EnjoyIllinois.com | Things to Do

Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive

The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Associates invite you to come to Fulton County, Illinois and enjoy the natural wonders of the Spoon River Valley. Spoon River has carved a wide scenic valley through Fulton County as it flows from London Mills to the south and east where it joins the Illinois River near the southeastern corner of the county. The Spoon River became nationally known from the work of Edgar Lee Masters, author of the noted Spoon River Anthology. Come on out the first two full weekends in October. There are over one hundred miles of scenic routes on the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive to be enjoyed on this driving tour with beautiful fall colors. There will be food, arts, crafts, entertainment and flea market. Visit 17 villages and historic sites!

CITY: Canton

Argyle Lake State Park

Find serenity at this beautiful 1700-acre wooded park situated along an old stagecoach route between Galena and Beardstown. Featuring 95-acre Argyle Lake, the park is home to countless beaver dams and more than 200 bird species and 5 miles of hiking and biking trails.

CITY: Colchester

The Nature Conservancy Emiquon Preserve

The Emiquon Preserve, also known as the “Jewel of the Illinois River,” is aptly named for its abundance of wetlands and wildlife. The sheer biological diversity made it the natural place for Native Americans to settle long ago. In recent years, the land has undergone a restoration returning its natural beauty for all to enjoy once again.

CITY: Lewistown

Brown's Oakridge Zoo

Browns Oakridge Zoo is a family owned and operated zoo established in 1990. Beginning with a single pot bellied pig and a few whitetail deer, the number of species housed at the zoo has grown to include five Siberian tigers, several black bears, two lions, and many more exotic and domestic animals. Over the years we have taken in many abandoned animals. A total of 152 lion and tiger cubs, abandoned in captivity have been reared here. Most of our animals have been raised in the house, and have had a lot of human contact. You won’t just get to see the animals here, but you will be able to have hands on contact. Imagine being able to hold a lion, tiger, or bear cub. It brings out the kid in all of us.

CITY: Smithfield

Lakeview Nature Center

Borders Spring Lake Park and is habitat for deer, turkey, fox, geese, beaver and coyotes. Trails and educational programs offered.

CITY: Macomb

Spring Lake Park

Offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Fishing, boating, camping & hiking.

CITY: Macomb

Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area

Fishing, boating, picnicking in the out-of-doors.

CITY: Canton

Horn Field Campus

Rustic setting available for retreats, picnics, camps, nature studies or a team course.

CITY: Macomb

Macomb Park District

12 parks that offer diverse activities. Fishing, picnics, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, hiking trails and playgrounds.

CITY: Macomb

Swan Creek Golf Club

This nine-hole golf course offers cart rental.

CITY: Avon

Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Rice Lake is a waterfowler's dream. Its high quality habitat attracts thousands of migrating birds annually. In addition, areas are also available for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife observation.

CITY: Canton

Harry Mussatto Golf Course

This scenic 18-hole course has a driving range, putting green and golf cart rentals.

CITY: Macomb

Fulton County Camping & Recreation Area

Enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.

CITY: St. David

Lake Canton

Camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking.

CITY: Canton

Twin Oaks Golf Course

This nine-hole golf course offers cart rentals.