls are located in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and are within a 2-hour drive of Rockford, Illinois.

LOOK: Route 66’s quirkiest and most wonderful attractions state by state

Stacker compiled a list of 50 attractions--state by state--to see along the drive, drawing on information from historic sites, news stories, Roadside America, and the National Park Service. Keep reading to discover where travelers can get their kicks on Route 66.