All Hiking

Forty acres of wooded river bluff property that was purchased in cooperation with local philanthropist Joe and Sis Boyer, the Chillicothe Park District has committed to the restoration of Coal Hollow Park to pre-European settlement conditions. The goal is to provide a park with walking trails that will introduce people to the flora and fauna that once occupied the Illinois Read more...

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...

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...

Seven miles of hiking trails traverse bluff forestland and a restored prairie through this designated state nature preserve. Over 100 woodland bird species use the park as migrants, winter visitors or year-round inhabitants. Hikers often encounter the resident Wild Turkeys or hear Barred Owls calling in the distance. The nature centers bird feeding/watering station with a viewing window is always Read more...

Emiquon Refuge was established in 1993 to restore and protect wetland habitats at the confluence of the Illinois and Spoon rivers and help fulfill international obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties and conventions. The first tract was purchased on December 29, 1993. The refuge has since grown to approximately 2,600 acres. In 2012, the refuge was designated as a Read more...

What was once a booming mining town founded in 1877, Echo Bluff is located in Hall Township, between Spring Valley and DePue. Now historic Echo Bluff is home to a challenge course and zipline, 9-hole disc golf course, outdoor ice skating rink, paintball course and hiking trails. Located off Route 29 (Illinois River Road) between Spring Valley and DePue – Read more...