Illinois Beach State Park - stretching 6.5 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois - offers a full range of recreation opportunities at one of the most unique and beautiful n
Anderson Lake is a floodplain lake that frequently receives overflow waters from the Illinois River. The lake has 1,134 surface acres with a maximum depth of 6 feet and an average depth of 4 feet. Car
Apple River Canyon State Park is in the hilly northwest corner of Illinois in Jo Daviess County near the Wisconsin border. Limestone bluffs, deep ravines, springs, streams and wildlife characterize th
Known as a fisherman's delight, Argyle Lake State Park has a full complement of recreational opportunities. Just 7 miles from Macomb, Argyle Lake also offers picnicking, camping, hiking and boating fa
Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Peoria on U.S. Route 24 and is protected from the Illinois River by a major levee. Teeming with fish and wildli
Located on the banks of the Wabash River in southeastern Illinois, Beall Woods State Park attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing one of the few remaining tracts of
Located in Macoupin County 7 miles southwest of Carlinville and situated in an oak/hickory woodland, Beaver Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities on its 750 acres. Fishing, pic
The area consists of two major cover types. The uplands (approximately 250 acres) is sandy soil with fields bordered by tree lines. The bottomlands (2,088 acres) is flat, interspersed with native gras
Big River State Forest in western Illinois’ Henderson County is 8 miles north of Oquawka on the Oquawka-Keithsburg blacktop. The forest is managed primarily to demonstrate sound forestry practices, wi
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is responsible for providing outdoor recreational opportunities for the residents of this State. This area is managed by the Department and the Illinois Na
Buffalo Rock State Park is located on a bluff which once was an island in the Illinois River. Now standing majestically on the north bank, this promontory affords a magnificent, sweeping view of the I
Cache River State Natural Area is situated in southernmost Illinois within a floodplain carved long ago by glacial floodwater of the Ohio River. When the Ohio River adopted its present course, it left
Located two miles southeast of East Cape Girardeau, Illinois in Alexander County.
DESCRIPTION:
Total Acres: 1380 Huntable acres, 1375 Timbered Acres 120, Wetland Acres 133, Old field succession 1127.
A tremendous variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty awaits you at Carlyle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, 60 miles east of St. Louis, near Vandalia. The area is at the north
Castle Rock State Park is located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, three miles south of Oregon, on Ill. Rt. 2. The park is centrally located in the Rock River Hills region of Illi
Few natural formations are as awe-inspiring or intriguing as a cave. The deep, dark recesses immediately conjure up images of adventure and mystery.
At Cave-In-Rock in southern Illinois, atop the hig
The Cedar Glen State Natural Area (SNA) was acquired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2005, from The Nature Conservancy, and includes the Cedar Glen Nature Preserve (617 acres), Miss
Located in the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain O'Lakes State Park is a water-oriented recreation area with outstanding opportunities for boaters, anglers and skiers.
Channahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning "the meeting of the waters" and signifies the joining of the DuPage, D
If you're looking for the ideal place to drop your line, enjoy a day on the boat, or a weekend camping, visit Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in east central Illinois. Recreational opportunities a
Coffeen Lake is an attractive site with a history of providing anglers and hunters great success. The site was opened in 1986 and operates under a long-term lease and management agreement between the
Being roughly bisected from east to west by Hutson Creek, the area is generally rolling. South of the creek is more steeply rolling, and forms a bluff. About 100 acres of bottomland are located adjace
Located on the Mississippi River about 1 1/2 miles north of Oquawka near Illinois Route 164, Delabar State Park offers quality outdoor experiences for anglers, hikers, campers and picnickers.
