About Great Falls of the Illinois River
Great Falls of the Illinois River is a named waterfall in LaSalle County, Illinois, located about 0.9 miles west of Marseilles. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Marseilles 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 41°19′40″ N, 88°43′30″ W (41.32781, -88.72507). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Long Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Person Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), and Walbridge Creek (stream, 0.6 mi).
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Weather at Great Falls of the Illinois River
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Great Falls of the Illinois River
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Great Falls of the Illinois River. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Great Falls of the Illinois River holds a 3.0 average from 5 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Great Falls of the Illinois River. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Long Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Person Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Walbridge Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Marseilles Pool — reservoir, 0.9 mi
- Gum Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 41.32781, -88.72507. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Great Falls of the Illinois River located?
Great Falls of the Illinois River is in LaSalle County, Illinois, about 0.9 miles west of Marseilles. Its coordinates are 41.32781, -88.72507 (41°19′40″ N, 88°43′30″ W).
What town is closest to Great Falls of the Illinois River?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Marseilles, IL, about 0.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
Which USGS topographic map shows Great Falls of the Illinois River?
Great Falls of the Illinois River appears on the USGS Marseilles 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.