Home » Exploring Cave-in-Rock State Park Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Shawnee National Forest

Exploring Cave-in-Rock State Park Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Shawnee National Forest

A Stop in the Village of Cave-in-Rock

We traveled to the small village of Cave-in-Rock, Illinois to explore both the town and the state park. While we were there, we also took a ride across the river on the local ferry that runs between Illinois and Kentucky—a simple but memorable experience along the Ohio River.

A Brief History of Cave-in-Rock

Beginning in the 1790s, Cave-in-Rock became a refuge for frontier outlaws, including river pirates and highwaymen hiding along the Ohio River.

By 1816, the first permanent settlers arrived and began building a small town near the cave. Originally known as Rock and Cave, Illinois, the town was later renamed Cave-in-Rock on October 24, 1849, and officially incorporated in 1901.

It’s even believed that Abraham Lincoln passed by this very spot during his flatboat journey to New Orleans—at a time when the cave had a much more dangerous reputation. In modern times the cave was used in the making of the film “How the West Was Won”, using the inside of the cave for a backdrop.

The Famous Cave

The main attraction is the massive riverside cave—about 55 feet wide—formed by centuries of erosion and shaped further by the powerful New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812.

Located just east of the village, the cave has gone by several names over the years, including:

Rocking Cave
Big Cave
House of Nature
Murrell’s Cave

Today, it stands as the centerpiece of Cave-in-Rock State Park, established in 1929.

Driving the Ohio River Scenic Byway

We entered Cave-in-Rock from the north on Highway 1, part of the Ohio River Scenic Byway. As you head into town, the road leads you straight to the riverfront.

From here, you can:

Watch the ferry crossing the river
Pull over for scenic views
Or take the ferry yourself across to Kentucky

It’s a peaceful spot to stop and take in the scenery.

Visiting the Cave

Once in town, signs will guide you to the state park and the cave.

There is a convenient parking area near the entrance. You’ll need to follow the one-way park road loop to reach it. We initially parked before entering the park and ended up taking the longer route, which led us up to a bluff near one of the shelter houses before heading back down to the main stairs.

Along the path, you’ll notice a fenced-off section designed to keep visitors safe from a natural opening in the cave’s ceiling.

A short set of stairs leads down into the cave, with a concrete walkway guiding you to the entrance.

Inside, you’ll get a commanding view of the Ohio River—making it easy to imagine the river traffic, traders, and even outlaws who once passed through this area.

Food with a View

After exploring the cave, we headed to the park’s restaurant for a meal.

The lodge restaurant offers southern-style cooking and sits atop 80-foot cliffs overlooking the Ohio River. The park is free to enter, so you don’t need to pay to access the restaurant.

On some visits, we’ve even watched eagles flying past the windows while we ate—definitely a highlight.

Camping, Picnicking, and Outdoor Activities

Cave-in-Rock State Park has plenty to offer if you want to stay longer:

Picnic areas with river views
34 Class A campsites
25 tent camping sites
8 rental cabins
Hiking trails
Fishing opportunities

Whether you’re stopping for a short visit or planning an overnight stay, there’s plenty to do.

Enjoy the Ferry Ride Across the Ohio River

You can cross into Kentucky by riding the free state-run ferry.

Once across the river, you’ll find yourself heading into Amish country. About 3.5 miles south of the ferry, you’ll find Yoder’s Variety Store, where you can browse handmade goods and pick up items like canned foods, cheese, and baking supplies.

There are several Amish stores in the area—many located off the main roads—making it worth exploring the countryside a bit.