Located on the Falling Water River, this day-use park is noted for its natural beauty and four waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet in elevation. The last of these falls is the most spectacular, plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge. The area was originally populated by Native Americans of the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribes. These tribes used the land as a hunting ground until the late 19th century when a gristmill and sawmill began operating on the river. The Falling Water River was used to generate hydroelectric power for the city of Cookeville from 1928-1944. In 1973, the territory became a designated Tennessee State Natural Area, protecting the diverse forest and aquatic habitats.



Burgess Falls State Park

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 Southern Illinois near the City of Sparta, close to three airports and less than 50 miles from three metropolitan area including St. Louis, MO. Visitors will have access to a variety of amenities from quaint local restaurants and shops to the bustling activities of the St. Louis area. 


The World Shooting and Recreational Complex is open for public use and organized events. Public hours for each shooting discipline are listed below on the calendar of events. If you are interested in hosting an organized event, whether it have a shooting component or not, please contact our main office. Please call (618) 295-2700 option 6, Monday-Friday, from 8:00a – 4:00p. As events are approved, they will be listed on our website calendar. Fishing is available on East, Derby, and RV Lake from sunrise to sunset. All camping reservations are made through ReserveAmerica.com; Full service spots available in the North Loop and Coneflower.

State Parks Tagged With: Sparta