Illinois has 5 National Park Units that fall into those managed by the National Park Service. None of the units within Illinois are classified as a “National Park”. However, Illinois has 2 National Historic Sites, 2 National Monuments, 1 National Historical Park, and 3 National Trails that pass through the state.
Read along to Explore What to See at the National Parks in Illinois.
National Park Units
While there are no sites in Illinois that are classified as a “National Park”. Illinois has a couple of great National Park units that visitors can enjoy in the state.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Between 1837 and 1861, Lawyer Abraham Lincoln made his home and setup shop within Springfield Illinois. These were the years before becoming President but led in many ways to those decisions. Abraham met his wife Mary Todd during his time in Springfield. He arrived in Springfield to start his law career and moved into this current home in 1841. During his time he served as a Illinois and US House Representative and then eventually winning Presidential Election in 1860 (inaugurated 1861). The house and the neighborhood are well preserved and give a great sense of mid-19th century Springfield.
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
Designated in 2023, the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument honors one of the most pivotal moments in America’s Civil Rights history. The National Monument contains locations in both Illinois and Mississippi. The Illinois site, located in the South Side of Chicago, preserves Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ—where Mamie Till-Mobley held the open-casket funeral for her 14-year-old son, Emmett, after his brutal lynching in Mississippi in 1955. Her decision to show the world what had been done to her son galvanized Civil Rights Movement.
The church, in the Bronzeville neighborhood, is a modest red-brick building but holds an enormous weight of American history. While the Mississippi sites related to Till’s murder are also part of the national monument designation, this Illinois location is where the world truly took notice.
You’ll learn about Emmett Till’s life in Chicago, the horrific events that took place in Mississippi, and Mamie Till-Mobley’s lifelong work in civil rights and education. [ IL MS ]
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
Established as a National Historic Site in 2023, New Philadelphia National Historic Site marks the location of the first town in the United States platted and registered by an African American. Originally founded in 1836 by Free Frank McWorter, a formerly enslaved man, New Philadelphia became a symbol of Black self-determination in the years leading up to the Civil War.
These days no original buildings stand, but artifacts and information exist from archaeological digs and historical research. Interpretive signs and walking trails provide insights for visitors about life in this vibrant rural town.
New Philadelphia did thrive for decades up until the late 19th century when the railroad bypassed the town. This history seems to mirror another black established town; Nicodemus National Historic Site in Kansas.
Pullman National Historical Park
Originally established as a National Monument, Pullman National Historical Park protects the area and buildings of one of America’s first Industrial Cities (Patterson, NJ being the first). The Pullman Company, inventors of the sleeping car, created a factory / town combination for their workers that lasted for many years. The area saw decline during the mid-20th century, but the legacy and people still live on in the area.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
Designated as National Monument in 2024, Springfield 1908 Race Riot NM honors the memory of one of the most violent and pivotal race riots in American history. The riot shocked the nation and was a catalyst for the formation of the NAACP in 1909.
The events of August 1908 saw white mobs of thousands in Springfield attack Black residents, homes, and businesses over two days. Driven by false accusations and tensions, six people were killed, hundreds displaced, and entire neighborhoods destroyed.
The monument includes key sites related to the race riots. Including the foundations of five homes and related artifacts show important information for visitors in an area near where the riots began.
Today visitors can explore archaeological evidence and important information bout the riots and history in the US. Walking Tours and Interpretive signs provide key facts to visitors. The area is a solemn place to explore this key and tragic moment in American History.
National Trails
National Trails are trails that often span across states for various geological or historical nature. Three of these trails passthrough or originate in Illinois. They are also national park units (with cancellation stamps) but are so diverse and connect across various parks and other sites that its not necessarily just one spot to visit (nor are all sites federally owned).
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
The National Trail covers over 1,300 miles from Illinois to Utah and traces the route that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after leaving Illinois and settling in Utah. Mormons fled Nauvoo Illinois after a mob jailed and killed Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. In March 1846, over 500 Mormon Wagons departed Illinois under the leadership of Brigham Young. The trip took approximately 3 months for the journey. Illinois sites include many sites in and around Nauvoo Illinois, including Carthage Jail, Joseph Smith’s house, and departure points. [ IL IA NE UT WY ]
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
One of the most tragic points of US history. The Trail of Tears was a series of forced expulsions of over 60,000 Native Americans between 1830 and 1850. Tribes that were displaced were the Cherokee, Muscogee, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations. Thousands died through the journey from their native lands to lands west of the Mississippi River as part of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Sites within Illinois include Golconda Riverfront, Campground Cemetery, McGinnis Cemetery Trail, and Shawnee National Forest. [ AL AR GA IL KY MO NC OK TN ]
Lewis & Clark National Historical Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail runs about 4,900 miles from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Astoria Oregon. Across the trail you can visit quite a few National Park and State Park sites that comprised the journey of the Corps of Discovery. It follows the historical trail of the Corps as well as the preparatory sections between Pennsylvania and Illinois. Fort De Chartres, Fort Massac, and Fort Defiance are among the sites that are in Illinois. [ IA ID IL IN KS KY MO MT NE ND OH PA SD WA WV ]
Check out Nearby States National Park Sites