Many o
A tranquil setting, flowing rivers and natural prairie land - the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area has it all. Visitors will delight in the abundance of wildlife, restful picnic areas and variety o
Primarily a recreation site offering swimming, camping & hiking trails. Two parcels offer remote hunting opportunity for archery whitetail hunting. Approximately 265 acres of old field mixed with matu
The Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Areas complex is managed primarily for migratory waterfowl. Frank C. Bellrose, world-renown waterfowl expert, designated this Great Bend as the entry point
In east central Illinois - just minutes from Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, Effingham and surrounding communities--the Eagle Creek/Wolf Creek sites, facing each other across the central portion of L
Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area, a 974-acre site along Salt Creek just south of Lincoln in Logan Co., is an ideal destination for those looking for a quiet and peaceful outdoors experie
It seems appropriate for one of the largest campgrounds in the Illinois state park system to be located on the largest manmade lake in Illinois. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is a 3,000-acre site
The Fall Creek Scenic Overlook in southwest Adams County, a unit of Siloam Springs State Park, was originally developed as a rest area that overlooks the Mississippi River valley. Although the area ha
Ferne Clyffe State Park has been known as an outstanding natural scenic spot for a century. An abundance of ferns, unique geological features and unusual plant communities create an atmosphere that en
Experience the scenic splendor of southern Illinois, with plenty of outdoor fun and events tied to the region's rich history, at Fort Massac State Park. Overlooking the mighty Ohio River from the sout
Fox Ridge State Park, a 2,064-acre park just south of Charleston in east-central Illinois, is known for its steep, thickly wooded ridges, broad, lush valleys and miles of rugged, scenic hiking trails.
Within view of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, Frank Holten State Recreation Area is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation in an urban setting in East St. Louis. The 1,080-acre St. Clair County par
Franklin Creek State Natural Area is located in Lee County, northwest of the village of Franklin Grove and east of Dixon just north of IL Rt. 38. Beautiful Franklin Creek flows throughout the 882-acre
The 997-acre Fults Hill Prairie State Natural Area is owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Most of this unique natural area was purchased between 1970 and 1976. From the
Hikers, campers, picnickers and canoeists frequent Gebhard Woods State Park, making the 30-acre site one of Illinois’ most popular state parks. Located in Morris, this picturesque park is bordered on
With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park near Carbondale is sure to delight visitors of all ages. From camping and horse
Golconda Marina is located in the southeastern portion of Pope County along a scenic stretch of the Ohio River at Golconda. The 274-acre site is a full-service boat marina with 206 slips. The marina s
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is responsible for providing outdoor recreational opportunities for the residents of this state. This area is managed by the Department and the Illinois Na
The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for providing quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the residents of the state. Of particular concern is providing safe hunting areas on publi
Early settlers to Illinois, in an attempt to describe the unfamiliar terrain they were encountering, referred to it as "a sea of grass with pretty flowers." Today, Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Are
The Green River State Wildlife Area is a wildlife restoration area popular among hunters, hikers, birders and other outdoor enthusiasts. Topography of the 2,565-acre area varies from flat to gently ro
Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, also known as Dolan Lake, is located about 8 miles southeast of McLeansboro off Route 14.
Dolan Lake is the main attraction of the park. The earthen dam
Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area is an Illinois state park on 1,104 acres in Vermilion County, Illinois, United States. Part of this area used to be owned by Piankeshaw Council, Boy Scouts of
Located southeast of Morris, Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is managed by the Department of Natural Resources for fishing and hunting. DNR has leased Heidecke Lake since 1978, when it was
Henderson County Conservation Area, which includes Gladstone Lake, offers a variety of recreational facilities. The 27-acre lake has a shoreline of 1.5 miles and a maximum depth of 25 feet. The area,
The Hennepin Canal State Trail is an ideal destination for a relaxing day of picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing and old fashioned family fun. There are plenty of picnic tables along the 104.5-mile
Hidden Springs State Forest (formerly known as Shelby State Forest) consists of approximately 1,200 acres of land near Clarksburg, 10 miles southeast of Shelbyville in Shelby County.
