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.
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Anderson Lake State Conservation Area
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 Re Read more [...]
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Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area
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, s Read more [...]
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Barto Landing
Fishermen are in their glory in the Illinois Valley. Northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass are among numerous varieties of fish that frequent the Illinois River. Popular among area fishing enthus Read more [...]
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Bennett’s Terraqueous Garden
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 satura Read more [...]
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Bernadotte Dam
Located on Central Illinois’ legendary Spoon River, the little community of Bernadotte is the site of the only dam on the river, a small and quaint structure which was constructed in 1830 for loc Read more [...]
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Big Creek Park
Big Creek Park was the first property purchased by the Canton Park District for park development. A scenic drive winds through the park’s gently rolling, oak-hickory-maple forest, an island amid Read more [...]
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Buffalo Rock State Park
So named because (legend has it) the area once served as a “blind canyon” where Indians ran buffalo for capture, this 298-acre park has long been a natural favorite. Much of Buffalo Rock S Read more [...]
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Camp Wokanda
Camp Wokanda, acquired from W.D. Boyce Council of the Boy Scouts of America, offers a beautiful 316-acre woodland setting, including a lake for fishing. The camp, with dining hall, sleeping cabins, pro Read more [...]
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Canton Lake
Located just east of Canton, the 250-acre Canton Lake’s lovely, wooded, 13-mile shoreline has a public campground and boat launch, as well as private residences. Open April 15-October 15, the cam Read more [...]