Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
Illinois
State Park Index
Anderson Lake Conservation Area
Located on Hwy. 100 about 11 miles north of Browning, Anderson Lake
Conservation Area provides fishing, hunting, and camping on a backwater lake of the Minois
River. Major recreational features include dove, squirrel, and waterfowl hunting as well
as exceptional bluegill fishing opportunities. R.R. 1, Box 52, Astoria 61501. (309)
759-4484.
Apple River Canyon State Park
With its massive limestone cliffs, deep ravines, and timbered hills, Apple River Canyon
State Park credits its rugged good looks to centuries of erosion. Not quite 300 acres in
size, it's tucked into the extreme northwest corner of Illinois, south of the village of
Apple River. This park abounds with nice x-country trails for mtn. biking, hiking, and x-c
skiing. The trails go from easy to quite technical in sections. Watch for possible stock.
8763E Canyon Rd., Apple River 61001. (815) 745-3302.
Argyle Lake State Park
Located along an old stage route between Galena and Beardstown, Argyle Lake State Park is
home to rough terrain, beaver dams, and more than 200 bird species. The 1,700- acre park,
which includes the 90-acre Argyle Lake, is west of Macomb and north of Colchester. 640
Argyle Park Rd., Colchester 62326. (309) 776-3422.
Banner Marsh State Fish and
Wildlife Area
Made up of more than 450 individual bodies of water and more than 200 acres
of agricultural fields, Banner Marsh is 25 miles southwest of Peoria in Fulton and Peoria
counties. Freshwater marshes established at the site provide fish and wildlife habitat
along the Illinois River Valley, Contact Rice Lake, 19 721 N. US 24, Canton 61520.(309)
647-9184.
Big Bend State Fish and
Wildlife Area
Located in Whiteside County, near the town of Prophetstown, Big Bend contains 1, 188
acres. It's open for hunting, hiking, and limited fishing. PO. Box 181, Prophetstown
61277.(815) 537-2270 or 537-2926.
Big River State Forest
Encompassing more than 3,000 acres along the Mississippi River, Big River State Forest is
a remnant of woodland that once bordered the vast prairies. The 1.5-mfle Lincoln Hiking
Trail commemorates Abraham Lincoln’s march through here in 1832 when he led 2,000
militiamen to fight in the Black Hawk War. R.R. 1, Box 118, Keithsburg61442. (309)
374-2496.
Castle Rock State Park
Spectacular rock formations with deep ravines and sandstone buttes overlooking the Rock
River make Castle Rock State Park ideal for the day visitor. Located 3 miles south of
Oregon on Hwy. 2, more than 700 of the parks 2,000 acres are designated as an Illinois
nature preserve. 1365 W Castle Rock Rd., Oregon 61061. (815) 732- 7329.
Delabar State Park
Located along the Mississippi River about 1.5 miles north of Oquawka near Illinois Hwy.
164 in Henderson County, Delabar State Park offers quality outdoor experiences for
anglers, hikers, campers, and picnickers. Nice shady trails for hikers and bikers alike.
Many of the site's 89 acres are forested with sturdy oak, birch, and hickory trees. R.R.
2, Box 27, Oquawka 61469.(309)374-2496.
Donnelley/Depue
State Wildlife Area & Complex
Located in Bureau and Putnam counties on the "Great Bend" of the Illinois River
between Spring Valley and Putnam, the complex is on an important North American waterfowl
migration corridor. Much of the 3,577-acre complex is managed for waterfowl feeding,
nesting, resting, harvesting, and viewing. Visitors enjoy bird watching, boating, fishing,
hunting, hiking, photography, and nature study. Box 52, Depue 61322. (815) 447-2353.
Franklin Creek Natural Area
Developed by local volunteers, it offers scenic trails for hiking, horseback riding, and
cross-country skiing, as well as fishing and limited hunting. Located in Lee County, I
mile northwest of Franklin Grove and 8 miles east of Dixon, it contains a 180-acre nature
preserve. 18 72 Twist Rd., Franklin Grove 61031. (815) 456-2878.
Green River State Wildlife Area
Situated six miles northwest of the town of 0hio off hwy. 26, Green River is a multiple
use area popular among hunters, mtn. bikers, hikers, birders, and other outdoor
enthusiasts. Always remember to wear bright colored clothes in hunting season (Make
sure you’re aware of when that is too). The trails are numerous. Difficulty ranges
from easy to moderate. For bikers, it ranges from easy to moderate/technical. Bring the
bug juice in the summer! 375 Game Rd., Harmon 61042. (815) 379-2324.
