Travel to Historic Cave-In-Rock, Illinois and Experience Tranquility

Along the Ohio River there is a small yet quaint historic village in Hardin County, Illinois called "Cave-In-Rock". This little village received its name from a 55 foot 17m wide cave that is nestled on the bank of the Ohio River. Throughout history this cave has been known as Rocking Cave, Rock and Cave and House of Nature, and its final name in the late 1800's "Cave-In-Rock".

This cave received its popularity due to Samuel Mason and his gang. Samuel Mason was one of the most ruthless river pirates in American history. In 1776 Mason moved his base of operations into the cave naming it "Wilson's Liquor Vault & House of Entertainment" to draw in the passing buy ships. Once the ships would dock in the cave Mason and his gang would then plunder, rape and murder their victims. After Mason, this cave became home to the notorious Harpe Brothers, whom fled execution in Kentucky by crossing the Ohio River and then continued their reign of terror, murder and thievery by using the cave as a hide out.

This historic State Park is a great travel destination, not only for the insightful history, but the Park offers 204 acres of undeveloped shores and forests for your exploration pleasures. Being a National State Park they offer boating and marina services, camping and fishing, hiking and biking, lodging and dinning with plenty of local attractions to keep you busy during your trip.

Lodging

Cave-In-Rock lodge is located just across the Ohio River from Kentucky.. Travel via the ferry and turn right, follow the State Park signs up to the top. There you will find a state of the art lodge with a full service southern cooking restaurant. The lodge itself has four duplex houses with nine suites, each suite can accommodate up to 4-5 people very comfortably. All suites have deluxe bathrooms, wet bars; full dinning rooms and private patios with breathtaking river views. Cave-In-Rock lodge operates on a seasonal basis and you should call before you travel (618) 289-4545, one of the suites will rent for around 218.00 per night, but you will be able to get a better rate if you will have an extended stay.

Camping

If you are like me, I would rather tent or RV camp than stay in a lodge or cabin. There are cabins available here at this State Park and rent for about 122.00 for the weekend, if you plan on traveling here during a holiday the rates are higher. On the north side of the park you will find 34 Class A camping sights that can accommodate up to a 60 foot RV and are fully electric, good for tent or RV that rent for 20.00 per night. There are 25 Class B/S camping sights for tent camping that rent for 10.00 per night, all the camp sights have access to restrooms, showers and dumping stations. Cave-In-Rock welcomes you to come explore this historical sight and wake up in the majestic whispering forests that sits along the banks of the great Ohio River.

Dining

There are several quaint little restaurants in this small village that are all worth trying. Gee Jay's Cafe located at 142 Main St (618) 289-5000, Dutton's Cafe located at 130 Canal St (618) 289-3269, Lees' Family Dinner (618) 289-4580 and the dinner at the State Park lodge. The restaurant at the lodge has quickly gained a reputation for its southern style cuisine that is absolutely mouthwatering; I can verify this by my own personal experience with eating here. The lodge restaurant is open from 8am to 9pm, for more information please call (618) 289-4545.

Hiking & Biking

Along with all the amazing historical splendor of the cave itself, there are two well-established trails that rate a moderate on my difficulty scale for you to explore. There are also several unmarked trails open for your exploration as well in this tranquil forest. Note, if you do decide to explore one of the unmarked trails, check in with the Park Rangers office before you head out so that they are aware of your day trip plans.

Boating & Fishing

The Ohio River provides great water sports from fishing to jet skiing. Along with the great fishing on the Ohio River itself, there is a small local pound that offers some of the best Blue Gill fishing and believe you me; you will catch the biggest Blue Gill ever! At Cave-In-Rock there are two launching sights at the west side of the park. Make sure to check in with the Park Rangers in regards to the details on rules and licenses for fishing in this area.

This beautiful, historic and quaint little village brings me back for more every year. I encourage you to travel to Cave-In-Rock, Illinois for some much needed rest and relaxation.

References for this article came from my own personal experience and www.stateparks.com and www.enjoyillinois.com