Crawford County State Fish & Wildlife Area

Located 2 miles southwest of Hutsonville, on Rt. 1, this park features 1,129 acres for hunting with 9 ponds for fishing. Hiking and horseback trails run throughout the area.

CITY: Hutsonville

Green River State Wildlife Area

Green River is the best remaining example of the wetland-prairie mosaic that once covered the area's nearly 1 million acres of lowlands. This multiple-use site provides hunting, hiking, and birding opportunities.

CITY: Harmon

Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area

Multiple-use recreational area with a 194-acre lake. It provides habitat for shore birds and upland game and offers camping, hunting, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

CITY: Johnsonville

Wabash County Beall Woods State Park

Located 6 miles South of Mt. Carmel on Illinois Rt. 1, Beall woods contains one of the oldest dedicated nature preserves in Illinois. The "Forest of the Wabash" contains the largest single tract of untouched deciduous forest in the U.S.

CITY: Mount Carmel

Johnson Sauk-Trail State Park

Hiking trails and scenic drives wind through the 1,365 acre park where boating, fishing, hunting and picnicking and camping are featured. Unique boathouse features a beautiful view of the waterway.

CITY: Kewanee

Glenn Shoals Lake

Covering 1200 acres, has picnic areas, marina and public boat slips.

CITY: Hillsboro

Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

The lake was built on the floodplain of the Illinois River in 1971 by Commonwealth Edison Company as a cooling reservoir for the fossil-fuel power plant. Today, the completely diked, 1,426-acre lake is leased for visitor hunting and fishing.

CITY: Manito

Anderson Lake Conservation Area

State fish and wildlife area with Class C camping facilities.

CITY: Astoria

Stephen A. Forbes State Park

Located among the rolling hills of Southwestern Illinois, this park has a beach and offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and other activities.

CITY: Kinmundy

Randolph County Conservation Area

Amid rolling hills and abundant game cover, this area is a hunter's paradise offering quail, deer (archery only), squirrel, dove, and rabbit hunting. Bass and channel catfish are found in its 69-acre lake. Equestrian trails, picnicking, and camping.

CITY: Chester

Beall Woods State Park

Listed in the United States Register of Natural Landmarks as the "Forest of the Wabash," this state park supports 64 species of trees within its 635 acres. Several miles of scenic nature trails start at the new Visitor Center.

CITY: Mount Carmel

Henderson County Conservation Area

Offering camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and winter sports, the conservation area is about 20 miles southwest of Monmouth and five miles east of the Mississippi River. Group camping also available.

CITY: Keithsburg

Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Contains a large bluff overlooking a long, narrow lake. Camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting opportunities provide a vast recreational experience. Concession and boat rentals are also available.

CITY: Manito

Washington County State Recreational Area - Nashville, IL

A 248-acre lake fed by two creeks is the focal point of the Washington County State Recreational Area. The area offers several barrier-free facilities, including camping, hunting, picnicking and a fishing pier.

CITY: Nashville

Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area (Alexander County)

This area is known for its large stands of tupelo, swamp cottonwood and cypress trees. Also known for its Canadian goose and bald eagle observation vantage point during the fall and winter.

CITY: Miller City

Rock Island Trail State Park

The Rock Island Trail provides 27 miles for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. A primitive campground is also available. One of the premier rails-to-trails facilities in Illinois, this trail is a sure-fire winner for the entire family.

CITY: Wyoming

Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

Picturesque bottomland setting with an abundance of silver maple, cottonwood, ash and willow trees. Picnicking, camping, boating, fishing, and hunting add to the visitor's enjoyment.

CITY: Lowpoint

Siloam Springs State Park

Enjoy hiking, camping, and canoeing at Siloam Springs State Park in Western Illinois.

CITY: Clayton

Pyramid State Park

Pyramid State Recreation Area consists of heavily forested hills and many lakes and ponds. Total overall acreage is 19,701, making Pyramid the largest State Recreation Area in Illinois. It gets its name from a coal mine that once existed here. Many species of wildlife may be found in the area, including songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkey, bobcat, raccoons, possums, coyotes, weasel, mink, woodchucks and waterfowl. Tent and trailer camping are permitted at designated camping areas only. There are 16.5 miles of foot and horse trails and mountain bike riding. Canoeing is popular because of the rough terrain, and boats with 10-hp motors or less are allowed.