Henderson County Conservation Area
Offering camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and winter sports, the conservation area
is about 20 miles southwest of Monmouth and 5 miles east of the Mississippi River. Group
camping also is available. R.R. 1, Keithsburg 61442. (309) 374-2496.
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
The Hennepin Canal was built at the turn of the twentieth century as a commercial waterway
connecting the Illinois River with the Mississippi. Cheaper railway transport soon made
its barge traffic obsolete, but by the 1930s, boaters and canoeists were enjoying
themselves along the 96-mile canal, and hikers traveled its whole length. R.R. Z Box 201,
Sheffield 61361. (815) 454-2328.
lllini State Park
From its location on the southern bank of the Illinois River south of Marseilles, the
500-acre Illini State Park is a haven for songbirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife. The
young workers of the Civilian Conservation Corps made their mark here in the 1930s when
they constructed some of the parks rugged stone picnic shelters. 2660 E 2350th Rd.,
Marseilles 61341. (815) 795-2448.
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park
One of the largest round barns in the country can be seen at Johnson-Sauk Trail State
Park. For a tour, phone the Friends Foundation at (309) 852-4262. Situated on a glacial
moraine five miles north of Kewanee, the park is along a trail Sauk Indians used in their
treks between Lake Michigan and the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock rivers. 27500
N. 120OAve., Kewanee 61443.(309) 853-5589.
Jubilee College State Park
Home to one of the earliest educational enterprises in Illinois, Jubilee College State
Park and its sister site, Jubilee College State Historic Site, are located 15 miles
northwest of Peoria near Kickapoo. In addition to the rich history of the college, the
park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding facilities. A
fifteenth-century fair is held every summer 13921 W. Rte. 150, Brimfield 61517. (309)
446-3758. [Wheelchair access].
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
The park is named for the nearby village of Lena and the Latin word for "water"
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park is located on a glacial plain, though the 715-acre park is
adjacent to an area of north western Illinois that wasn’t covered by glaciers. 8542
N. Lake Rd., Lena 61048. (815) 369-4282.
LaSalle Lake State Fish and
Wildlife Area
Called a "perched" lake because it's formed by levees that rise above the
surrounding land, LaSalle Lake is approximately eight miles southeast of Marseilles. High
winds require that safety precautions must be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable
experience. 2660 E 2350th Rd., Marseilles 61341.(815)357-1608.
Lowden State Park
Assuming a restful, reverent pose, a 48-foot-taH concrete monolith of a Native
American towers above the Rock River at Lowden State Park. Sculptor Lorado Taft named it
"Black Hawk" in honor of the great Sauk warrior. PO. Box 403, Oregon 61061.
(815) 732-6828.
Lowden-Miller State Forest
Situated 3 miles south of Oregon along the Rock River, Lowden-Miller State Forest provides
excellent deer and turkey habitat on its 2,225 acres. Hunting, hiking, and cross-country
skiing are available. Contact Castle Rock State Park, 1365 W. Castle Rock Rd., Oregon
61061. (815) 732- 7329.
Mackinaw River State Fish
and Wildlife Area
Located in Tazewell County 5 miles northeast of Mackinaw, the site offers a diversity of
landscape covering 1,423 acres over timbered hills, open meadows, and river bottoms. Canoe
access enables visitors to float the scenic Mackinaw River. Other activities include
fishing, hunting, hiking, and picnicking. P 0. Box 55, Mackinaw 61 755. (309) 963-4969.
Marseilles State Fish and
Wildlife Area
Located in LaSalle County just south of the town of Marseilles and containing 2,550 acres,
the area is jointly used by the Illinois National Guard as a training facility. The site
is open to the general public for hunting. Contact Illini State Park, 2660 E. 2350th Rd.,
Marseilles 61341. (815) 795-2448.
Marshall State Fish and
Wildlife Area
Located along nearly 10 miles of scenic Illinois River backwaters, the largest tract of
Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area is east of the Illinois River adjacent to Hwy. 26.
Bottomlands and bluffs support a variety of animals, plants, and outdoor pursuits
including picnicking, camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Migrating waterfowl, great
blue herons, and bald eagles provide birders exceptional viewing opportunities. R.R. 1,
Box 238, Lacon 61540.(309)246-8351.
