Looking to escape Chicago and align your energy this autumn?
You might want to check out this walking trail that was just ranked among the most spiritual destinations in Illinois.
Here’s everything to know about Illinois’ top spot for finding your inner zen.
Observation Trail: Illinois’ spiritual home
Mental health treatment provider A Mission For Michael and market researcher Cherry Data Signals recently conducted a survey, asking Illinoisans which state destinations they feel are their “spiritual home.”
But just what is a spiritual home? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the term refers to a place where one was not born, but feels a deep sense of belonging and connection.
In simple terms, a spiritual home is a place where you feel grounded and part of something bigger than yourself.
A Mission For Michael and Cherry Data Signals surveyed 3,001 Illinois respondents to determine the top 5 spiritual homes in the state:
- Observation Trail – Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest (near Herod)
- St. Louis Canyon – Starved Rock State Park (near Utica)
- Heron Pond – Cache River State Natural Area (near Vienna)
- Twin Sisters overlook – Mississippi Palisades State Park (near Savanna)
- Upper Dells – Matthiessen State Park (near Oglesby)
Out of thousands of votes, one local spot reigned supreme: Observation Trail at the Garden of the Gods at Shawnee National Forest in downstate Herod, IL.
Located 6 hours south of Chicago, Observation Trail at the Garden of the Gods stands out amongst Illinois’ many beautiful walking trails.
The path features unique sandstone formations and bluffs overlooking the Shawnee Hills.
According to the study, the quarter-mile trail also possesses a combination of walkability and breathtaking views. These attributes make it a good fit for novice and experienced hikers alike.
For some Chicagoans, it might not be often that you venture to the southern reaches of Illinois.
So if you’ve been wanting to explore the rugged terrain and natural beauty of downstate, a trip to Observation Trail could be the perfect reason for a getaway.
And who knows, you just might find that Observation Trail is your spiritual home, too!