CITY: Pinckneyville

Weinberg-King State Park

William Creek meanders through this park, providing habitat for an abundance of wildlife. Set in 770 acres of rolling terrain and steep hillsides, Weinberg-King is popular in winter for its cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

CITY: Augusta

Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Timbered, 1150-acre state park with 77-acre lake stocked with a variety of fish. Class A, 92-site campground with shower building and all sites with electricity. Separate equestrian campground.

CITY: Morrison

Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area

Features exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities. The 112 water impoundments offer large-mouth and small-mouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, rainbow and brown trout for fishing. Seasonal restrictions and limited access may apply.

CITY: Victoria

Red Hills State Park

Located on Rt. 50 between Lawrenceville and Olney, this State Park features fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, horse trails and camping in a semi-secluded setting. This 950-acre site offers wooded hills, picturesque meadows, nature areas and an abundance of wildlife.

CITY: Sumner

Gebbhard Woods State Park

Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Fishing, boating and bird watching are also popular activities. This picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.

CITY: Morris

Eldon Hazlet State Park

The largest campground in the Illinois State Park system. The park covers 3,000 acres on the west shore of Carlyle Lake. Every year more than 3/4 million visitors come here to hunt, fish, picnic, camp, boat, water ski, and hike.

CITY: Carlyle

Delabar State Park

Delabar State Park offers quality outdoor experiences for anglers, hikers, campers, and picnickers. Many of the site's 89 acres are forested with sturdy oak, birch, and hickory trees.

CITY: Oquawka

William W. Powers Conservation Area

Offering fishing, waterfowl hunting, picnicking, and winter sports. At the center of its attraction is Wolf Lake, segmented by dikes and offering six miles of shoreline to bank anglers.

CITY: Chicago

Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area

This area encompasses 2.2 miles of the Little Vermilion River, listed as a significant stream because of its aquatic features. The site supports 12 state endangered or threatened species and provides habitat for 23 forest interior species.

CITY: Georgetown

Illinois State Beall Woods State Park

Located 6 miles south of Mt. Carmel, this park features walking trails through what's been called the Forest of the Wabash. Tent camping is allowed, along with fishing.

CITY: Mount Carmel

Beaver Dam State Park

Camping, fishing, and restaurant. Named for beavers whose dam-building formed the lake more than a century ago, the state park is not home to the industrious rodents today.

CITY: Plainview

Mazonia State/Braidwood Fish and Wildlife Area

1,700 acres of grassland, brushy draws and shrubs on 2,801 acres. Hunting, fishing, picnicking and more.

CITY: Braceville

Donnelley/Depue State Fish and Wildlife Area & Complex

This complex is an important North American waterfowl migration corridor. Much of the 3,838-acre complex is managed for waterfowl feeding, nesting, resting, harvesting, and viewing.

CITY: De Pue

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area

Bottomlands and bluffs support a variety of animals, plants, and outdoor pursuits including picnicking, camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Migrating waterfowl, great blue herons, and bald eagles provide birders exceptional viewing opportunities.

CITY: Lacon

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Named after a small pool of clear, bubbling water found at the site. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

CITY: Yorkville

Saline County Conservation Area

Long before the first settlers appeared, the Indians made salt from their "Great Salt Springs." This site encompasses nearly 1,250 acres of bottomland and heavily timbered hills.

CITY: Equality

Sangchris Lake State Park

200 sites and 135 hook-ups. Nestled in native forests and brimming with a record-setting bass population, this park is a comfortable outdoor retreat.

CITY: Rochester

Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area

1,188 acres of natural beauty. Fishing on Rock River and hunting.

CITY: Prophetstown

Chain O' Lakes State Park

2,793-acre state park and a 3,230-acre conservation area provide a water-oriented recreation area for boaters, anglers, and skiers.

CITY: Spring Grove

Mautino State Fish and Wildlife Area

Encompasses 871 acres of mostly unreclaimed strip-mining land. The area is dotted with some 15 stocked lakes for fishing. Be aware that shore access is limited and that shorelines tend to drop off suddenly into deep water.

CITY: Sheffield

Peabody River King State Fish Wildlife Area

Boat docks and fishing areas are easily accessed for all skill levels - even special docks for kids.

