Apple River Canyon State Park | Castle Rock State Park | Lowden State Park | Mississippi Palasades State Park | Big River State Forest | Donnelley/Depue Fish and Wildlife Area | Franklin Creek State Natural Area | Hennepin Canal State Trail
Apple River Canyon State Park
RIVER: Apple River
WHAT TO DO: Camping, fishing, hiking,and wildlife viewing
ADDRESS: 8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, IL 61001 815/745-3302
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r1/apple.htm
Part of Illinois’ limestone covered northwest, Apple River Canyon boasts stunning natural features along with a great deal of local history. Cleft by the Apple River Canyon and dotted with hardwood forest besides, the Apple River Canyon State Park is a bastion of preglacial natural beauty. Five trails wind through the area, one of which is handicap accessible, and also boasts almost 50 Class C campgrounds. The area is located in the heart of the tourist-friendly northwest region, and is surrounded by rolling hill country, vineyards, and historical sites aplenty.
Castle Rock State Park
RIVER: Rock River
WHAT TO DO: Fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking
ADDRESS: 1365 W. Castle Road, Oregon, IL 61061 815/732-7329
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/CASTLE.HTM
OUTFITTERS: Canoes/bait and tackle TJ’s bait tackle and canoe rentals: 815/732-4516 (very enthusiastic about distribution)
Fishing gear, hunting gear, outdoor clothing, no boat rental, Rock River Outfitters 815/732-9999, rockriveroutfitter.com
Running along three miles of the Rock River corridor, Castle Rock State Park is notable for its biodiversity and scenic geology. Though the park is primarily a site for the preservation of unique Illinois habitats, it also offers recreation, and is an excellent site for canoe and boat enthusiasts. The park is home to three picnic areas, six miles of trails, and a nine-plot primitive canoe campground. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are all allowed, with no restriction on motor size and a nearby canoe rental outfitter allows the novice canoeist to try their hand on one of Illinois’ finest rivers, while fishing is allowed on site in accordance with Illinois state regulations and licensing. Sporting rare outcroppings of sandstone beside these other unique features, Castle Rock is a fascinating glimpse into Illinois’ geologic and ecological past.
Lowden State Park (Oregon)
RIVER: Access to Rock River
WHAT TO DO: Fishing, hiking, camping, and boating
ADDRESS: 1411 North River Road, Oregon, IL 61061 815/732-6828
WEBSITE:dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/LOWDENSP.HTM
Distinguished by a 50-foot tall sculpture associated with Chief Black Hawk, Lowden State Park has gorgeous scenery, extensive hiking, and diverse wildlife. A large campground offers 80 Class A sites, a cabin, 38 B/S sites, and 8 primitive campsites, which offer a more natural experience. Picnicking is available on site, and scenic overlook displays the area. It also has a wide variety of fish species in miles of the Rock River in Ogle County. There is no motor restriction for boats, and a boat dock and ramp are located next to the site. Canoe enthusiasts be warned: a strong current makes for challenging canoeing throughout the area, and safety is dependent upon local weather patterns. Call to inquire about water levels before embarking.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
RIVER: Access to Mississippi River
WHAT TO DO: Boating, camping (Class A and C), climbing, fishing, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports
ADDRESS: 16327A IL Rte. 84, Savanna, IL 61074 815/273-2731
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r1/palisade.htm
Renowned throughout the state, Mississippi Palisades State Park is scenic Illinois at its very best. The park sits near the confluence of the Apple and Mississippi Rivers in northwestern Illinois. The river is lined with limestone bluffs, with 15 miles of trails snaking over, under, and around the area’s unique geologic features. The trails give varying views of some of the most beautiful rock formations in the state. Rock climbing is allowed on-site. The parks contains a campground with 241 campsites (110 of which have electricity) and a concessionaire, which keeps the area supplied. The rills, creeks, and streams that mark the confluence of these two Illinois waterways means the area is perfect for on-shore or boat angling, with boats of all engine sizes allowed to embark from a free boat launch.
Big River State Forest
WHAT TO DO: Fishing, boating, camping, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing
ADDRESS: RR 1, Box 118, Keithsburg, IL 61442 309/374-2496
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/BIGRIVER.HTM
The Big River State Forest offers recreation in addition to serving as a demonstrative laboratory for sustainable forestry practices. Located near Keithsburg, along the Mississippi, there are 50 miles of horse and foot trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Four campsites, Class B/S and C are available for camping, while three boat launches offer access to the Mississippi and its tributaries. Bank fishing is allowed along the Mississippi and Spring Slough, or by boat. The area hosts 15 miles of scenic roadways as well, and offers ice fishing and snowmobiling during the winter. Sheltered picnic areas are found throughout the park. Visitors should inquire about the schedule of controlled burns before visiting, as access is denied unavailable during these times.
Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area
RIVER: Illinois River, DePue Lake, and Spring Lake
WHAT TO DO: Boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking,and wildlife viewing
ADDRESS: 1001 W. 4th St.P.O. Box 52, DePue, IL 61322 815/447-2353
WEBSITE: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r1/don.htm
Dominated by water and accessible via boat ramp in the adjoining village of Depue, Donnelley/DePue Wildlife Area comprises a key part of the North American waterfowl migration corridor running through the State of Illinois. Consequently, the area offers some of the best waterfowl and wildlife viewing in the state, with turkey vultures and bald eagles occasionally making their way over and into the park, but be sure to bring your boat! Wildlife viewing is best done on the water. The area offers fishing and boating along a long stretch of the Illinois River and on DePue Lake, with limited access during migration periods. Trails are open all year, with foot and equestrian access to bluffs and scenic views. There is a city-run, family-friendly open area attached to the park as well, with a playground and picnic grounds.
Franklin Creek State Natural Area (Franklin Grove)
RIVER: Franklin Creek
WHAT TO DO: Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing
ADDRESS: 1872 Twist Road, Franklin Grove, IL 61031 815/456-2878
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/FRANKLIN.HTM
A mellow setting along a slow moving creek, Franklin Creek State Natural Area is a prime spot for relaxation, as well as for getting in touch with nature. Balancing recreation with biological protection, the site houses a 70 acre nature preserve, but still honors its settler past with a reconstructed grist mill. The natural area also offers creek fishing, equestrian and footpaths, and winter recreation trails for snowmobiles or cross-country skiing.
Hennepin Canal State Trail
RIVER: Hennepin Canal
WHAT TO DO: Canoeing, biking, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, hunting, and winter sports Hennepin Canal
ADDRESS: 16006 875 E. Street, Sheffield, IL 61361 815/454-2328
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r1/hennpin.htm
The Hennepin Canal State Trail is ideal for a relaxing day outdoors with biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and picnicking in this beautiful 104.5-mile linear park. The canal’s historical importance is displayed in the visitors center on site, generally open 8 am to 4 pm weekdays. Class C and Youth Camping are also available near many of the locks. The range of activities and environments in the park make the Hennepin Canal State Trail allow for a range of single and multiple day opportunities in northwest Illinois.
