Artistically, one of the best interpreters of this area's aquatic biology is sculptor Bill Swango. If time permits, take the opportunity make an appointment to view his work, which is mostly executed in black walnut. The hardwood forest which surrounds Spoon River College is another natural jewel which should not be missed. Thankfully, the college has ensured protection for this valuable area by designating it as an arboretum.

Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area Map # 4: US Route 24, Canton , IL 61520 Purchased in the 1980s by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this 4,363-acre complex of freshwater marshes, shallo...Read Details
GPS: n 40.53741; w 89.86183 Site Access: free	Phone: 309-647-9184 Area: Canton
Big Creek Park Map # 2: 940 N. Main Street, Canton, IL 61520 Big Creek Park was the first property purchased by the Canton Park District for park development. A scenic drive winds throug...Read Details
GPS: n 40.56882; w 90.03615 Site Access: free	Phone: 309-647-1345 Area: Canton
Bill Swango's Wildlife Art Gallery Map # 9: 271 W. State Street, Smithfield, IL 61477 "Memories of things I did as a kid, especially with my dad, have had a great deal of influence on my art and my life," states...Read Details
GPS: n 40.47515; w 90.29339 Site Access: free	Phone: 309-783-3283 Area: Canton
Canton Lake Map # 3: Rural Route 5, Canton, IL 61520 Located just east of Canton, the 250-acre Canton Lake's lovely, wooded, 13-mile shoreline possesses a public campground and ...Read Details
GPS: n 40.56127; w 89.97540 Site Access: free; fee	Phone: (309) 647-0065 Area: CANTON
Dickson Mounds Museum Map # 11: 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown, IL 61542 One of the major on-site archeological museums in the country, Dickson Mounds Museum also interprets the ecology of the Illin...Read Details
GPS: n 40.35149; w 90.11556 Site Access: free	Phone: 309-547-3721 Area: Canton
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge Map # 8: State Rt. 78/97 , Lewistown, IL 61542 Derived from an Indian name for "spoon," Emiquon refers to the historic plethora of freshwater mussels within this region of ...Read Details
GPS: n 40.30547; w 90.08533 Site Access: free	Phone: (309) 535-2290 Area: CANTON
Fulton County Camping & Recreation Area Map # 6: 18733 N. Conservation Road, St. David, IL 61563 Located between Lewistown and the community of St. David, the 440-acre Fulton County Camping and Recreation Area includes 150...Read Details
GPS: n 40.46284; w 90.07748 Site Access: fee	Phone: 309-668-2931 Area: Canton
Lakeland Park Map # 1: 1200 Lakeland Park Drive, Canton, IL 61520 Measuring nearly 600 acres in size, Canton's Lakeland Park is a prime example of the possibilities involved in restoring ecol...Read Details
GPS: n 40.57854; w 90.04823 Site Access: free, fee for fishing & boating	Phone: 309-647-4702 Area: Canton
Orchard Hill Farm Map # 10: 16859 E CR 9, Lewistown, IL 61542 Orchard Hill Farm has been producing fine crops of fruits and vegetables since the 1930s. Opting for new and more peaceful ca...Read Details
GPS: n 40.34746; w 90.12679 Site Access: free	Phone: 309-547-3221 Area: Canton
Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area Map # 5: US Route 24, Canton , IL 61520 Owned and operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Rice Lake wetland complex is composed of 5,660 acres ...Read Details
GPS: n 40.47652; w 89.94776 Site Access: free; fee	Phone: 309-647-9184 Area: Canton
Spoon River College Arboretum Map # 12: 23235 N CR 22, Canton, IL 61520 Nestled along the edge of an old growth oak-hickory forest, Spoon River College lies 4 miles southwest of Canton. It is a pub...Read Details
GPS: n 40.52579; w 90.07706 Site Access: free	Phone: 309-647-4645 Area: CANTON
The Nature Conservancy Emiquon Preserve Map # 7: State Rt. 78/97 , Lewistown, IL 61542 "We were looking for a place to begin the restoration of the Illinois River, and the river led us to Emiquon," remarks Doug B...Read Details
GPS: n 40.35838; w 90.08587	Phone: 309-547-2730 Area: CANTON