CITY: Baldwin

Fox Ridge State Park

Campgrounds, recreation shelters, several miles of trails, fishing, and canoeing.

CITY: Charleston

Weldon Springs State Park

Weldon Springs offers beauty and recreation for all seasons! Camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, interpretive center & educational programs, picnicking, trails, sight-seeing, and more! Home of Veterans Point Memorial.

CITY: Clinton

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Features fascinating plants and geologic formations of the scenic Shawnee Hills. Trails wind past interesting sites such as intermittent waterfalls and the largest shelter bluff in southern Illinois.

CITY: Goreville

Lake Murphysboro State Park

Popular lake for fishing. This 1,000-acre park is the perfect place to enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, boating and fishing.

CITY: Murphysboro

Winnebago County Forest Preserve District

Over 9,500 acres for outdoor fun in 40 locations throughout Winnebago County. 87 miles of hiking trails, 28 shelter houses, 4 campgrounds, 4 rivers, 5 education centers, birdwatching in many locations. Restored prairie and hiking paths at headquarters.

CITY: Rockford

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Enjoy 9,300 acres of great outdoor picnicking, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing. Fall foliage, winter offers ice fishing, snowmobiling on frozen lake. 308 campsites, Private marina.

CITY: Dewitt

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

Spitler Woods State Natural Area

Two-thirds of the area is a dedicated nature preserve containing one of the few remaining stands of old-growth timber in Illinois. Two trails wind through the nature preserve, allowing the hiker to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the forest.

CITY: Mount Zion

Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois Beach State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan from Waukegan to the Wisconsin state line. Stretching leisurely for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois, Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state. The 4,160-acre park offers a campground, full service resort, camp store, picnic areas, fishing, boating, hiking and biking trails and a visitors center open intermittently throughout the year. There is swimming along the six miles of beaches.

CITY: Zion

Dixon Springs State Park

Dixon Springs State Park is one of several state parks in the Illinois Shawnee Hills. Park visitors may enjoy the varied wildlife, take a swim in the outdoor pool or simply soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the moss-covered boulders, craggy overhangs, and rushing brook.

CITY: Golconda

Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

This 1,775 acre lake features 540 acres of shoreline as a day use conservation area. Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hunting.

CITY: Newton

Lowden-Miller State Forest

A 2,225-acre state forest situated along the Rock River. Enjoy hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing and equestrian trails.

CITY: Oregon

Illini State Park

Attraction

CITY: Marseilles

Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park

This beautiful 715-acre state park with a 40-acre lake derives its name from a combination of the town of Lena and the Latin work for water, aqua. The large tracts of wooded land include oak, hickory, walnut and pine trees. Woodland flowers are on display, especially in the spring and early summer, and wildlife is abundant. There is boating, fishing, a children's fishing pond, swimming, picnic and playground areas, shelters, trails for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing, equestrian trails, sledding, hunting and camping. Camping supplies, bait and boat rental are available at the camp store that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

CITY: Lena

William G. Stratton State Park

Although only 613 acres in size along the Illinois River, this state park is widely used by boaters and anglers of northeastern Illinois. Launching ramps with docks serve boaters from the Illinois River Bridge in Morris.

CITY: Morris

Nauvoo State Park

Offers a timbered nature trail, a small prairie plot, and a quiet fishing lake on its 148 acres.

CITY: Nauvoo

Kickapoo Creek Park

This 80-acre park has two fitness trails and seven miles of walking trails that wind along Kickapoo Creek. Picnicking, bird watching and fishing are enjoyed here.

CITY: Lincoln

Chain O'Lakes State Park

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. The park borders three natural lakes - Grass, Marie and Nippersink - and the Fox River. The park also contains a 44-acre lake within its boundaries. Comprising of over 6,000 acres; the recreational opportunities include two campgrounds with over 230 sites with a youth group area to accommodate 150 youngsters, seven picnic areas and trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding with horse rental and horse-drawn wagon rides are available May-Oct. Hunting, ice fishing and ice skating are offered in the fall and winter months.

CITY: Spring Grove

Big River State Forest

Encompassing more than 3,000 acres along the Mississippi River, Big River State Forest is a remnant of woodland that once bordered the vast prairies. The 1½ mile Lincoln Hiking Trail commemorates Abraham Lincoln's march through the area in 1832.