History
The nam
As you explore the Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, you may be reminded of the Deep South. The charm of bald cypress, tupelo gum, swamp cottonwood trees and wild lotus makes the recreational
Horseshoe Lake State Park is located off Highway 111 in the southwestern part of Illinois in Madison County. With easy access from the Metro East for visitors from throughout the region, the park off
One mile west of Granite City in Madison County. The state property is located in three parcels west of the Chain of Rocks canal and adjoining the Mississippi River. This area is a satellite of the Ho
Illini State Park is the type of park you think of when you think of big picnics and family gatherings. With its rustic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings and riverside picnic areas, Illini State P
History buffs, nature lovers and sportsmen will thrill to the sights and sounds of the 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical s
The natural beauty that characterizes Illinois is more than skin deep, some of the state's most significant and scenic wonders lie far beneath the surface -- in Illinois caves. With more than 100 reco
The Ilo Dillin State Habitat Area is located is southeastern Tazewell County, approximately 5 miles southwest of Minier, IL or 3 miles northwest of Armington, IL. Hunter access parking area is located
When people think of a state park, they often imagine significant or unique natural features that warrant the need to be protected for posterity. First-time visitors to James "Pate" Philip (formerly T
One of Illinois' largest public access areas, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) in central Illinois is a mosaic of mature forest land, agricultural land, grassland and rare h
From cross-country skiing in the winter to a lazy picnic in the summer, from a fishing trip in the spring to exploring fields of wildflowers amidst the fall colors of the giant oaks, Johnson-Sauk Trai
Jubilee College State Park is a 3,200-acre facility, located in Peoria County between the towns of Kickapoo and Brimfield, just off U.S. Route 150. This scenic area, with its rolling topography and me
On land treasured for centuries - first by Native Americans, later by traders and farmers, and as early as the 1890s by recreation seekers - Kankakee River State Park offers visitors its proud heritag
The Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area is one of the largest state-owned and managed sites in Illinois. Located 35 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, the area comprises more than 20,000 a
Where in Illinois can you go running or hiking, canoeing, fishing for trout, camping, hunting or scuba diving -- all against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty? Kickapoo State Recreation Area n
Located in southwestern Illinois' Jackson County, Kinkaid Lake is approximately 5 miles north of Murphysboro and 100 miles southeast of St. Louis.
Built in 1968, the lake encompasses 2,750 acres. Ow
Lake Le-Aqua-Na Improvement Projects: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area is closed for site improvement projects effective January 1, 2020. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and
Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround star-shaped Lake Murphysboro and provide a wonderful backdrop for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Located in Jackson County about 1 mile we
LaSalle Lake, a manmade, 2,058-acre lake 8 miles southeast of Marseilles, is popular among anglers. Serving as a cooling lake for Commonwealth Edison's LaSalle Power Station, the lake is formed by lev
The Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial is a 162 acre (0.65 km²) state park located on the Sangamon River in Macon County near Harristown, Illinois. This important historic site, only 12 m
Whether you are looking for history, unusual plant life or recreation, Lincoln Trail State Park has something to interest you. Located just west of IL Rt. 1, 2 miles south of Marshall in Clark County,
Little Grassy Fish Hatchery is Illinois' warm-water hatchery. Located seven miles south of Carbondale, the hatchery utilizes water from Little Grassy Lake for fish production. The original facility be
One of the most picturesque sites along the Rock River is just north of Oregon in Ogle County. Legend has it that Chief Black Hawk, as he left the area after the Black Hawk War, talked of the beauty o
Nestled in the Rock River Valley, just 3 miles south of the town of Oregon, lies a 2,291-acre wooded area that is one of Ogle County's most beautiful and historic sites. Its scenic qualities come from
Bisected by the picturesque river whose name it bears, Mackinaw River State Fish & Wildlife Area provides hunting, fishing, canoeing and an opportunity to interact with nature. The diverse, minimally
All hunting programs are dependent on national security considerations. In the event that heightened security measurers are necessary, these hunting programs will be closed with little or no notice.
Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, located along nearly 10 miles of scenic Illinois River backwaters, bottomlands and bluffs, lies in the heart of the mallard flyway and supports a wide variety of
Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately 4 miles south of Utica and 3 miles east of Oglesby, Matthie
Mautino State Fish and Wildlife Area is a former strip mine site of 900 acres that is now home to a total of 16 ponds and lakes, making it an idyllic location for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Loca
The IDNR Mazonia-Braidwood complex is one of northeast Illinois' most popular destinations for hunting and fishing. Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area features 1,017 acres and is located in Grundy
Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is an old cypress southern Illinois swamp managed as one of the state’s most outstanding waterfowl hunting locales. While Mermet Lake was developed primarily
The Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area is located 6 miles north of the Interstate 74 exit at Oakwood in Vermilion County. The area consists of 2,700 acres of grass, forest and cropland, and prov
The Native American pathfinders along the rock palisades of the Mississippi River did as present-day hikers do -- in coursing the bluffs, they took the paths of least resistance. The trails at the Mis
Imagine an area that includes 15 wildlife management areas and 13 public access areas spanning more than 24,000 acres and scattered along 75 miles of two major rivers. Add to this awe-inspiring bluffs
From fishing to hiking and biking - from lush habitat and rare plants to watching a wealth of wildlife - Moraine Hills State Park is home to a recreational bounty in northeast Illinois. Located 3 mile
The beach is now closed for the season. The main and primitive campgrounds are open (Gander Bay and Catfish Bay) except for Tall Timber and the Group Camp. The dump station and showers are closed. T
A trip to picturesque Morrison-Rockwood State Park offers many memorable experiences. A large sign in the shape of Illinois, fashioned from angle iron by a blacksmith, greets visitors at the entrance.
