Nature Sites Throughout the Illinois River Valley

The sparkle of the Illinois River at sunrise, the cliffs of Starved Rock, wetlands full of waterfowl, the emerald fields of cropland, the calm of the forest, ribbons of birds in flights. The unique nature of the river valley offers a diversity of natural settings for those who stop, see, listen, and feel the natural beauty along the Illinois River Road. Both the Illinois River and the Illinois River Valley, the water, the bluffs, and the plains, allow you to personally interact with nature.

River Trail Boardwalk in East Peoria
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
Pelicans Fishing on the Illinois River
Ducks Landing in Illinois River
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    Snowman’s Reindeer Farm

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    Snowman’s Reindeer Farm is a magical place to learn and interact with Santa’s reindeer and other fun farm animals. Features include covered and heated barns to visit animals, gift shop, snack bar, visitor center, craft area, outdoor games and lots of cute picture spots. Santa visits between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Read more...

    Anderson Lake State Conservation Area

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    Once a private duck-hunting club, the 2,247-acre Anderson Lake and adjacent 230-acre Carlson Lake were purchased by the state in 1947 and put under the auspices of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. These lakes are floodplain lakes, receiving overflow from the nearby Illinois River during flood periods. The complex is known for its waterfowl population, primarily Mallard and Wood Read more...

    Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area

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    An officially designated “Important Birding Area” (IBA), and purchased in the 1980’s by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this 4,363-acre complex of freshwater marshes, shallow lakes, and deepwater habitat, boasts over 100 individual bodies of water which offer some of Illinois’ most sought after fishing. During hunting seasons Banner Marsh is a very popular place with Illinois outdoorsmen. Diverse Read more...

    Barto Landing

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    Fishermen are in their glory in the Illinois Valley. Northern pike, walleye, sauger and smallmouth bass are among numerous varieties of fish that frequent the Illinois River. Popular among area fishing enthusiasts, Barto Landing offers some of the best year round fishing in Illinois and a free public deep-lagoon launch site on the Illinois River. For tournament reservation information contact Read more...

    Bennett’s Terraqueous Garden

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    Bennett’s Terraqueous Gardens is a high-quality seep that lies at the base of deeply dissected bluffs and hills bordering the east side of the Illinois River. The seep community is usually saturated by groundwater that emanates at or near the base of a hill comprised of glacial till. Narrow spring runs flow in rivulets through the seep. Characteristic herbaceous plants Read more...