CITY: Keithsburg

Moody Park (formerly Longacre Park)

Lighted tennis courts, playground, sand volleyball courts, baseball, softball, and soccer fields. a 1.5 mi walking/running path, concession stands, picnic pavilions, a large lake. The Midwest Salute to the Arts is held every year here in August.

CITY: Fairview Heights

Ramsey Lake State Park

A one-mile walking trail winds through the park, and a 13-mile horse trail is located at the north end alongside a campground for horses.

CITY: Ramsey

Moraine Hills State Park

More than 10 miles of one-way trails throughout its 2,052 acres of rolling hills make Moraine Hills popular for hikers and bicyclists.

CITY: McHenry

Johnson Sauk Trail State Park

1,365 acres of recreation opportunities the park's centerpiece is a 58-acre lake that offers both fishing and boating, as well as nearly two and a half miles of shoreline to explore.

CITY: Kewanee

Weldon Springs State Recreation Area

Weldon Springs State Recreation Area is a 550-acre state park located near Clinton, Illinois. It centers on Salt Creek and the impoundment of a tributary, Weldon Springs, to form Weldon Spring Lake, a reservoir.

CITY: Clinton

Lombard Park District

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - In addition to quality parks and facilities, enjoy a variety of recreational programs and special events for all ages.

CITY: Lombard

Kankakee River State Park

4000-acre state park with trails for hiking and biking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, camping, picnic areas, hunting, boat launches and more.

CITY: Kankakee

Comlara Park

Bike trails, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, nature area, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, swimming, beach, sledding and cross-country skiing.

CITY: Hudson

Lakewood Resort and Gardens

Sportsman's paradise. Permanent wooded seasonal sites, tent camping. Acres of remote backpacking. Guided deer hunting (archery only), turkey hunt.

CITY: Savanna

Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area

This site offers a diversity of landscape covering 1,448 acres over timbered hills, open meadows, and river bottoms. Canoe access enables visitors to float the scenic Mackinaw River. Other activities include fishing, hunting, hiking, and picnicking.

CITY: Mackinaw

Indian Mounds State Historic Site

One of the largest prehistoric Hopewell Mounds group in Illinois - interpretive brochures on site.

CITY: Albany

Lincoln Prairie Trail

This paved hiking and biking trail follows a historic rail bed for 15 miles across the Illinois prairie.

CITY: Pana

Great Western Trail

This 17-mile trail replaces the abandoned main line of the Chicago Great Western Railroad. It is a flat easy ride connecting the communities of St. Charles and Sycamore.

CITY: St. Charles

Lincoln Trail State Park

Whether you are looking for history, unusual plant life or recreation, Lincoln Trail State Park has something to interest you. The area is named after the Lincoln Heritage Trail where Abraham Lincoln's family followed en route from Indiana to Illinois in 1831. Lincoln Trail State Park offers American beech woods and a nature preserve with hiking trails, boat rentals, camping, biking, bird watching, fishing, ice fishing and ice skating. Restaurant open seasonally.

CITY: Marshall

Rock Cut State Park

Beautiful Illinois state park with two lakes set off the park's 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. A second 50-acre Olson Lake is especially for swimmers. Fishing, boat launches, restored prairie and birdwatching, hiking, extensive campgrounds, paddleboat and canoe rental, horse and bike trails, cross-country ski trails and concessions.

CITY: Loves Park

Matthiessen State Park

Enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and more in this state park known for its waterfalls, bluffs and canyons.

CITY: Utica

Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area

Containing 2,550 acres, the area is jointly used by the Illinois National Guard as a training facility and is open to the general public for hunting.

CITY: Marseilles

Illinois Beach State Park

Stretching leisurely for 6 1/2 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan, this 4160-acre park is recognized for its geological structure, unique flora, spectacular beauty and recreational opportunities for swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, biking,

CITY: Zion

Giant City Park Campground

Class A campground with separate tent and trailer camping for equestrians. Also, a youth group camp and primitive walk-in tent sites.

CITY: Makanda

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park

3,300-acre peninsula in Rend Lake. Beautiful park offering boating, camping, and picnicking with shelters. Programs include pheasant hunting, field trials, and bass tournaments. Bicycle, horse trails, and stables.