Nauvoo's first name was Quashquema, a Fox Indian word meaning "peaceful place." Nauvoo, a Hebrew word for "beautiful place" or "pleasant land", is a historic town and the backdrop for Nauvoo State Pa
In 1979, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources signed a lease with Central Illinois Public Service Company which designated the 1,775-acre Newton Lake and 540 acres of shoreline as a day use co
Welcome to North Point Marina - the largest marina on the Great Lakes - a world-class facility offering public access to Lake Michigan from a quiet, serene and safe setting on the breathtakingly beaut
Total acres: 2,000, General Habitats: Open acres: 1,000, Huntable acres: 1,000, Water acres: 500, Timbered acres: 500, (mostly scattered cottonwood trees)
PSFWA was mined by PCC from the late 1950s
Total area: 1,181 acres. Huntable acres: 305. This area is a bottomland of sloughs, lakes, and low timbered ridges. Practically all of the area is subject to and conditioned by periodic flooding of th
Pere Marquette State Park is a nature lover's paradise. In addition to enjoying the spectacular views of the Illinois River and its backwaters from several points atop the bluffs, visitors can take ad
West of DuQuoin and south of Steeleville on the Randolph-Jackson County line is a unique 198-acre area known as Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area. Purchased in 1972 for its rare plant species and
Powerton Lake is a 1,426 acre cooling reservoir owned by Commonwealth Edison. Approximately 60% is open to waterfowl hunting. The remaining is maintained as a waterfowl rest area.
Prophetstown State Park, on the northeast edge of Prophetstown along the south bank of the Rock River in Whiteside County, is a scenic and historic area offering a variety of recreational facilities.
Pyramid State Recreation Area consists of forested hills, lakes and ponds. Southern Illinois University owned and used 924 acres of the site for research, transferring the land to the state in 1968 fo
Rolling hills, timbered shoreline, and beautiful Ramsey Lake make the Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area a unique and popular recreation spot. Visitors will enjoy the picturesque woods, secluded picnic
Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the
Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area is a 1,140-acre mosaic of bottomlands, woodlands, wetlands, open fields, steep hills, rocky ravines, hollows, brushy draws and bluffs. Located along the Illinoi
For wildflowers, beautiful foliage and soothing breezes in the spring...picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and fishing in the summer...appreciating the brilliant hues of autumn's colorful plumage...
This area consists of bottomland hardwoods, upland ag fields, and surrounding land including 3,000 acres of impounded water in the sub-impoundments managed primarily for waterfowl. Food is produced bo
Providing a stop-over area for migrating waterfowl, Rice Lake and the surrounding areas provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife observation. Because of an extensive habitat management program, t
Chiseled out of the state's far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County. Nearby are other "rocky" landmarks - the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockfo
Beauty and solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of city traffic, await visitors at Rock Island Trail State Park. Stretching for 26 miles from Alta, in Peoria County, to Toulon, in Stark County, t
Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area, 5 miles southeast of Equality in southeastern Illinois, was the site of springs and wells that furnished brine for one of the two salt works. Although the spr
Gently rolling terrain, lush woods and a beautiful lake make the Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area the perfect spot for a family outing. Located northwest of Johnsonville in Wayne County, thi
For several decades the residents of Jasper County worked for a state park, assisted and encouraged by a former resident and conservationist, Sam Parr. In 1960, 72 acres of land approximately 3 miles
For those who think central Illinois is one big corn field, Sand Ridge State Forest will come as a pleasant surprise. The forest is an island in a sea of agriculture. Just minutes southwest of Peoria,
The Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a
Located minutes southeast of Springfield, Sangchris Lake State Park serves as a perfect home-base for enjoying outdoor activities including fishing, boating, camping, hunting, picnics and family gathe
Just miles west of Chicago, off U.S. 30, urban landscape gives way to 1,550 acres of rolling prairie and a 318.8-acre man-made fishing lake. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient,
Located along the Kaskaskia and West Okaw rivers near Sullivan, the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area offers some of the best hunting, river fishing, and nature study opportunities in Illinois.
