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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.
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#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
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GPS: 40.60447, -89.60500
Site Access: free
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Phone: (309) 353-4319
Area: Pekin
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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
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GPS: 40.64469, -89.60593
Site Access: free; fee for camping, (apr 1- oct 31);
hrs: dawn to dusk (apr 1 - dec 31)
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Phone: 309-694-3193
Area: Pekin
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#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
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GPS: 40.61998, -89.60250
Site Access: free; hrs: 6am-10pm
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Phone: (309) 353-4319
Area: Pekin
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32379 State Rt 9, Mackinaw, IL 61755
This 10-acre all-organic farm is owned and operated by Ruth Hertzfeldt, who planted the farm's first lavender crop in the spr...Read Details
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GPS: 40.52764, -89.31760
Site Access: free; reservations required
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Phone: 309-259-5555
Area: PEKIN
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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
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GPS: 40.528628, -89.293218
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Phone: (309) 359-9463
Area: PEKIN
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#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
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GPS: 40.60426, -89.59933
Site Access: free, fee for equestrian stable (apr 1-
nov 15)
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Phone: (309) 353-4319
Area: Pekin
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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
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GPS: 40.615353,-89.652514
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Phone: (309) 633-2064
Area: PEKIN
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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
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GPS: 40.44281, -89.89162
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Phone: 309-968-7135
Area: Pekin
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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
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GPS: 40.56799, -89.52054
Site Access: free; hrs: 6am - 10pm
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Phone: (309) 353-4319
Area: Pekin
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