CITY: Whittington

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

White Pines Forest State Park

Enjoy recreation on 385 acres, much of it forest, with a state park lodge and provisions for tent and trailer camping. It is also noted for its vine-covered limestone bluffs.

CITY: Mount Morris

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Untouched by glaciers that left their mark elsewhere in the state, this park is rich with rock formations carved by erosion. The park features pileated woodpeckers, migratory waterfowl and other wildlife species.

CITY: Savanna

Walnut Point State Park

State park with hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and picnicking. Concession stand and boat rental available.

CITY: Oakland

John Hauberg Indian Museum

Discover the history of the Sauk and Meskwaki Native Americans in this intimate museum located in the Watch Tower Lodge situated in Black Hawk State Historic Site. This small museum tells the story of these tribes, the great warrior Black Hawk and the village of Saukenuk. After a visit to the museum, be sure to explore the wooded trails that wind throughout this beautiful park located on the Rock River. The Watch Tower Lodge was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and features a special Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit that highlights the building of the lodge.

CITY: Rock Island

Matthiessen State Park - Cross Country Skiing

Five miles of scenic trails amidst a spectacular geological backdrop enable hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, runners and cross-country skiers to experience a peaceful jaunt through the park, while families congregate around fully-equipped, shaded picnic areas neighboring playgrounds, trailheads and 17th-Century restored French fort.

CITY: Utica

Wildlife Prairie State Park

A unique, 2,000-acre zoological park which is home to wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk, cougar, otter, and others. You will enjoy the park's spectacular natural settings, butterfly garden, wildflowers, lakes and restored prairies.

CITY: Hanna City

Stone Creek Golf Club & Resort

Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Stone Creek features an 18 hole-championship course and beautiful cabins. Stone Creek also offers a restaurant, clubhouse, and a scenic area for hiking and fishing.

CITY: Makanda

Grant Park

Proudly referred to as Chicago's "Front yard," Grant Park is a public park, 319 acres located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area. Grant Park’s most notable features include Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus. Named for United States President and Civil War General, Ulysses S. Grant, Grant Park was developed as one of Chicago's first parks and expanded through land reclamation.

CITY: Chicago

Southern Illinois Wine Trail

Illinois' newest wine trail connects six wineries dotted throughout the southeast corner of the state. Visitors can enjoy both breathtaking vistas and friendly rural communities, all while sampling excellent red and white wines.

CITY: Vienna

Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center

The Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center has several interactive displays, free videos on the park, hiking maps, and more. Trailheads Concessions & Gifts, also located here, is a great place to buy gifts, souvenirs, and snacks (fresh fudge, too)! The Visitor Center and Trailheads are open year-round.

CITY: Utica

Buckingham Fountain

Visitors can enjoy a dazzling music, light and water show at the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Located at Columbus Drive, shows runs from dusk to 11pm every hour and lasts for 20 minutes. Operates April through mid-October.

CITY: Chicago

Cave-in-Rock State Park

Wander along the Ohio River and step into the large cavern, steeped in history of river pirates. Enjoy the spectacular river views from the lodge perched atop the overhanging bluffs. Cabins, picnic areas, camping and showers available.

CITY: Cave In Rock

Buffalo Rock State Park and Effigy Tumuli

On the bluffs of the Illinois River stand five earthen sculptures molded from Illinois clay. Called Effigy Tumuli, this unique "earth art" is a grand sculpture. Biking, canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, picnicking, cross-country ski trails, and ball field.

CITY: Ottawa

Apple River Fort State Historic Site

Apple River Fort State Historic Site, located in Elizabeth, Illinois, is the site of one of the battles fought during the Black Hawk War. Black Hawk and his 200 warriors attacked the hastily erected fort on June 24, 1832. His story and that of the early settlers are told.

CITY: Elizabeth

Pere Marquette State Park

At 8,000 acres, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest state park in Illinois. Go hiking on wooded trails, biking along scenic bluffs, fishing and boating on the Illinois River, or horseback riding through the forest. The park is also known for its guided fall color drives and eagle-watching tours in the winter. The rustic stone-and-timber Pere Marquette Lodge makes a great base for exploring the area.

CITY: Grafton

Starved Rock Adventures Harbor Villas and Suites

Waterfront family villas and suites. 1-2 bedroom housekeeping units. Deluxe and unique. Open April through October. $$

CITY: Ottawa