Matthiessen State Park
Bluffs composed of 425million-year-old St. Peter sandstone, canyons formed by water
erosion, and the streaming Cascade Falls are among the park's striking features. Home to
more than 200 species of birds and myriad woodland flowers, the 1,600acre park is south of
Utica and a stone's throw away from Starved Rock State Park. Less popular than it’s
neighbor, but still worth a visit. The trails are plentiful. Hikers and bikers alike will
find a at least a minimum of amusement here. PO. Box 509, Utica 61373. (815) 667-4868.
Mautino State Fish and Wildlife
Area
This site lies south of Sheffield, encompassing 871 acres of mostly un-reclaimed
strip-mining land. The area is dotted with some 15 stocked lakes for fishing. Be aware
that shore access is limited and that shorelines tend to drop off suddenly to deep water.
Contact Hennepin Canal Parkway, R.R. 2 Box 201, Sheffield 61361. (815) 454-2328.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Untouched by glaciers that left their mark elsewhere in the state, this park is rich with
rock formations carved by erosion. Situated north of Savanna along the lofty wooded
palisades of the Mississippi River, the park features pileated woodpeckers, migratory
waterfowl, and other wildlife species. 16327A Rte. 84, Savanna 61074. (815) 273-2731.
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
Boasting an abundant animal population, Morrison-Rockwood State Park offers woodlands and
water to deer, foxes, coyotes, pheasants, quail, and mink. The 1,100-acre site, which
includes 77-acre Lake Carlton, is north of Morrison, off Hwy. 78. R.R. 4, Crosby Rd.,
Morrison 61270. (815) 772-4 708.
Powerton Lake State Fish
and Wildlife Area
Located one mile southwest of Pekin in Tazewell County, the lake was built on the
floodplain of the Illinois River in 1971 by Commonwealth Edison Company as a cooling
reservoir for the fossil-fuel power plant. Today, the completely diked 1,426-acre lake is
leased by the Department of Natural .Resources for visitor fishing and hunting. The entire
shoreline is rocky. 7982 S. Park Rd., Manito 61546. (309) 968- 7135.
Prophetstown State Park
Featuring a variety of recreational opportunities, Prophetstown State Park is a scenic and
historic area. Picnicking, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing make this 53acre
site, situated on the northeast edge of Prophetstown along the south bank of the Rock
River, a natural for family outings. PO. Box 181, Prophetstown 61272, (815) 537-2926.
Rice Lake State Fish and
Wildlife Area
Just 15 miles north of Havana in Fulton County, Rice Lake is a waterfowler's dream: Its
high-quality habitat attracts thousands of migrating birds annually. In addition, areas
also are available for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife observation. R.R. 3, Box
91, 19721 N. U.S. 24, Canton 61520. (309) 64 7-9184 or (309) 647-9188.
Rock Cut State Park
Rock-blasting operations conducted by railroad crews in 1859 gave Rock Cut State Park its
name. Located 1.5 miles north of the Riverside Boulevard exit off 1-90 north of Rockford,
the parks 3,100 acres are host to a full range of summer and winter activities, including:
mtn. biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, camping, and cross-country. There are
approximately 15 miles of trail, with some technical runs. The main Rock Cut Trail is
rolling doubletrack. Numerous singletracks take off from the primary Rock Cut Trail at
various locations and rejoin it at other points. Excellent rides through the blast areas,
as well some fun technical play areas. Difficulty ranges Easy-Mod. Difficult. From7318
Harlem Rd., Loves Park 61111. (815) 885-331 1. [Wheelchair access] Thanks go out to:
B382@aol.com for the tips!
Rock Island Trail State Park
Located in north-central Illinois, between the communities of Alta in Peoria County and
Toulon in Stark County, the Rock Island Trail provides 27 miles for hiking, biking, and
cross-country skiing. A primitive campground also is available. One of the premier
rails-to-trails facilities in Illinois, this trail is a sure-fire winner for the entire
family. PO. Box 64, Wyoming 61491. (309) 695-2228.
