Illinois Caverns State Park

Welcome to Illinois Caverns State Park located in Monroe County, Illinois near Waterloo.

Park History: Millions of years ago, this region was the bottom of a sea and over time many layers of organic and carbonite sediments were deposited and helped to form the present day limestone and dolomite bedrock. Limestone and dolomite are easily dissolved by water and over time caves are formed.

This is the only cave in the State of Illinois to have ever been commercially operated. In 1901 the land was owned by a farmer by the name of Frederick Eckert and many visitors coming from near and far came and paid money to see the cave. After the end of the St. Louis World's Fair of 1907, the number of visitors began to drop. In 1947 the land was sold to a man named William Hayden, who tried to commercialize the cave once again. Hayden and his nephew installed lights at the cave entrance and put up advertisements calling it "The Mammoth Cave of Illinois." His efforts ultimately failed. In 1985, the State of Illinois purchased the land and it became a State Park. Come on out and explore!

To contact the park office please call 618-458-6699.