Waypoints In and Around Pekin
Research biologists have estimated that in pre-settlement days, approximately one-third of the Illinois River Valley landform was forested. Today, only about half of those associated woodlands remain. Fortunately, some of the best remaining examples of upland forest habitat can be experienced around Pekin at McNaughton Park, Fort Crevecoeur, and Tante Park.
Visit Spring Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area and explore its hiking trails, which run the gambit from bluff-top oak-hickory forests to bottomland silver maple-cottonwood. If hiking isn't on your itinerary, the lake's extensive shoreline is perfect for fishing, bird watching, or just plain relaxing. Between December and February, Bald Eagles flock to the river and in Pekin are truly celebrated with the annual Pekin main Street's Eagle Census Festival.
Dirksen Park Map # 1: #1 Dirksen Park Road, Pekin, IL 61554
This 459-acre site is comprised of oak-hickory forest and open shrubland. An extensive hiking/mountain biking/cross country t...Read Details
GPS: n 40.60447; w 89.60500 Site Access: free
Phone: (309) 353-4319 Area: Pekin
Fort Crevecoeur Park Map # 4: 301 Lawnridge Drive, Creve Coeur, IL 61610
Fort Crevecoeur Park commemorates French explorer Robert Rene Cavalier de LaSalle's presence here on the east bank of the Ill...Read Details
GPS: n 40.64469; w 89.60593 Site Access: free; fee for camping, (apr 1- oct 31);
hrs: dawn to dusk (apr 1 - dec 31)
Phone: 309-694-3193 Area: Pekin
Independence Park Map # 3: #1 Independence Park Road, Marquette Heights, IL 61554
Once used as a proving ground for Caterpillar Inc., this 340-acre site is showing excellent signs of recovery. A major positi...Read Details
GPS: n 40.61998; w 89.60250 Site Access: free; hrs: 6am-10pm
Phone: (309) 353-4319 Area: Pekin
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Map # 7: 33633 IL Route 9, Mackinaw, IL 61755
What started as a dream in the spring of 1997 has developed into a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of today's hect...Read Details
GPS: n 40.528628; w 89.293218
Phone: (309) 359-9463 Area: PEKIN
McNaughton Park Map # 2: #1 McNaughton Park Road, Pekin, IL 61554
McNaughton Park's 850 acres contain some of the most impressive specimens of white oak in the entire Illinois River Valley. T...Read Details
GPS: n 40.60426; w 89.59933 Site Access: free, fee for equestrian stable (apr 1-
nov 15)
Phone: (309) 353-4319 Area: Pekin
Mendenhall Park Wetland Area Map # 8: Mendenhall Road, Bartonville, IL 61607
A pleasant surprise located just off the byway, Mendenhall consists of a complex of wetland pools separated by groves of bott...Read Details
GPS: m 40.3659; w 89.3914
Phone: (309) 633-2064 Area: Pekin
Spring Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area Map # 9: 7982 South Park Road, Manito, IL 61546
Once the main channel of the Illinois River, Spring Lake is now geologically classified as a "meander scar," an abandoned cha...Read Details
GPS: n 40.44281; w 89.89162
Phone: 309-968-7135 Area: Pekin
Tante Park Map # 5: 5774 Broadway, Pekin, IL
At 40 acres, Tante Park is one of the quietest and most secluded of Pekin's natural area parks. Its Woodland Wildflower Trail...Read Details
GPS: n 40.56799; w 89.52054 Site Access: free; hrs: 6am - 10pm
those associated woodlands remain. Fortunately, some of the best remaining examples of upland forest habitat can be experienced around Pekin at McNaughton Park, Fort Crevecoeur, and Tante Park.