Shabbona Lake State Park
Named for the Potawatomi chief who briefly possessed a small parcel of land here 10 years
after the 1832 Black Hawk War, Shabbona Lake State Park is off U.S. 30, midway between
DeKalb and LaSalle-Peru. The site includes an interpretive nature trail featuring a
cassette tape to help guide visually impaired visitors. 4201 Shabbona Grove Rd., Shabbona
60550. (815) 824-2106. [Wheelchair access]
Snakeden Hollow State Fish
and Wildlife Area
The 2,500- acre Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area, located in Knox County 1
mile southeast of Victoria, features exceptional waterfowl and hunting opportunities. The
112 water impoundments offer largemouth and small-mouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel
catfish, bullhead, rainbow, and brown trout for fishing. Seasonal restrictions and limited
access may apply. RO. Box 176, Victoria 61485. (309) 879-26OZ
Spring Lake State Fish and
Wildlife Area
Containing a large bluff overlooking a long, narrow lake, the Spring Lake area is 25 miles
southwest of Peoria on the east side of the Illinois River. Camping, picnicking, fishing,
boating, hiking, and hunting opportunities provide a vast recreational experience.
Concession and boat rentals also are available. 7982 S. Park Rd., Manito 61546. (309)
968-7135.
Starved Rock State Park
Waterfalls, bluffs, and canyons dominate the landscape at Starved Rock State Park, one
mile south of Utica and midway between the cities of LaSalle-Peru and Ottawa. Legend tells
of a band of Illiniwek, under attack by rival Ottawa Potawatomis, starving here in the
1760s atop a 125-foot sandstone bluff. This is one of the nicest family parks for short
hikes, waterfalls, and picnicking. It offers some longer hiking trails through thick
forest for beautiful views. Highly recommended for at least a weekend or longer in the
forest, camping. We’ve never seen to much for biking trails. Not allowed on most of
the general trails. Please let us know if you have any experience with the park. PO. Box
509, Utica 61373. (815) 667-4726. [Wheelchair access]
White Pines Forest State Park
Located southwest of Mount Morris, White Pines Forest State Park features the southernmost
stand of native white pines in Illinois. It is noted also for its vine-covered limestone
bluffs. Concrete fords span Pine Creek, allowing cars to drive through the flowing stream.
6712 W. Pines Rd., Mt. Morris 61054. (815) 946-3717.
Woodford State Fish and Wildlife
Area
Situated east of the Illinois River northeast of Peoria just off Hwy. 26, Woodford State
Fish and Wildlife Area is a picturesque bottomland setting with an abundance of silver
maple, cottonwood, ash, and willow trees. Picnicking, camping, boating, fishing, and
hunting add to the visitor's enjoyment. R.R. 1, Lowpoint 61545. (309) 822-8861
Other Places Of Worth...
Rend Lake
Resort
This beautiful waterside resort on Rend Lake offers first-class
accommodations in one of southern Illinois' finest recreation areas, Wayne Fitzgerrell
State Park. All 91 rooms and cabins have balconies or decks (some with lakefront views),
full bath, TV, and telephone. Some rooms have fireplaces, sleeping lofts, spas, and are
wheelchair accessible. Cabins have refrigerators but no cooking facilities. Windows
on Rend restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with casual outdoor deck dining.
House specialties include pork chops, catfish, and steak, excellent homemade salads and
desserts, and kids' menus. Amenities include a conference room accommodating up to
400 people, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, playground, nearby 27-hole golf
course, trap shooting, field dog trial grounds; special controlled pheasant hunting
program (call for information on hunting, fishing, and golfing packages); convenience
store and gift shop; gas for boats, courtesy boat docking, and pontoon boat rental.
Outdoor activities available are hiking, fishing (crappie, largemouth bass),
swimming, sailing, boating, tennis, and bird watching (blue herons, bald eagles).
Location: Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, just off 1-57, south of Mount Vernon. Open: The
resort and restaurant are open year-round. Reservations: Rend Lake Resort, R. R. 1, P.O.
Box 73B, Whittington, IL 62897; (800) 633-3341 or (618) 629-2211. &
Illinois Beach State Park Lodge
Renovation of this 1950s lodge is scheduled for completion in the spring of 1997.
Located in Illinois Beach State Park, which stretches more than 6 miles along the shore of
Lake Michigan, the lodge will have 92 guest rooms and 4 suites. Amenities will include a
health club, indoor pool, meeting and conference facilities, restaurant, and access to a
Lake Michigan beach. North Point Marina is nearby for boat docking (see page 30). For
current information, call (847) 662-481 1.
Trace Inn
The Trace Inn restaurant is named for the Cahokia Trace, which passes through Red
Hills State Park near Sumner in southeastern Illinois. The Trace was an important overland
route for early early settlers. Nice place, sorry no address or info.
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