Big River State Forest | Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge |Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area | Bear Creek Public Use Area | Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area | Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area | Franklin Creek State Natural Area (Franklin Grove) | Gebhard Woods State Park | Illini State Park (Marseilles) | Starved Rock State Park
Big River State Forest
RIVER: Mississippi River
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.
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
RIVER: Illinois River, Lake Chautaqua
WHAT TO DO: Fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
ADDRESS: 19031 E. County Road 2110N, Havana, IL 62644 309/535-2290
WEBSITE: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=33650
Chautauqua is a large wildlife refuge located in the heart of northern Illinois. The area is dedicated to the preservation of the key Illinois waterfowl migration corridor, which once spanned the length of the Illinois River, but has been drastically reduced by development. Primarily characterized by floodplains, the Lake Chautauqua Refuge also contains marsh and forest land, painting a complete picture of the varying habitats that once characterized the Illinois River basin. It hosts a vast array of species, including its signature migrating waterfowl and over 50 species of fish. Offering a wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail, the area offers a stunning snapshot of the wild side of Illinois, where nature comes first. Restrictions apply on recreation to allow proper wildlife management, call before visiting to clarify available opportunities.
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. PO 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.
Bear Creek Public Use Area
RIVER: Access to Mississippi River
WHAT TO DO: Boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, nature interpretation, and wildlife viewing
Quincy office: 217/228-08907, US Army Corps: 309/794-4200
Adjacent to the conservation oriented Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge and Great River National Wildlife Refuge, the Army Corps of Engineers manage the Bear Creek Public Use Area. The area contains a mid-size boat launch and offers camping opportunities as well, housing approximately 40 free primitive campsites with potable water. Limited hiking is allowed in Clarence Cannon, and nature interpretation can be arranged beforehand through the Quincy Lock 21 office of the USACE.
Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area
RIVER: Access to Mississippi River, tributaries, ponds, and sloughs
WHAT TO DO: Boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, picnicking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing
ADDRESS: 17836 State Highway 100 N.Grafton, IL 62037 618/376-3303
WEBSITE: http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r4/miss.htm
Over 24,000 acres, the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area is made up of a number of wildlife and conservation locations which snake along the east bank of the Mississippi. In the bottomlands, floodplains, and sloughs, are unique bird species like herons, eagles, and a diverse array of aquatic mammals and fish. The area houses several boat launches, ramps, and slips for easy access to 75 miles of the Mississippi and its countless offshoots. Though camping is not allowed, the MRSFWA is interspersed with pockets of civilization for those seeking a longer stay.
Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area
RIVER: Access to the Sangamon and Illinois Rivers
WHAT TO DO: Boating, canoeing, and wildlife viewing
ADDRESS: 3594 CR 200 N.Chandlerville, IL 62627 309/546-2628
WEBSITE: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r4/sangill.htm
One of the largest and last truly-wild wetlands in Illinois, the Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife area offers a glimpse at Illinois’ ecological past. It is easy to lose oneself in the twisting waterways and timbered lakes of the Sanganois. A variety of unique species, particularly of waterfowl, that once dominated the Illinois River Valley are still visible today. Dedicated to conservation, the area is not open for camping and houses no trails, but is a canoeist’s dream and offers beautiful views and an authentic river experience.
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.
Gebhard Woods State Park
RIVER: Nettle Creek and Illinois and Michigan Canal
WHAT TO DO: Biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports
ADDRESS: 401 Ottawa Street PO Box 272, Morris, IL 60450 815/942-0796
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/i&m/east/gebhard/park.htm
Featuring approximately 15 miles of canal, stocked with fish from catfish to bass, and lined with trails, the Gebhard Woods State Park is ideally situated for those seeking a comfortable respite from city life. Located between Chicago and Peoria, the park offers guided tours with an interpreter through its information center, as well as canoe launch sites and pond, creek, and canal fishing. The park also contains limited primitive camping which requires a permit from the on-site information center. The historically significant and naturally beautiful Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail runs adjacent to the park, and can be accessed by foot or bicycle.
Illini State Park (Marseilles)
RIVER: Illinois River
WHAT TO DO: Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, sledding, ice skating
ADDRESS: 2660 East 2350th Rd., Marseilles, IL 61341 815/795-2448
WEBSITE: dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/I&M/EAST/ILLINI/Park.htm
Sporting a boat ramp, picnic shelters, a baseball field, and concessionaire, Illini State Park is a highly developed family-oriented recreation center in northwest Illinois that still offers connection to the great outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in nature along the site’s trail network, while people seeking more social settings may use the aforementioned facilities, as well as a large camper/tent campground. Boating is available, though occasionally disrupted by barge traffic, as is boat and bank fishing. There are no restrictions on boat motor size, though those wishing to use the site must bring their own canoes, kayaks, or boats.
Starved Rock State Park
RIVER: Access to the Illinois River
WHAT TO DO: Boating, boat tours, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports
ADDRESS: Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center PO Box 57,Rt. 178 & 71, Utica, IL 61373 800/868-7625
WEBSITE: www.starvedrockstatepark.org/
NEARBY SUPPLIES: Trailheads (store): located on site, 815/220-7360; Applebee’s Bait Shop, 815/667-7036
One of Illinois’ most prized pieces of natural wonder, Starved Rock State Park stands in sharp contrast to most of Illinois’ flattened prairie land. The area encompassing Starved Rock is hilly and variable, covered in woods and teeming with, canyons, streams and small waterfalls. Nature enthusiasts can lose themselves in the area along 13 miles of hiking trails, or by boating along the Illinois from entry points located in the west of the complex. Paddleboats are available for rental on site to get the whole family river-bound. Reservable Class A campgrounds offer outdoor lodging and an on-site hotel offers a more comfortable (if less wild) place to stay. The park offers an extensive range of activities including: eagle viewing, a resort, tours on river and on foot, a megahike, free guided hikes, a free public boat ramp, 18 canyons, glacial rock, an abundance of wildflower species, and much more.