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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    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...

    Bernadotte Dam

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    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 local grain mill use. The dam was revamped during World War II to create a water supply to the military’s nearby Camp Ellis. Read more...

    Big Creek Park

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    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 the adjacent urban thoroughfares. Using your car as a birding blind, you can drive the scenic route that winds through the park’s gently rolling, oak-hickory-maple forest, a wild island amid Read more...

    Bill Swango’s Wildlife Art Gallery

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    Bradley Park

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    Established in the late 19th century, the 140-acre Bradley Park is the centerpiece of Peoria’s University District. Operated by the Peoria Park District, this large park, located adjacent to Bradley University, traverses a high bluff woodland that grades down into the floodplain of Dry Run Creek. Along with numerous picnic sites, the park also features a beautiful Japanese bridge over Read more...

    Buffalo Rock State Park

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    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 State Park is set high atop sandstone bluff carved by the young Illinois River just after the end of the Pleistocene epoch. Two park trails, the River Read more...

    Camp Wokanda

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    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, program buildings and tent camping, offers a variety of naturalist tours, environmental education, and rental options to groups interested in a secluded, close-to-nature gathering. Located just 20 minutes from Read more...

    Canton Lake

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    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 campground offers full-hookup sites and a restroom/shower facility. A nice sandy beach is conveniently located near the campground. Peoria area fishermen will tell you that Canton Lake’s fish are the Read more...

    Catlin County Park

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    Acquired in 1970 by the LaSalle County Conservation District, the 333-acre Catlin Park (open May-October) is a mix of bluff land oak-hickory forest, chinquapin oak savanna, maple-basswood dominated steep ravines, and tallgrass prairie habitats. Cottonwood, sycamore, and hackberry dominate the bottomland forests. Ash, basswood, and black cherry dot the landscape. These trees produce a cornucopia of nuts and fruits; provide Read more...
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