The answer resides in the hearts of Ruth and the now deceased Louie Sielbeck, whose family has owned and loved this tract of land for nearly 100 years. Thanks to these two, magnificent oaks and ancien
Nature's bounty has conspired to produce a natural beauty and source of recreation greatly prized by generations of Midwesterners at Siloam Springs State Park, just minutes east of Quincy in Adams Cou
A pool of clear bubbling water which sparkles like silver on sunny days provides the basis for the name of Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area. Even on extremely cold days, this pool does not
Although the name Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area is rather intimidating, there are no more snakes here than in other areas of the state. Actually the site is the namesake of a small cree
Spitler Woods State Natural Area, a 200-acre site in Mt. Zion in Macon County, is home to one of the largest acreages of old growth woods in central Illinois. Much of the site is dedicated as Spitler
Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area is located in Tazewell County, 25 miles southwest of Peoria on the east side of the Illinois River.
In 1950 the state made the initial land acquisition of the 632 a
Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River bluff in La Salle County is one of Illinois' most beautiful destinations. The park's 18 canyons feature vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by g
Picture yourself on the banks of a beautiful lake, surrounded by shady oaks and rolling hills. The presence of a graceful heron on the water, or deer or even a wild turkey in the nearby brush may be v
The Ten Mile Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, located in southeastern Jefferson County and the western sections of Hamilton County, provides a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, includ
Trail of Tears State Forest is situated in western Union County, five miles northwest of Jonesboro and 20 miles south of Murphysboro. Just over 5,000 acres are within the state forest. The state fores
At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks.
TBFWA is located on the Mississippi River bluffs in southwestern Illinois. The topography varies from level flood plains to steep hills. Cultivated fields, along with hay fields and brushy areas, are
Fifty-six miles northwest of downtown Chicago lies Volo Bog State Natural Area, home to the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois. Volo Bog - THE BOG - was dedicated as the 25th Illinois Nature Pre
With its woods, water and wildlife, Walnut Point State Park in east-central Illinois has it all - from fishing, hunting and camping to hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing. Conveniently located
Wildlife abounds in the Washington County State Recreation Area, located four miles south of Nashville in southern Illinois. Visitors will marvel at the sight of rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove, deer an
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts interested in water sports, horseback riding, picnicking or hiking will find that Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area has plenty to offer. The site also provides amp
Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area is an area of rolling hills with a meandering creek in western Illinois. The 772-acre site, including a 4-acre pond, is located in Schuyler County, 3 miles e
Located just southeast of Clinton in DeWitt County, Weldon Springs State Park is a 550-acre park for all seasons. Weldon Springs' recreational agenda is among the most comprehensive in the state park
Located in the heart of the Rock River valley, the 385-acre White Pines Forest State Park is the south boundary of the historic Chicago-Iowa Trail. Today, the park is perfect for family getaways to en
Named after Illinois Governor William G. Stratton, the park was developed in 1959 to provide boat access to the Illinois River. Any one of four public boat launching ramps will provide your start to a
William W. Powers State Recreation Area, located on Wolf Lake on Chicago's far southeast side at the Illinois-Indiana state line, offers opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature in the city for
In east central Illinois just minutes from Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, Effingham and surrounding communities, the Wolf Creek/Eagle Creek sites, facing each other across the central portion of Lak
Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area is a picturesque area along the east side of the Illinois River. Among its features are many artesian wells, which make the manmade channels an excellent winter f
The State of Illinois and the Department of Natural Resources are proud to bring you the premiere 1,600 acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC). This unique site is located in scenic South
